Orlando moving services: hiring and access

Check the mover before discussing the deposit

Florida requires intrastate moving companies to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Use the agency's Business License Lookup or call 1-800-HELP-FLA, which is 1-800-435-7352. This registration guidance covers moves inside Florida; do not use it as your only check for a move across state lines. [1]

Ask the company for proof of workers' compensation and liability coverage, its procedure for settling damage claims, and whether it offers arbitration. FDACS recommends checking these points alongside registration. Match the company name and registration number to the documents you receive. [1]

Choose your service scope before requesting offers: loading and transport, packing and transport, or packing with storage. List furniture you want disassembled and any item that needs special handling. Ask who will perform each task and who you should contact on moving day.

Compare complete written estimates

FDACS advises allowing two to six weeks to plan and prepare, and having at least three moving companies inspect the items and provide detailed estimates. The agency recommends an in-person assessment rather than relying on a phone or internet estimate. Give each estimator the same inventory and access information. [1]

Before providing services, the mover must supply an estimate and contract in writing, signed by both parties. Required information includes the mover's contact details and state registration number, pickup and delivery information, an itemized description and total of costs and services, and acceptable payment methods. Put packing, loading and delivery dates in writing too. [1]

Ask how the mover calculates the price. FDACS identifies hourly rates, cubic footage, item counts, appliance servicing, packing, stair or elevator charges and long carries as possible pricing components. Ask the estimator to describe the walking route from the truck to each door and record the access charges in the estimate. [1]

Compare the total for your agreed scope. Ask about crew size, minimum billable time, travel time, waiting time and the procedure for approving a change. Keep those answers with the estimate so you can resolve a discrepancy before loading starts.

Arrange truck parking before the crew arrives

Orlando allows on-street space rentals for moving and other approved activities lasting less than 30 days. The city charges $22 per day per space, plus sales tax, seven days a week. Find the space number tagged on the curb and provide the street name when applying. Ask the mover how many spaces its vehicle needs before choosing a reservation. [2]

Submit the application and pay in full at least one business day before the requested start date. For a rental needed within 48 hours, the city directs applicants to its Parking Division office with the space number and payment. The office is at 53 West Central Boulevard; call 407.246.2155 to discuss your plan. [2]

The city reviews applications within one business day and requires payment within 24 hours of approval. For a weekend rental, pay by noon on the preceding Friday. Keep the receipt with you: the city makes you responsible for monitoring the reserved space and requires the receipt when you seek enforcement assistance. [2]

For a condominium or apartment move, ask the property manager about elevator reservations, loading access, permitted hours and insurance documents. Give the mover those requirements before accepting its schedule. Confirm access at both addresses.

Choose an access plan that fits the move

A downtown freight permit allows qualifying businesses to use freight zones under specific conditions. Drivers must load or unload, display the permit at the rear of the vehicle, leave within 30 minutes and wait at least 30 minutes before returning. Ask the mover how it will handle a longer loading session rather than assuming a freight permit covers the whole move. [3]

Orlando's on-street space rental program does not allow storage containers. If you want a portable container, confirm a suitable placement location with the property owner and container company before ordering. Do not book a city parking-space rental for it. [2]

Protect belongings and coordinate utilities

Ask the mover to explain its loss and damage terms before signing. FDACS says the mover must disclose any limitation of liability in writing and explain the opportunity to reject it or select additional valuation. The agency describes a liability release rate of no less than 60 cents per pound per article. Check your homeowners policy for moving coverage and ask about additional protection. [1]

Photograph valuable items and existing damage, label boxes by destination room, and keep medicines, keys and documents with you. At delivery, check the inventory and note concerns. FDACS advises notifying the mover of a claim in writing as soon as possible and contacting the agency if the company does not handle it satisfactorily. [1]

Check whether OUC serves the new address before requesting a transfer. For a move within its service area, use the Move Service form and choose overlapping start and stop dates if needed. OUC processes service requests during weekday operating hours, excluding federal and OUC-observed holidays; it processes weekend and holiday requests on the next available business day, subject to its requirements. [4]

Orlando on-street parking rental: one-day space costs

Match the access plan to your move

Your hiring checklist

1. List the items, packing tasks, disassembly needs and any storage gap.
2. Verify FDACS registration for a move within Florida and request coverage documents.
3. Give each estimator the same inventory, stairs, elevator details and truck-to-door route.
4. Agree on itemized costs, payment methods, dates and change approval before signing.
5. Confirm truck access and assign responsibility for any parking application and payment.
6. Reserve building access and share property-management requirements with the mover.
7. Choose utility start and stop dates and check the request status.
8. Keep the contract, parking receipt, medicines and valuables with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for the movers?

Build your moving budget from itemized estimates for your inventory and access at both addresses. Ask each company to include packing labor, materials, stairs, elevators, long carries and any storage you require. Give each estimator the same service list so you can compare the total for the same job. [1]

Can I reserve street parking for a moving truck?

Orlando accepts on-street space rental applications for moving. The rate is $22 per day per space, plus sales tax. Provide the curb space number and street name, obtain approval and meet the payment deadlines. Confirm with the mover how many spaces it needs. [2]

Can I put a moving container in a rented city space?

Orlando does not allow storage containers through its on-street space rental program. Confirm a suitable placement location before booking the container and ask the property owner and provider what approvals you need. [2]

Can I keep OUC utilities on at both homes?

Yes, for addresses in OUC's service area, you can maintain service at both during the move. Enter your desired start and stop dates through Move Service. Check service-area eligibility and request status before relying on electricity or water at the new home. [4]