Your Guide to Using Public Transportation in Tampa

If the average American family lived with one less car and took public transport instead, they could save up to $10,000.

However, taking public transport can be a daunting task, especially in a new city. If you’re moving to Tampa, it’s worth reading a little about the public transport system in the city before you get onboard.

Although it may initially seem confusing, this handy guide to public transportation in Tampa, FL will provide you with the basics. Let’s get going:

1. Take a Historical Ride on a TECO Line Streetcar

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with your new city is by jumping on a streetcar.

Tampa’s streetcar will run you between Ybor City and Channelside Bay Plaza. You’ll be riding on either a replica streetcar or even a historic streetcar.

There are eleven stops on this route. Better yet, taking the streetcar is free. However, if you’re traveling outside of 7 am to 7 pm, the streetcar may not be running.

However, when running, it arrives every 15 minutes. Find out more about travel times on the TECO line streetcar website.

2. Avoid the Tourists and Take a Bus

Although the streetcar is an excellent way to take in your new city historically, it’s not necessarily the most practical way to get around town.

To avoid crowds of tourists, take the bus instead. For all things bus related, make sure to visit the Go Hart website.

Here, you’ll be able to plug in your start, and final destination and the website will show you the fastest and easiest routes.

Depending on which bus you’re taking, you could be paying between $1 and $3 for a one-way fare. You can buy your ticket on the bus.

If you’re traveling more than once in a day, consider the 1-day unlimited Hartride travel pass. This pass will cost between $3 and $6. You can buy this from the bus driver or at a HART sales outlet.

There are also 3-day, and monthly bus passes available too. Check specific prices online.

3. Be on the Move and Exercise at the Same Time

Don’t want to sit on a bus? Then switch gears – and ride a bike.

One option to consider, if you don’t have your own bike, is Coast Bike Share. With this company, you can download an app and be on your way.

For an hour of daily ride time, you can pay $15 per month. Although it may be more economical to buy your own bike, this is a great option for the occasional ride.

4. Impress the Relatives with a Boat Tour

Although not the most convenient way to get around the city, especially if you’re commuting to work, the Tampa boat is a great way to travel.

If you have friends or family visiting, or simply want a fun weekend activity to enjoy, check out the city’s Pirate Water Taxi.

This option is excellent for seeing the sights from a new perspective. There are also multiple stops so you can jump on and off as you need. A day pass will cost you around $20.

Public Transportation in Tampa is Easy When You Know What to Do

Public transportation in Tampa shouldn’t be something you worry about. On a weekend or day off, go out and explore your new city.

Once you get used to the rhythm of the public transport system, you’ll be able to use it daily. However, never be afraid to ask for help if you’re a little lost!

Are you soon to be moving to Tampa and need some help? Get in touch today.

How to Make Your Young Children Feel Comfortable In a New Home

Moving to a new home is a stressful event for any family, but it can be especially tough for young children.

Kids typically don’t like change. Studies show that significant transitions are difficult for children.

As a parent, you need to do everything you can to help make your kids comfortable in your new home. Taking some simple steps will help ease the stress of adapting to a new environment.

To help you out, we’re going over some techniques for making moving easier on your young children.

Get Them Involved in the Move

Easing the transition should start before you’re in the new home. By getting your kids involved the move, you help make the process a positive one. It also helps them mentally prepare.

Have your children organize their rooms themselves in preparation for packing. If you’re having a garage sale, ask them to pick out items they no longer want.

You can also help them create a scrapbook of all the memories they have of the house. This could also include the phone numbers and addresses of neighborhood friends. Let them know they won’t lose contact with them.

Finally, let your children have a going away party with their friends in the old house.

Help Them Get to Know Their New Home

If possible take your children to the new house before moving in. Do a little exploring with your children. Walk through the entire house and let them know what each room will be.

Let them get to know your new home before the process of moving takes place. This includes the garage and backyard.

You could even make the process fun by playing hide and seek or setting up a treasure hunt. Not only does this help your children become familiar with the home, but it also creates a positive feeling right away.

Give Their Room First Priority

Your children need to feel a connection and familiarity with their new rooms as soon as possible. So, unpack their rooms first.

Let them help with the process and give them some freedom regarding the arrangement of things. This makes them understand the new space is theirs.

Unpacking and arranging their new room will also give them a sense of accomplishment. If your children are proud of and comfortable with their new room, they’ll adjust much quicker.

Explore the New Neighborhood with Them

Your children also have an entirely new neighborhood to get used to. A new community can be very intimidating, so help them out by taking them on a journey.

If there’s a park nearby, let them familiarize themselves with the environment. They’ll likely meet other kids who’ll become close friends.

Check out any community pools and recreation centers right away. This will get them excited about their new life. You could even take them for a walk around their new school before their first day.

Making Moving Easier Can Be Fun

Even if they don’t show it, your young children are probably nervous about the upcoming move. By turning each step into a fun activity, you’re making moving easier on them and helping them adapt to their new environment.

Use the methods discussed above and relieve some of the stress associated with a big transition.

We provide moving and storage resources in the Tampa area. Contact us today for help.

Can You Set Up Utilities Before Moving Into Your New House?

Many joys come with moving to a new home. But, unfortunately, a lot of not-so-glamorous tasks come with getting handed your new keys. Figuring out your utility situation is usually one of them.

If you don’t plan accordingly, you’ll be without lights, heat, and other services upon arrival. Don’t wait until the last minute because it often takes several days to set up these services.

On the flip side to this, you need to cancel your current utilities promptly, so you’re not paying double. If you’re wondering when and how to set up services in your new home, here’s the scoop.

Find a Provider

The first step you must do is figure out who your new provider will be. It’s possible your current provider won’t be able to service your new home. It’s one thing if you’re moving across town.

But, if you’re relocating to a new city or state, you’ll want to double check. If your current provider doesn’t service your new neighborhood, you shouldn’t have a hard time learning about the utility providers in the area. Just do a quick Google search.

Also, you can check various city websites, as they often publish information for newcomers. For instance, you can learn all about Tampa providers on this City of Tampa webpage.

When to Set Up Utilities

After you’ve found providers who best fit your needs, you need to start making appointments. It’s good to call at least two weeks before the move-in/move-out date.

Most providers can connect your new services in 3-5 business days, but you don’t want to push it too close. This is particularly true if you’re moving during a peak season, such as in the middle of summer.

Also, don’t wait until the last minute to have your current services disconnected. Again, we recommend calling roughly two weeks before you move out. To be safe, schedule your connection service for a day before the move-in, and disconnection a day after.

How to Set Up Utilities

To sign up for a new service, you’ll have to complete an application, and that includes a credit check. If this is your first home, you also may have to put a deposit down if you don’t have much credit.

However, you usually get this deposit back after you build your credit history with the utility companies. You’ll have to contact each provider to learn more about this process.

Also, if you’re a first-time homeowner, you should inquire about additional support from each provider. Some offer incentives to new buyers or even waive their deposit.

Moving to a New Home?

Figuring out how to set up utilities is just one small, yet essential, step in the moving process. If you’re relocating to the beautiful Tampa area, we’d love to help you get settled in.

Community Moving & Storage can help this be the easiest move you’ve had! As part of the Mayflower network, we have access to the largest fleet of trucks in the country. So, even if you’re not coming from the Tampa area, we can still help out.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!