Peak moving season is here. According to Moving.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves happen between May and September.[1] Fewer Americans move each year than in the past, but the desire to relocate is still strong.[2][3]
Architectural Digest even declared that "Americans are restless" after a survey found that 55% of adults "are moving, plan to move, or want to move" in 2024. The top reasons were affordability, safety, and being closer to work, family, or friends.[3]
Many of those people have South Florida on their list, and Miramar and Pembroke Pines are two of the most popular choices. Both sit between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, with easy access to I-75 and Florida's Turnpike, family-friendly neighborhoods, and parks.
Moving is stressful, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are six steps to make your move easier, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
1. Choose Your Community
Start by deciding where you want to live, whether that's a general area or a specific neighborhood. Think about:
- Commute: Map your route to work and test it during rush hour. South Florida traffic can change the picture quickly.
- Schools: Miramar and Pembroke Pines are served by Broward County Public Schools, and there are also charter and private options.
- Budget: Look at home prices, property taxes, HOA fees, and insurance costs, not just the list price.
- Safety and lifestyle: Check local crime statistics, then visit in person to get a feel for walkability, shopping, and the neighborhood vibe.
Local tip: Many communities here are governed by HOAs, and each one has its own rules on pets, parking, rentals, and exterior changes. Some also require buyers to be approved before closing. Knowing those rules upfront helps you choose the right fit.
Explore my community guides for Miramar and Pembroke Pines, or reach out and I'll recommend neighborhoods that match your needs.
2. Find Your New Home: Rent or Buy?
Renting can make sense if you're new to the area, still saving for a down payment, or not ready to commit to one neighborhood. It offers flexibility, less maintenance, and lower upfront costs.
Buying is often the better move if you're ready, and it saves you from moving twice. Homeownership has been linked to a better quality of life and is one of the best ways to build wealth.[4]
- Real estate has historically risen in value over time.
- You build equity with every mortgage payment.
- Homeowners may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on their federal taxes.
- A fixed-rate mortgage payment stays the same, while U.S. rents have risen more than 42% over the past decade, according to Statista.[5]
Florida bonus: Once you buy and make the home your permanent residence, apply for Florida's Homestead Exemption by March 1. It can lower your property tax bill and limit how much your home's assessed value can rise each year.
Buying for the first time? Read my 5 Easy Steps to Buying Your First Home or visit Buy With Natiesha. If you're moving outside South Florida, I can refer you to a trusted agent in my national eXp network.
3. Sell or Rent Out Your Current Home
If you already own a home, you'll need to decide whether to sell it or rent it out. Many clients sell so they can use their equity toward their next down payment. Others keep the home as a rental. See 3 Reasons to Buy an Investment Property.
Selling and buying at the same time can feel stressful. Here are the concerns I hear most, and how we handle them:
"What if I sell before I find my next home?"
Look into furnished apartments, month-to-month leases, or short-term rentals. They can also be a great way to get to know your new neighborhood before you commit.
"What if I get stuck with two mortgages?"
We can include contingencies in your contract. For example, a clause that lets you cancel your purchase if your current home hasn't sold yet. I'll walk you through the pros and cons based on current market conditions.
"What if I get the timing wrong or burn out?"
Bring in support early. My job is to guide you, advocate for you, and take as much stress off your plate as possible.
I'll also show you how much equity you have, so you know your budget for the next home, and build a plan to get you top dollar. My Eden Styled-to-Sell System combines smart pre-sale updates, staging, and strategic marketing to help your home sell efficiently and for more money. Curious what your home is worth? Try my home valuation tool.
4. Plan Your Departure
You don't have to do it all in one day, or alone.
- Talk with your kids early, in an age-appropriate way. If you can, tour the new home and neighborhood together. Contact both schools to arrange transfer and enrollment.
- Pack one room at a time, and label every box with its contents and destination room.
- Declutter as you go. Donate or sell what you don't need, so you're not paying to move it.
- Vet your movers. Choose a reputable company and avoid large deposits before delivery.
- Schedule utility shut-offs or transfers for your moving date.
- Plan your goodbyes. The final days get hectic, so set up time with friends and family ahead of time.
South Florida tip: Peak moving season overlaps with hurricane season (June 1–November 30). Build some flexibility into your moving date, and have insurance lined up well before closing. See 6 Ways to Save on Home Insurance.
5. Prepare for Your Arrival
- Set up utilities before you arrive: electricity (FPL serves most of Broward County), water through your city, and internet.
- Update your address with banks, credit cards, and subscriptions, and set up mail forwarding with USPS.
- Do renovations before move-in. Painting, flooring, and remodels are much easier in an empty house. Need contractor referrals? Just ask.
- Pack an "Open Me First!" box with toiletries, towels, sheets, chargers, and a tool kit.
- New to Florida? Get your Florida driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident, and register your vehicle.
6. Get Settled In Your New Space
Moving can bring feelings of loneliness,[6] but a few simple habits help:
- Unpack the kids' rooms first so they have a familiar "safe zone," and let them help decorate.
- Help pets adjust by starting them in one room with their favorite toys, food, and water.
- Get out and explore. Miramar and Pembroke Pines have many parks, trails, and community events.
- Meet people. Join a class, a place of worship, a volunteer group, or a local club. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and invite them for coffee.
Once you've built a support system in your new neighborhood, it will truly feel like home.
Let's Get Moving
Moving is never effortless, but with a plan and the right team, it can be a positive experience. I help buyers and sellers relocate with less stress, and I can connect you with my network of movers, contractors, cleaners, designers, and other home pros.
Relocating to, from, or within Miramar and Pembroke Pines? Book your free consultation and let's map out your move.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals about your individual needs.
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