When hurricane risk actually matters
Florida hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30. But the real danger window is narrower — mid-August through October. Early season (June, July) storms happen but are usually disorganized. Late season (November) storms are rare and weak. If you can pick your dates, avoid September in particular.
Monitoring before your move
- 5 days out: Check NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) and the Central Florida weather forecast.
- 3 days out: If anything is in the Gulf or Atlantic that could impact Florida, call your mover to discuss.
- 48 hours out: Decision time. If a named storm is within 72 hours of landfall anywhere near Florida, reschedule.
- 24 hours out: Too late to start a move if a storm is bearing down. Shelter-in-place instead.
What to do if you must move during an active threat
Sometimes the move date can’t shift — closing day, lease expiration, PCS order. In that case:
- Start earlier in the day — finish before weather worsens
- Skip non-essentials — take the essentials, leave decor for later
- Pack everything that could be damaged by water in plastic first
- Secure the truck at destination; don’t leave it loaded overnight
- Get everything inside and out of yards before any wind arrives
Rescheduling rules at most movers
Reputable Florida movers don’t charge for weather-forced reschedules when a state or local emergency is declared. Liberty Moves Orlando specifically: free rescheduling when a named storm is within 72 hours of projected Florida landfall. No fees, no fights.
What to pack first (for hurricane-zone moves)
If there’s any hurricane risk during your move window, prioritize packing items that can’t be replaced:
- Important documents (passports, birth certs, tax records) — waterproof bag, in your car
- Irreplaceable photos, heirlooms, art — first in the truck or first in your car
- Medications for 7 days — in a labeled bag, kept with you
- Electronics — wrapped in plastic before packed
Insurance considerations
Most mover insurance (Released Value + Full Value Protection) does NOT cover "acts of God" — including hurricanes. If your truck is damaged by a storm in transit, you’re often on your own. Read more in our moving insurance guide.