Moving to Orlando: A Complete Guide

Are you moving to Orlando? It's easy to see why; with Sea World, Disney, and putt-putt golfing so close! But Orlando is so much more than meets the eye, and there are plenty of reasons it’s the second fastest growing city in the U.S.

At U-Haul, if you’re already an Orlandoan, or just dipping your toes in the sand, we’ll make sure that you have the knowledge and resources you need to enjoy O-Town to its fullest. Having helped people move for more than 80 years, we know the best ways to make sure your plans become reality.

From getting the right equipment, preparation, and tips, this guide covers everything you’ll need to make sure that your move to Orlando goes the way you want.

Cost of Living Overview

Orlando’s rapid population growth has led to an increase in rental prices over the past few years. Fortunately, housing prices are not as high as other tourist hotspots in the U.S.

Housing: The average rent in Orlando is around $1400-$1800 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Two-three bedrooms range from $1600-$2400, and like most other large cities, prices substantially increase the closer you get downtown.

Utilities: For utilities be prepared to run the A/C daily from May to October, especially when the humidity peaks in June-August. During this time expect your electric bill to be around $150-$200 per 1200 sq ft. During the cooler months, it will drop down to around $60-$80. For water, expect to pay around $50 a month.  

Transportation: Orlando is one of the largest cities in the country without a dedicated light rail system. So, if you’re not living and working in Downtown Orlando, a car is most likely going to be your main mode of transportation. You can expect to pay around $350-$450 a month on transportation.

Where to Live

Because of the growing population of Orlando, residential housing has grown through the roof. Most areas in Orlando are great to live in for people of all walks of life, but due to constant traffic and heavy tourism, most people tend to live quite close to where they work.

Young Professionals: Being home to AAA, Darden Restaurants and a large portion of Lockheed Martin, Orlando is the fastest growing job market in the country and those wanting a short commute to work should consider Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park and Mills 50. These areas are all very close to arts districts and parks.

Families and Long-Term Residents: For those considering settling down and calling Orlando home for a long time, consider neighborhoods like Lake Nona, Thorton Park and Winter Park.

Military Moves: If you’re a part of the armed service, Orlando is home to one of the smallest Navy bases in the U.S., but it plays a vital role in developing new technology and trainings for the Navy. An hour east of Orlando, Cape Canaveral houses two bases that are used for NASA and SpaceX.

Budget Minded Movers/Students: University of Central Florida is right next to Alafaya and there are also several apartments around the university as well. Other affordable and safe neighborhoods include Delaney and Audubon Park.

The Orlando Housing Market

Every month around 5000 people move to Orlando, making it the fourth highest in the country. This means housing is plentiful, and more than 2000 homes are sold in Orlando every month, more than 75% of them being single family homes. Suburban homes are continuing to spread all over Orlando, and it is not slowing down.

Types of Housing: Most housing across Orlando is single family. With more than 12,000 single family homes on the market throughout the year, there is something for everyone. There are also government programs that provide down payment assistance, and owning a home in Orlando is easier than in other larger metros.

Get Flood Insurance: Being prone to Hurricanes, all home insurance in Florida covers wind damage, but flood damage is separate. Policies often vary depending on how much they will cover in terms of damage to the home itself and personal property. It doesn’t matter how new the home is, every home is prone to hurricanes.

Replace Your Air Conditioner: Running the air conditioner in Orlando can really run up the bill. A new air conditioner that is made specifically for your ducts will make the air conditioner more efficient and save you money.

Planning the Move

When to Start Preparing: If you’re a long-distance mover, Florida is large, and Orlando is right in the middle of the panhandle, so prepare for a long drive. If you also want to avoid potential storms, be mindful of moving to Orlando between June-November. Three-four months prior to moving to your new home, make sure to research the right area and home/apartment complex.

When to Sign: If moving to an apartment, ask how early the lease can be signed prior to the move-in-date to give yourself the maximum amount of time to prepare. One-two months before your moving date is ideal.

During the Move: Make sure you’ve reserved your moving equipment 6-8 weeks before your move-in date. Also, take note of your new environment and what things you may and may not need in your new place. Also, make sure to keep track of your items during your move so when you land in sunny Orlando, you know where everything is.

Avoid the Heat: Moving in the humid and hot summers of Orlando can be dangerous. Be mindful of your hydration levels as humidity makes it harder for your body to expel sweat, which can make you even more exhausted.

Life After the Move

Avoid the I-4: Orlando brings in over 74 million tourists a year, so that means the roads are packed. The I-4 is the main highway that runs north and south through Orlando and is the main tourist/commuter highway. Also toll roads are very common in Orlando, so make sure to pay attention to where you’re going if you don’t want to pay.

Have a Big Fridge: Due to the high heat and humidity, bugs will be coming inside and wanting to stay there. This means that your pantry will be under attack. Make sure any grains are sealed. If you open cereal, crackers, and chip bags, move them to the fridge. Also having to use less space for your overall food quantity will lead to less waste.

The humidity can also be an issue for items you store as mold and mildew can run wild if not frequently cleaned and taken care of. When looking for additional home storage, U-Haul offers 20 climate controlled self-storage centers in the Orlando metro to keep your items cool and safe.

More Than Just the Parks: Yes, Orlando is home to 11 amusement parks. But it also has more than 100 lakes, is an hour from the Ocean and the Kennedy Space Station (which launches a rocket nearly once a year.) Orlando also has beautiful Wekiwa Springs State Park and 12 neighborhood districts to explore.

Dehumidifier to the Rescue: High humidity can be more dangerous than most expect. It can lead to mold and mildew in homes and clothes and destroy valuable items. A dehumidifier for your whole living space will give you peace of mind that all your keepsakes are safe.

Make Moving to Orlando Easier with U-Haul

Get out of the Heat and Humidity: Not interested in moving heavy boxes and furniture in the hot Orlando weather? Moving Help is a great way to manage your move without stress!

Get More Space: If the place you moved to doesn’t have enough room, consider U-Haul Self Storage! In the Orlando area there U-Haul has 20 affordable storage centers, so you’re always within range of your valuables.

Get it There Safely: With any moving journey, you want to make sure that what you own is still going to be intact after you unpack. U-Haul Moving Supplies has everything you need to make the most of your move.

Know Your Truck and Trailers: Right on the U-Haul Trucks page lists all the facts about every vehicle in the U-Haul lineup, including the weight, storage room, and what they can tow.

Moving Date Challenges: Need to get your stuff out of your space now? U-Box Containers are a great way to ship, store, and deliver your items on the exact date you need them.