Welcome to the forum. I lived in Athens, GA in the early 90's (didn't have bee's though). How cold is it there right now? I've moved full size hives short distances when it's in the mid 40's and overcast. When it's that cold they normally don't like to come out. If they're in the hive for more than 3-4 days they'll need to reorient anyway. I used to put up the branches and stuff but don't any more. Yes, there's some confusion just like if there are branches covering the entrance but they work it out. When a tree falls, the hive always figures out where it's gone in short order. While they do work on sight outside the hive, their sense of smell is their main sense if all else fails.
What you're talking about will work but any of the returning bees will probably be seen as robbers and treated as such. The remaining hives will be a little cranky about this and may let you know when you move them. I'd move them all when it's cool (not cold 20 or below) and overcast and let them figure it out. It's cold enough to inhibit flying but not so cold that if the cluster is broken they can't reform quickly.