This article contains super relevant information about moving from sunny Florida to cold and rainy Pennsylvania.
The reader will learn our favorite things about Pennsylvania, where to stop on that fun road trip for the move to keep it interesting, and will get our top moving tips.
Best things about Pennsylvania
We love Pennsylvania! This state really does have it all! Check out a few of our favorite spots.
1. The quality of life is unmatched
Some would say that living in Pennsylvania honestly means that you have made it in life (depending on the area). You have all the amenities of an urban area with all the nature of your favorite parks. The sense of community here is par to none and cannot be compared with neighboring states like NY.
2. Festival time
Make sure you move in time to be present for the many festivals that Pennsylvania has to offer your family.
My personal favorite is Oktoberfest.
3. Food galore
From Philly cheesesteaks to Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine ( shoofly pie and scrapple) to incredible craft breweries and fine wineries, you have a culinary delight for every member of the family and friend crew.
4. Education hub
You have some of the top higher educational institutes in the world such as the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State University.
As well, the quality of middle and high school education always ranks quite high on a national scale.
5. Cultural Mix
From the Amish strong communities to the Hispanic and Black communities you have it all here.
This means that not only are the traditions and cuisine diverse, but also the people.
6. Outdoor adventures
If you like hiking, camping, skiing or even just booking expensive cabins in the woods, you will find your place here
Pro tip- don’t miss a trip to the Poconos.
7. History buffs
If you love American history, you can’t turn a blind eye to Pennsylvania’s role in American history. As the site of key events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Battle of Gettysburg, you can literally live in a state that is making history.
Best Stops for your Road Trip Between the Two
You will need to travel the distance to make the move, so why not make it fun? Taking a road trip from Florida to Pennsylvania means a chance to explore various attractions and terrains along the way.
Here are some of our top spots to stop off at.
1. Savannah, Georgia
Known for its historic area, attraction squares, and unique architecture, Savannah is a great stop for a walk along River Street, a visit to Forsyth Park, and running through all the historical sites while eating a funnel cake.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Another history buff favorite, Charleston with its ancient architecture, stunning gardens, and impressive culinary scene is a great stop-off for any family. Stop by the Battery, Rainbow Row, and learn about the history of World War 2 while here.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This park offers breathtaking mountain views, impressive untouched wildlife, and great hiking trails.Make sure to plan your hike to end in the same place you decide to leave your car or make arrangements for a ride at the end of the trail with the multiple tour guides in the area.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
If you want a different kind of vibe, Asheville is known for its artsy vibes, world-renowned craft breweries, and the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately-owned home. Also, the mountain hiking trails here are incredible to get you out of the car and working out.
5. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
This one on the list is just a gorgeous view with no need to leave the car. Drive along Skyline Drive for incredible views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. You can even stop for a picnic.
6. Washington, D.C.
Of course, the US capital is worth a stop to learn about our American history and visit all the landmarks such as the National Mall, Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museums, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. The politics can be felt in the air in DC.
7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Head west to the Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and take in the views from Mount Washington. This is also a great day trip once you’ve settled into your new home.
8. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
You have to visit Dutch Country to check out real Amish farms, taste traditional foods like shoofly pie, and explore the little towns.
Top Moving Tips
- Pack lightly by first decluttering as much of your current house as possible in order to avoid bringing excess clutter to your new life.
- Be easy on yourself during the process as moving is a huge task.
- Get enough moving supplies ahead of time so that when the urge to pack hits, you have everything that you need ready.
- Label every single box as detailed as possible to ease the unpacking process.
- Start earlier than you think and pack up the least used rooms like the garage and basement first.
- Break up the kitchen packing into lesser user and more frequently used items.
- Pack up your closets by starting with the seasonal clothes you don’t currently use.
- Pack your essentials bag early on with all documents and chargers you will need to avoid losing critical items during the move.
- Give an extra copy of your house keys to a neighbor as important things tend to get lost in the frenzy.
- Deal with all utilities by ending your current contracts and starting up your new contracts in your new home. Pay off outstanding bills.
- Book your movers early on so that you can build your moving timeline accordingly.
- Don’t skip the step of drawing our your personal inventory list.
Last Thoughts
Making this East Coast move is a great idea. With Out of State Moving Companies, you don’t even have to worry about the distance. Take your time and enjoy the journey as your home and loved items safely make their way to your new home in Pennsylvania. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I destress while packing boxes?
You can listen to music and put a great moving playlist on your JBL to blast while packing boxes. You can also make it a game and see who packs the most boxes the fastest and most efficiently. There are many ways to keep calm while doing this simple activity.
How can I safely move fragile objects that are irreplaceable?
For the truly special pieces with sentimental value, I would recommend actually packing up in many layers of bubble wrap and towels and actually putting in your personal car if the option exists.
You can of course wrap these items and put them in a plastic bin with many layers of pillows, towels, and more soft items and write “fragile” on top, but that is still changing it.
What is the hardest thing about moving homes?
The changes in all aspects of life is the usual answer. It’s not just that you are being uprooted from your bedroom, familiar neighborhood, and local spots, it’s the fact that this happens while your entire life is in boxes, so you cannot find solitude in your new place until you properly unpack.
The first couple of weeks can feel overwhelming, but the more you put yourself to the task of unpacking and making the new home feel cozy, the faster you will feel at home!
What is the top tip for the packing phase?
LABEL EVERYTHING. We aren’t kidding here. It might feel like an exaggeration to write which room you packed up and the entire contents of the box, but know that it’s not in vain! E.g.: Kitchen: pots, pans, sticky pads, mixing bowls, plates, and cups.
When you go to unpack and really want a pillow but have 6 boxes labeled “living room” this will be the game changer.
The reason for labeling each side and the top of the box is that all your items boxed are likely to be stacked in one corner of the new room. You won’t necessarily be lucky and have the one side you labeled as the one sticking out.
What is the best way to help a senior citizen move homes?
Involve them in the process! Even if they aren’t fully functional, having them feel empowered will do a lot for their self-esteem. Make sure to keep their stress levels low, take breaks, and keep their medicines in the essentials bag so nothing gets lost in the process.
