Moving to a new home is exciting, but packing up your entire life? That’s where things get challenging. And if you’re moving in Central Florida—whether you’re relocating within Ocoee, heading to Orlando, or making the move from Winter Garden to Apopka—you’re dealing with conditions that make packing a bit more complicated than your average move.
Between the sweltering summer heat, surprise afternoon thunderstorms, and humidity that seems to seep into everything, Central Florida presents unique packing challenges that require some special consideration.
The good news?
With the right approach and these ten proven packing tips, you can protect your belongings and make your move smoother, no matter what the Florida weather throws your way.
Understanding Florida’s Packing Challenges
Before we dive into specific tips, let’s talk about what makes packing for a Central Florida move different.
The climate here isn’t just hot—it’s persistently humid, with moisture levels that can damage sensitive items if you’re not careful.
Summer temperatures regularly climb into the mid-90s, and that heat is magnified inside a moving truck or storage unit without climate control.
Then there are the pop-up thunderstorms.
You might start loading your truck under clear blue skies in Clermont, only to face a downpour twenty minutes later. These weather patterns mean your packing strategy needs to account for both extreme heat and potential water exposure.
With that context in mind, let’s get into the practical tips that will help you pack smart for your Florida move.
Tip #1: Mind the Heat-Sensitive Items
Florida summers are no joke. In cities like Ocoee and Apopka, July and August afternoons easily hit 95°F or higher. Inside a moving truck? Even hotter.
Items vulnerable to extreme heat:
- Candles and wax products
- Vinyl records
- Chocolate and heat-sensitive foods
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Medications
- Electronics
- Aerosol cans (can be dangerous)
- Crayons and art supplies
Your protection strategy:
- Schedule your move for early morning when temperatures are cooler
- Keep heat-sensitive items in your air-conditioned car during the move
- Pack them in coolers with ice packs if necessary
- Make them the last items loaded and first items unloaded
Tip #2: Weather-Proof Your Packing
Central Florida’s rainy season runs roughly from May through October, with afternoon thunderstorms appearing almost daily during peak summer months. These storms can roll in quickly, and even a brief shower can soak boxes left on the truck ramp or sitting outside your front door.
Weather-proofing essentials:
- Use plastic bins for items that can’t get wet (documents, photos, electronics, books)
- Line cardboard boxes with plastic bags
- Wrap moisture-sensitive items in plastic wrap before packing
- Use plastic mattress covers and furniture wrap
- Remember: Florida humidity can cause mold surprisingly quickly on fabric
If you want to save a buck on cardboard boxes (who doesn’t?), these are top 10 smart places to get free moving boxes in Orlando.
Tip #3: Declutter and Donate Locally
Moving is the perfect time to lighten your load. The less you pack, the easier and cheaper your move will be.
Local donation options in Central Florida:
- Goodwill locations in Winter Garden and Ocoee (clothing, household goods, small furniture)
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Orlando (furniture, building materials, home improvement items)
- Many organizations offer pickup services for larger items
Benefits of decluttering before you pack:
- Potential tax deductions
- Easier, faster packing process
- Lower moving costs
- Helps your local community
Tip #4: Label for Your New Location
When moving from a two-story home in Clermont to a single-story house in Ocoee, your labeling system becomes crucial.
Create labels that include:
- Destination room (be specific: “Master Bedroom” not just “Bedroom”)
- Brief description of contents
- Fragile warnings when needed
- Floor level if applicable
Example labels:
- “Master Bedroom – Bedding and Pillows”
- “Kitchen – Everyday Dishes (FRAGILE)”
- “Kids Room #1 – Toys and Books”
Pro tip: Use color-coded markers or labels for different rooms. This helps movers place boxes correctly immediately, saving you hours of hauling heavy boxes around later.
Tip #5: Use the Right Packing Materials
Quality materials make a real difference in protecting your belongings. While free boxes are tempting, proper supplies often prevent costly damage.
