The peak moving season is here. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September. [1] And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined, the desire to find new horizons remains strong. [2,3]

A recent survey highlighted by Architectural Digest found that over half of U.S. adults are considering a move in 2024, driven by the search for affordability, safety, and proximity to work, family, or friends. [3]

If you're among those millions seeking a fresh start, especially on Florida's vibrant Space Coast, here is are 6 steps to take for a seamless transition.

1. Choose Your Space Coast Community

Selecting the right location is a critical first step in your relocation journey. In Brevard County, whether you're looking for proximity to work, schools, or family, you'll find diverse communities with unique characteristics. Consider factors like commute times, public transportation options, housing costs, and local safety metrics. Visit potential neighborhoods to experience their vibe, from grocery stores to local restaurants, and observe features that may be important to you like pedestrian accessibility and retail offerings.

Our team is ready to help you explore the various neighborhoods in Brevard County, ensuring you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and needs.

2. Find Your New Home on the Space Coast

Once you’ve chosen an area to settle, deciding between renting and buying is your next big choice. Renting offers flexibility, less maintenance and lower initial costs, ideal for newcomers to the Space Coast.

But, if you want to avoid multiple moves—and you’re financially able—there’s no reason to delay the benefits of buying a home. Not only has homeownership been shown to increase your quality of life, but it’s also one of the best ways to protect and grow your wealth. [4]

The value of real estate will typically appreciate over time, and owners can build equity as they pay down their mortgage. Homeowners can also receive federal income tax deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.

But, perhaps most importantly, homeownership offers stability. Property owners aren’t subject to the mercy of their landlords each year. According to Statista, average U.S. rental prices have risen more than 42% in the past 10 years. [5] In contrast, a fixed-rate mortgage payment doesn’t rise at all.

If you're considering buying, our team is here to guide you through every step, from choosing the right property to finalizing your purchase. And if you're new to the area, we'll connect you with trusted local agents who share our dedication to client service.

For more information about buying a home and a timeline of the home buying process, access our seminar “Navigating the Path to Homeownership: A Virtual Guide for Home Buyers”

3. Sell or Rent Out Your Current Home

For current homeowners, deciding whether to sell or rent out your existing property is also a big question. We can assist you in evaluating your options based on current market conditions. Selling can free up equity to buy your new home, while renting offers potential income.

Selling your home while simultaneously buying a new one can feel daunting to even the most seasoned homeowner.

Here are some of the most frequent concerns we hear from clients and our tips for addressing them:

● What will I do if I sell my house before I can buy a new one?

Check out furnished apartments, vacation rentals, and month-to-month leases. You may even find that a short-term rental arrangement can offer you an opportunity to get to know your new neighborhood better.

● What if I get stuck with two mortgages at the same time?

Ask us about contingencies that can be included in your contracts. For example, it’s possible to add a contingency to your purchase offer that lets you cancel the contract if you haven't sold your previous home. We can discuss the pros and cons of these types of tactics and what’s realistic given the current market dynamics.

● What if I mess up my timing or burn out from all the stress?

Enlist support as early as possible. It's our job to guide you and advocate on your behalf, so don't be afraid to lean on us throughout the process. We’re here to ease your burden and make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.

In addition to answering your questions, we’ll give you an idea of how much equity you have in your current home so you know how much you can afford to spend on your new one. Part of that process will include a plan to maximize your current home’s sale price. We utilize a proven strategy that’s designed to achieve an efficient sale while boosting your profits.

For a thorough breakdown of the technologies and marketing activities we use to get you the most money for your home sale, ask us for a copy of our Property Marketing Plan.

4. Plan Your Departure

Preparing for your move can be both thrilling and daunting. Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. Get our Moving Checklist here with tasks you can do up to 2 months prior to your move.

Here are some of our top tips to help you plan for your departure:

Start by discussing the move with your family. If possible, take them on a tour of your new home and neighborhood. This can alleviate some of the mystery and apprehension around the move. Don’t forget to contact their current and future schools, as well, to arrange for transfer and enrollment.

Next, you’ll want to start packing. To maintain order and make unpacking easier, we recommend packing one room at a time. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. And remember, there’s no use taking items you won’t use with you. Use this opportunity to purge or donate possessions that you no longer need.

If you will be using a moving company, start researching and pricing your options. Make sure you’re working with a reputable service,and try to avoid paying a large deposit before your belongings are delivered. Feel free to reach out to us for some recommendations.

Once you have a moving date scheduled, you should arrange to have your utilities turned off or, if possible, transferred into the new homeowner’s name.

5. Prepare for Your Arrival in Brevard County

While preparing for your departure, don't overlook the preparations for your arrival at your new Space Coast home.

Here are a few pro tips to help you get started:

First, think about the utilities that will need to be turned on, especially essentials like water, electricity, and gas. Be sure to notify any relevant parties—banks, credit cards, subscriptions, etc.—about your change of address so you don’t miss any important bills, notices, or deliveries.

You’ll also want to notify the postal service and submit a mail forwarding request.

If you plan to remodel, paint, or install new flooring, it’s often easier to have it done before you bring in all of your belongings. You may also want to have the house professionally cleaned before moving in.

Don’t forget about the items you’ll need (think toothbrush, towels, bedsheets) to make it through the first night in your new home. Designate some boxes with “Open Me First!” labels. (Pro tip: Keep a tool kit front and center for all that reassembling.)

Finally, create a list of all the restaurants you want to try and places you want to visit around your newly purchased home. Having a to-explore list keeps everyone’s spirits high and gives you starting points to settle into the neighborhood.

Reach out to us for local recommendations to kickstart your Space Coast adventure.

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6. Get Settled in your New Space

Studies show that moving can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. [6] However, there are ways to combat these negative effects. Here are a few strategies to help you and your family get settled in the new space.

If you have children, start by unpacking their rooms first. Seeing familiar items will help ease their transition and establish a “safe zone” where they can hang out away from the chaos of moving day. If possible, let them have a say in how their room is decorated.

Pets can also get overwhelmed by a new, unfamiliar space. Let them adjust to a single room first, which should include their favorite toys, treats, food and water bowl, and a litter box for cats. Once they seem comfortable, you can gradually introduce them to other rooms in the home.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Try to schedule breaks to get out of the house and investigate your new area. If you travel by foot or bicycle, you’ll gain the mood-boosting advantages of fresh air and exercise.

You can combat feelings of isolation by making an effort to meet people in your new community.

Find a local interest group, take a class, join a place of worship, or volunteer for a cause. Don’t wait for friends to come knocking on your door. Instead, go out and find them.

To that end, make an effort to introduce yourself to your new neighbors, invite them over for coffee or dinner, and offer assistance when they need it. Once you’ve developed friendships and a support system within your new neighborhood, it will truly start to feel like home.

Let's Get Moving to the Space Coast.

With careful planning and the right professional support, relocating to the Space Coast can be a positive, stress-free experience. We specialize in assisting buyers and sellers in their Space Coast journey, offering a network of service providers to ease your move.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and start your adventure on Florida's Space Coast!

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. Moving.com -

https://www.moving.com/tips/12-tips-for-moving-during-peak-moving-season/

2. Moving.com -

https://www.moving.com/tips/moving-trends-predictions-for-2024/

3. Architectural Digest -

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/reviews/moving/moving-trends-survey

4. National Association of Realtors -

https://www.nar.realtor/infographics/the-benefits-of-homeownership

5. Statista -

https://www.statista.com/statistics/200223/median-apartment-rent-in-the-us-since-1980/

6. Psychology Today -

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/is-where-you-belong/201607/why-youre-miserable-after-move