Most moves that go sideways aren't because of the moving company — they're because something nobody thought about a week earlier comes due on moving day. This is the 30-day checklist we wish every Tampa Bay customer had on their fridge before they called us.
30 days out
Lock in the move date
Tampa Bay summer Saturdays book out 2-3 weeks in advance. The first and last weekends of every month are hardest because that's when leases turn over. Book early.
Get 3 quotes
Don't go with the first mover that answers. Get at least 3 written quotes. Compare what's included, not just the bottom-line number.
Inventory and decision time
Walk through every room and decide: moving, donating, selling, or trashing. Every box you don't move saves you time and money.
Notify your landlord (renters)
Florida residential leases typically require 30-60 days notice. Check your lease and send written notice with a delivery receipt.
Notify your HOA
Many Tampa Bay communities — Wesley Chapel, Westchase, Fishhawk — require move-day notification or paperwork. Some charge a small move-out fee. Find out now.
21 days out
Start using up perishables
Don't grocery shop normally. Eat down what's in your pantry, freezer, and fridge.
Order packing supplies
30-40 boxes for a 1BR, 60-80 for a 2BR, 100-150 for a 3BR. Mix small and medium. You need fewer large boxes than you think — they get heavy fast.
Schedule utility shutoffs and turn-ons
- Electric: Duke Energy or TECO
- Water: City of Tampa, City of St. Pete, or county utilities
- Internet: Spectrum, Frontier, Verizon — needs 1-2 weeks notice
- Gas: TECO Peoples Gas or LP gas
- Trash: County or city pickup transfer
Update your address
- USPS change-of-address form (online, $1.10)
- DMV (you have 30 days in Florida to update your driver's license)
- Voter registration
- Banks, credit cards, insurance
- Doctors, vet, pharmacy
- Subscriptions and online accounts
14 days out
Start packing rooms you don't use daily
Garage, attic, guest room, holiday decorations, books. Anything you won't miss for 2 weeks — pack it.
Label every box
Two things on every box: which room it goes to in the new place and one or two words describing what's inside. "Master Bath - Towels" is enough.
Pre-move declutter run
Schedule a junk removal pickup for everything you're tossing. Doing it before move day means the movers aren't paid to load stuff you're throwing away. Same-day Tampa Bay junk removal is what we do.
7 days out
Confirm with your mover
Call and confirm the date, time, address, and crew size. If you've added stuff (piano, hot tub), tell them now.
Pack your "first night" box
One box per family member: toothbrush, medications, change of clothes, phone charger, basic toiletries, a towel. Mark it clearly and load it last.
Hurricane season check (June-November)
Check the National Hurricane Center. Most reputable Tampa movers will reschedule with no penalty if a named storm is approaching.
Take photos of valuables
Photograph anything valuable from multiple angles before it goes in a box. Insurance backup if something happens.
3 days out
Empty and defrost the freezer
If you're moving the fridge or freezer, it needs to be empty and defrosted at least 24 hours before move day.
Disconnect washer/dryer
Either you or the movers will need to disconnect them. We do it; many movers don't. Ask.
Cash for tip
Customary tip in Tampa Bay is $20-$40 per crew member, more for hard or long jobs.
The day before
Charge phones, set up parking, brief the family. Pack a cooler with water, Gatorade, and snacks — Tampa heat is no joke on move day.
Move day
- Be at the pickup early. Movers arrive within a 30-minute window. Be there 30 minutes before that window starts.
- Walk the crew through the home. Five minutes of orientation saves an hour of mistakes.
- Stay accessible but out of the way. Be available for questions. Don't try to lift things.
- Do a final walk-through. Before the truck leaves, check every room, closet, garage, attic, fridge, dishwasher.
The first 48 hours after
- Set up the bed and the bathroom first. Sleep matters. So does a working bathroom.
- Test smoke detectors and replace batteries.
- Do a damage walk-through within 48 hours. Reputable movers want to know fast if something happened.
Save this checklist
Bookmark this page or print it. We've watched a thousand Tampa Bay moves go right or sideways depending on whether the customer worked through these steps in order.
When you're ready to book the move itself, get a free written quote or call (727) 288-4847.
About Hudson Hot Shots Moving: Family-owned moving and junk removal company based in Hudson, FL, serving Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and all of Tampa Bay since the trades got us here. Licensed, insured, same-day available. Call (727) 288-4847.