Sarasota Moving Checklist

• Decide whether you want to be closer to the beach, downtown, suburbs, or newer master-planned communities
• Determine your comfortable housing budget
• Decide whether renting first or buying immediately makes more sense for you
• Think about your acceptable commute
• Decide how important walkability is
• Consider HOA vs. non-HOA living
• Decide whether new construction or an established neighborhood appeals to you
• Research schools if they matter to your household
• Consider proximity to healthcare, shopping, airports and activities
• Make a list of your five non-negotiables and five nice-to-haves

• Establish your target moving date
• Create a moving budget
• Get moving-company estimates
• Verify mover licensing and credentials
• Create a household inventory
• Decide what you're moving, selling, donating or giving away
• Start researching Sarasota-area communities
• Research homeowner's or renter's insurance early
• Ask about Florida-specific insurance considerations
• Research flood-zone information for properties you're considering
• Begin researching schools, childcare or youth programs if applicable
• Collect important medical, dental and veterinary records
• Create a digital folder for moving documents

• Confirm your mover or moving truck
• Begin packing nonessential items
• Label boxes by room and priority
• Notify your current landlord if applicable
• Arrange transfer of school records where applicable
• Refill important prescriptions
• Research doctors, dentists and veterinarians in your new area
• Make transportation arrangements for pets
• Research utility providers for your Sarasota-area address
• Research internet providers available at the property
• Create a list of subscriptions and recurring deliveries to update
• Photograph valuable items before the move
• Keep important documents separate from the moving truck

• Submit your address change with USPS
• Update banks and credit-card companies
• Update insurance companies
• Update employers and important accounts
• Update subscriptions and deliveries
• Arrange utility start/stop dates
• Confirm internet installation if needed
• Confirm mover arrival and delivery information
• Prepare medication for the transition period
• Make copies and backups of important records
• Confirm travel arrangements
• Prepare an essentials bag for each family member

• Identification and passports
• Birth certificates where needed
• Social Security documentation where needed
• Marriage, divorce or legal documents where applicable
• Home purchase or lease documents
• Insurance documents
• Vehicle documents
• Pet vaccination and veterinary records
• School records
• Medical information and prescriptions
• Moving-company documentation
• Emergency contacts
• Chargers and essential electronics

• Confirm the mover one final time
• Check weather conditions for both locations and the route
• Finish packing an "Open First" box
• Photograph utility-meter readings where appropriate
• Photograph the condition of the property you're leaving
• Keep valuables and critical documents with you
• Pack medications separately
• Keep pet supplies accessible
• Carry water and basic snacks
• Keep chargers accessible
• Verify keys and access instructions for your Sarasota home
• Save important contact information offline

• Walk through every room and note anything that needs attention
• Locate the breaker box, water main shutoff, and HVAC system
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Change the locks or rekey the property
• Confirm utilities are working — electric, water, internet
• Set up beds and basic sleeping arrangements first
• Unpack the Open-First box
• Find the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and urgent care
• Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors if you feel comfortable
• Note anything that needs repair or follow-up
• Let family and close friends know you arrived safely

• Obtain a Florida driver's license (check current DHSMV requirements)
• Register your vehicle with the Florida DMV
• Update your voter registration
• Apply for Florida homestead exemption if you own your home
• Enroll children in school — contact Sarasota County School District
• Find a primary care physician
• Find a dentist
• Find a veterinarian if you have pets
• Locate your nearest emergency room
• Set up a local bank account or update your address
• Explore your immediate neighborhood on foot or by car
• Research hurricane preparedness — know your evacuation zone
• Get your hurricane kit started

Use one copy per property you are seriously evaluating

• Apply for Florida homestead exemption — verify deadline with Sarasota County Property Appraiser
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy for Florida-specific coverage
• Confirm your flood insurance is in place if required or recommended
• Locate your property's flood zone designation on FEMA flood maps
• Know your hurricane evacuation zone — check Sarasota County Emergency Management
• Build or complete your hurricane preparedness kit before storm season (June–November)
• Create a home inventory with photos or video for insurance purposes
• Store important documents in a waterproof, portable container
• Know how to shut off your water main, gas (if applicable), and electricity
• Locate your HVAC filter and set a replacement schedule
• Research any HOA rules, dues schedules, and architectural guidelines
• Register for Sarasota County emergency alerts

• Watch your first Sarasota sunset
• Walk or drive to the nearest beach
• Find your go-to coffee spot
• Explore a farmers market
• Try a local restaurant you've been curious about
• Visit Selby Gardens or Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
• Walk the Sarasota Bayfront
• Explore St. Armands Circle
• Find a park or trail near your home
• Attend a community event or neighborhood gathering
• Discover something about your area you didn't know before you moved
• Take a photo that makes you think: yes, this is home