The Complete Hollywood, FL Moving Checklist (8 Weeks Out to Moving Day)

This is the checklist we share with Hollywood customers before a local move. If you follow it, moving day itself becomes almost boring — which is the highest compliment a mover can give a plan.

8 weeks out

• Book your mover. Peak dates (end of month, first weekend, summer) fill up fast in Hollywood — good local crews are usually booked 4–6 weeks ahead in season.
• Start a "moving" folder (physical or digital) for leases, contracts, insurance certificates, and receipts. You'll want everything in one place.
• Take a full home inventory. Walk each room with your phone camera and video everything, especially closets and the garage. This is your reference if you file an insurance or damage claim later.

6 weeks out

• Request quotes and confirm your date. Get a written estimate with hourly rate, crew size, truck size, and any minimums.
• Decide on packing scope. Full-service, partial (fragile only), or DIY? Prices and timelines change a lot depending on the answer.
• If you're renting or moving into a condo: ask the property manager or HOA for their move-in packet — deposit amount, move window, COI requirements, elevator reservation process.

4 weeks out

• Start decluttering. Every box you don't pack saves 5–10 minutes of paid crew time on both ends. Broward Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Faith Farm Ministries both pick up furniture donations in Hollywood.
• Order packing supplies or confirm your mover is bringing them. For a 3-bedroom home, expect 40–60 boxes, 6 wardrobe boxes, 2 rolls of packing paper, and 3 rolls of tape.
• Notify your kids' schools. Broward County Public Schools requires proof of new address for transfers.

3 weeks out

• Set up utility transfers. FPL (electric), Broward County Water & Wastewater or your city utility, TECO Peoples Gas if applicable, and internet (Xfinity or AT&T Fiber cover most of Hollywood).
• Book time off work for moving day and, ideally, the day after.
• Get your COI submitted to any building that requires one. Follow up until you get written confirmation the building has it on file.

2 weeks out

• Change your address at USPS (moversguide.usps.com), your bank, insurance carriers, and any subscriptions.
• Update your driver's license and voter registration at the Broward County Tax Collector. Florida law requires this within 30 days of moving.
• Pack the rooms you use least — guest bedroom, formal dining, seasonal storage, off-season clothes.

1 week out

• Confirm arrival time with your movers and the elevator/parking reservation with your building.
• Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer 24–48 hours before the move.
• Pack an "open first" box: toilet paper, hand soap, phone chargers, bed sheets, a small toolkit, coffee setup, snacks, and one pot with utensils.
• Withdraw cash for tips — $20–$40 per crew member is standard in South Florida for a job well done.

Moving day

• Be on-site 15 minutes before the crew arrives
• Walk the crew lead through the home, flagging anything fragile or "do not pack"
• Keep pets in a closed room or with a friend
• Do a final walkthrough with the crew lead before the truck leaves — check closets, cabinets, laundry room, garage, and outdoor storage
• Sign the inventory and bill of lading; keep your copy

The day after

Test the fridge, stove, washer, and HVAC. Take date-stamped photos of any damage to walls, floors, or furniture and email your mover the same day — reputable companies (us included) file claims quickly when reported immediately.