Essential packing materials:
- Sturdy, appropriately-sized moving boxes
- Packing paper or newsprint
- Bubble wrap for fragile items
- Packing tape (plenty of it)
- Furniture blankets or moving pads
- Plastic wrap for furniture
Packing guidelines:
- Small boxes for heavy items (books, dishes)
- Large boxes for light, bulky items (pillows, bedding)
- Never overload boxes—Orlando’s bumpy roads can cause overstuffed boxes to break open
- Use plenty of cushioning at the bottom and top of boxes
Tip #6: Pack an Essentials Box for Day One
After moving in Florida’s heat, hunting through boxes for basics is the last thing you want to do.
Your essentials box should include:
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste)
- Change of clothes for each family member
- Medications
- Phone chargers
- Important documents
- Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors, box cutter)
- Paper towels and cleaning supplies
- Toilet paper
- Trash bags
- Snacks and water bottles
- Pet supplies
Important: Keep this box with you during the move—don’t let it get loaded onto the truck. Pack enough for the first day or two in case unpacking takes longer than expected.
Tip #7: Disassemble Furniture Properly
Large furniture is easier to move and less likely to get damaged when disassembled.
Items to disassemble:
- Bed frames
- Tables (remove legs)
- Shelving units
- Removable parts from dressers and cabinets
The crucial hardware step:
- Place all screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled plastic bags
- Tape bags directly to the furniture piece they belong to
- Take photos before disassembly for reference during reassembly
Florida humidity note: Wooden furniture can expand or contract with moisture changes. If pieces seem stuck, don’t force them—use lubricant on stubborn joints instead.
Tip #8: Protect Furniture from Humidity Damage
Florida’s humidity affects furniture, especially wood and upholstery.
Protection strategies:
- Wrap wooden furniture in furniture blankets or moving pads
- Use plastic covers or shrink wrap for upholstered items
- Don’t leave furniture wrapped in plastic for extended storage periods (traps moisture)
- Choose climate-controlled storage if storing between moves
Why this matters: Humidity can cause wood to warp and upholstery to develop musty odors or mold, especially during the moving process when items are exposed to outdoor conditions.
Tip #9: Pack Room by Room
Resist the urge to pack randomly. Tackle one room at a time, completing each space before moving to the next.
Benefits of room-by-room packing:
- Keeps you organized
- Makes labeling straightforward
- Helps track progress
- Simplifies unpacking at your new home
Recommended packing order:
- Guest bedrooms and storage areas (start here)
- Formal dining rooms
- Living rooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchen (save for last—you’ll need it until moving day)
- Bedrooms (save for last—you’ll need them functional)
Create a packing schedule based on your move date, working backward to determine when each room needs to be packed.
Tip #10: Take Advantage of Professional Help
Even with all these tips, packing an entire household is exhausting. In Central Florida’s heat and humidity, physical labor becomes even more draining.
Professional moving services can help with:
- Packing experience to protect items from weather damage
- Efficient packing to maximize truck space
- Completing in hours what might take you days
- Providing quality packing supplies
At Just Move It, we understand the unique challenges of moving in Central Florida and how difficult it is to choose the best moving company in Orlando. Whether you need full packing services, quality packing materials, or simply advice on the best approach for your specific situation, we’re here to help make your move as smooth as possible.
Ready for Your Central Florida Move?
Packing for a move in Central Florida doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By accounting for the heat, humidity, and unpredictable weather, and following these practical tips, you can ensure your belongings arrive at your new home in the same condition they left your old one.
Remember, the key to a successful move is preparation. Start early, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Whether you’re moving across Ocoee or relocating from Winter Garden to Orlando, taking the time to pack properly will save you stress and headaches down the road.
Just Move It is here to support your moving journey every step of the way. From providing expert packing services to offering quality moving supplies, we’re committed to making your Central Florida move as easy and efficient as possible. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your upcoming move.
