We all know what a great place Miami is and why everyone wants to move there. However, there are a few things you should know before you plan on evaluating moving companies in South Florida to help you move there. Here is a list of 5 things to know before moving to Miami.

1. The best time to hire residential moving services

Most people prefer moving to Miami during the winter to escape the bitter cold. If you are someone like that who prefers flocking to warmer climates during the winter, have no fear. You are not alone. Summer is generally considered the best time to move to Miami, which is probably the best time for you to hire a company that provides Miami moving services.

Typically, during summer, a lot of short-term rentals open up on account of all the ‘snowbirds’ leaving. This is why late spring or early summer can prove to be the best time for you to plan your residential move with a South Florida full-service mover. Moreover, these short-term rentals open up at lower prices making it more affordable for you to rent a place in Miami.

However, make sure you evaluate moving companies in South Florida well in advance so that you can plan your move for as early as April or May. This may help you avoid the rainy season or any hurricanes. The months of June and July may also be fine for your move if you don’t mind being drenched in sweat at the end of it. Another major disadvantage is that the peak moving season is also late June into July. Essentially, moving companies in South Florida can really raise their prices during such a peak period. This is why it is best if you planned your move before this peak period so that you could also avoid the added hassle of all the crowds and traffic.

2. Managing your utilities with your South Florida full-service mover

One of the more routine tasks when carrying out a move (whether with an inter-state moving and packing company or local movers in Miami) is transferring and setting up all your utilities at your new home. Certain places like Miami-Dade County (where SMS Moving provides its packing and moving services) offer local residents several options online that they can use to apply for services like water and sewer service, as well as procedures for solid waste management and recycling.

You can also order new recycling carts online when you visit the online system of Florida Power & Light Co. to open your electric service account. There are other mundane tasks that you would need to complete when the company providing you with residential moving services completes your move. Knowing a little bit about them beforehand can certainly make your job much easier.

3. Understand the state taxes before you hire Miami moving services

Like several other states, the State of Florida does not require its residents to pay a state income tax. This can be really advantageous if you’ve managed to secure a decent, well-paying job. When you factor in the costs of renting a place, not having to pay taxes can really help you save up quite a bit. With a decent salary, you will be able to save up a decent sum of money even if you hire a slightly more expensive condo.

However, the important thing to remember before hiring a South Florida full-service mover is to have a job secured before you move to Miami. The job market in Miami is consistently cited as being tough and there is no guarantee that you will be able to secure a stable job. That is why having a job in hand when you move there is absolutely vital if you want to make rent. On the other hand, business owners have much to be happy about since there is no local corporate tax and a very low state corporate tax.

4. Moving companies in South Florida must have Mover’s Insurance

Under Florida law, all moving companies must register themselves with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. They must also carry both cargo liability insurance and motor vehicle insurance. When hiring residential moving services, remember that according to the Department’s website, the liability insurance coverage for the loss or damage of household goods that a mover carries must not be less than $10,000 per shipment, along with a $25,000 filed certificate of deposit sufficing for a moving company with less than 2 trucks.

Motor vehicle insurance includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage with the minimum amounts ranging between $50,000 and $300,000, varying according to the weight of the commercial motor vehicle. This can prove to be useful information when dealing with issues that may arise while your South Florida full-service movers or local movers in Miami are carrying out your move. You can also get in touch with the Florida Movers and Warehousemen’s Association to clarify any doubts you may have regarding different issues such as binding estimates and additional charges a company that provides residential moving services may levy.

5. Claim your tax deductions

Moving expenses charged by South Florida full-service movers can often be claimed as tax deductions, including expenses incurred on relocation that may not have been reimbursed by your employer. This is why you need to make sure you keep all your receipts. For those who may be required to file their taxes in more than one state post their move, this can prove to be beneficial. Also, while some reimbursements may be taxable such as temporary housing and meals, other expenses that can be deducted for your move may include moving van costs, insurance, packing and unpacking, lodging, transportation, and storage, among others.

Keeping the above-mentioned aspects in mind can go a long way in ensuring that you don’t make the same mistakes others have in the past. Moreover, they can also help you avoid the common pitfalls when undertaking a residential move with moving companies in South Florida.

See also: Miami Moving Advice: Best Places to Move in Miami Dade County