Preparing for Movers Before Moving Day

Moving is something that many people dislike to even consider. This is especially true when there are several years of accumulation and everything must be removed prior to properly cleaning the property. People who move often, such as people in the military or large corporations, have found that careful preparation will help avoid personal and family stress.

Things To Do Before Moving Day

Confirm with your Gainesville Moving Company

Of course, the first thing you must do is contact someone such as UF Mover Guys to determine the total cost of the move as well as any special considerations, such as insurance coverage to provide for any damage to the belongings being shipped. Such a company is more than willing to provide advice on packing, the type of boxes to use, how large a transport vehicle will be needed, length of the haul and other pertinent information.

Pack One Room at a Time

It is much easier to handle one room at a time. Look through it carefully, discard damaged or unusual items, and select things to go to a thrift store or other charitable institution. Always use good boxes, either furnished by the movers or purchased from another company. When a box is carefully packed, the box should be labeled so it is put in the right place upon arrival. This avoids having to go through a number of boxes to find something that is immediately needed.

Can’t Pack Yourself?  Hire Us To Do It

Many transport companies can supply packers who will expertly pack your belongings. In this case, they will usually furnish the boxes and any needed packing blankets. However, again, it is important to discard unwanted items ahead of time, as they will pack whatever is there, even an empty plastic butter tub.

Purge the Unnecessary Items and Donate to a Local Thrift Store

Moving entails other things besides packing and disposing of things no longer needed. It is extremely important to notify the post office of your new address and inform your landlord, if you have one, that you are leaving. You should also notify your bank, have utilities shut off, cancel any regular events you attend and so forth.

Gainesville moving companies should be able to provide a checklist that will help immensely in doing all the things that are necessary when one changes residence. A contract will be drawn up that states the cost of the move, the mileage and dates for pickup and delivery. Whether relocating across town or to another city, it is important to deal with someone who has the experience in the field and a good reputation for their customer’s concerns.

Moving in the Spring

Spring moves are some of the least hassle and most enjoyable moves possible. Unlike moving in the winter when you’re bombarded with extreme temperatures and a high potential for rain, a spring move avoids most of the inclement weather that can put a damper on the moving process. In contrast, a summer move brings with it a full onslaught of heat that can make you feel more drained and exhausted than what you would experience with a spring move. Movers in Gainesville, such as UF Mover Guys, are primed to help people who want to move at the first sign of blooming flowers and warmer weather. However, you need to prepare for your venue change to ensure a problem-free move.

Why Move in the Spring?

Spring moving rates are generally lower than at other times of the year, since fewer people move in the spring. People tend to have other things to worry about like the start of school and recovering from winter. Rental companies generally charge the highest rates over the weekends. If you’re flexible, you can find some of the best rates for your spring move by working with a moving company to nail down a date where they have high availability.

Spring is by far one of the cheapest time to move during the year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 45 percent of all moves occur during the summer months. Lots of people moving means that you’re going to pay a higher price for your move.

 

Clearing the Clutter

Gainesville moving companies generally charge by the amount they have to move. You can reduce your cost by doing a bit of spring cleaning during the moving process. Throw away anything you don’t need, and consider getting a storage unit if you have infrequently used items that you want to keep. The more you can get out of your house ahead of time, the less time you have to spend on the actual moving day. Clearly mark each box that you pack. If you’re having a Gainesville moving company do the packing for you, arrange items in a way that makes it easy for the movers to pack your items quickly and efficiently.

Vacation Time

Another significant advantage to moving in the spring is that your children may be on spring vacation. If you’re embarking on a large move, this may work in your favor. Moving during the spring can reduce the impact on your child’s schoolwork and you may even have vacation time available from work you can use. It’s easier for kids to move around when they don’t have to worry about schoolwork. Since a move can be a huge drain on the entire family, keeping kids out of school during the move can make it less stressful for everyone involved. Housing deals and apartment rental offers are usually at their best rates during spring time as well.

 

Ways to Reduce Your Moving Costs

In addition to moving during the spring, you can also reduce your moving costs by selling items you don’t need. Spring is the perfect time to host a garage sale. Since the weather is usually pleasant and people are naturally in the mood to get out for a stroll, a garage sale can be lucrative for you. Anything you can sell you won’t have to move. This can significantly reduce your burden when it comes time to pack up what remains of your home. Most local delivery companies also provide free delivery of new furniture. If not, you can order your furniture in advance and have your moving company in Gainesville pick up the furniture on the way to your new home.

The Challenges Moving Companies Face

People who are considering Gainesville movers will discover a fantastic set of individuals who have a wide variety of experience. At the same time, it is important to take note that there is a unique challenge that Florida movers face that movers in other places around the United States, such as New York City, do not experience. Even though there is a unique challenge, UF Mover Guys are ready and willing to serve people in and around the Gainesville area.

Some Challenges Movers are Faced With

Every Move Varies

The fact of the matter is that the unique challenge that moving companies in Gainesville experience is the amount of time it takes to move the actual possessions. After all, moving seems very straightforward. Home or business owners spend countless hours packing personal possessions, furniture, amenities and other items that will be going on the move. Some owners may think the biggest hassle is the actual packing or the finding the right boxes to carry large items, such as a television set or lampshade. The moving process is basic, but it may take time to move from one place to another. The distance from one city to another can take extra time to for movers to arrive. Adding to the move time is that traffic can be challenging, and this is especially the case when moving during the tourist season or during a huge sporting event. People who decided to hire a moving company per hour should not be surprised if a move that was supposed to take four hours will take six hours.

Elevators Can Be an Obstacle

Something else that frequently is overlooked is that multiple moving companies can use a building elevator at the same time. People may assume that a couple companies could share an elevator, but up to four moving companies that used an elevator at once. That being said, one could only imagine the length of time it would take a moving company to move an individual, couple or family into a building when there are three other companies that are competing against it.

The issue of time can cause customers a huge of amount of stress, worry and anxiety. Customers who agreed to pay a moving company per hour can be very concerned when the moving process goes a lot slower than was originally expected. A few extra minutes in an elevator or in traffic can make the difference being charged five hours as compared to four hours. When the time gets tight, some customers may find themselves looking constantly at their watches because they are afraid they will be charged for another hour. However, certain Gainesville moving companies do not charge for each hour. Instead, the cost has been prearranged. This enables customers to focus on moving and not to be concerned whether they go overtime because the price has already been addressed.

 

Other Moving Companies That Give Movers a Bad Name

Unfortunately, some movers do not have the right insurance that is required for moving furniture in a building. This can be a huge problem when everything is ready to be moved and the customer is told that the move cannot happen because the movers do not have the correct insurance. While blame can be put in various places, the reality is that the moving still needs to happen immediately. Although multiple phone calls can be made to various moving companies, there may not be any movers who are available to move on that day. The odds of moving professionals being available can be even less when it is the end of the month. It definitely helps to be sure a professional moving company has the insurance to move possessions in or out of a building.

You can be rest assured with UF Mover Guys handling your big move, and get you out of your old place and in with your new home, storage, or business in a matter of hours.

Preparing for Movers Before Moving Day

Moving is something that many people dislike to even consider. This is especially true when there are several years of accumulation and everything must be removed prior to properly cleaning the property. People who move often, such as people in the military or large corporations, have found that careful preparation will help avoid personal and family stress. UF Mover Guys wants to help make you move go as smooth as possible, and it’s possible with these tips and tricks!

Things To Do Before Moving Day

Confirm with Gainesville Moving Company

Of course, the first thing you must do is contact someone such as the Gainesville Movers to determine the total cost of the move as well as any special considerations, such as insurance coverage to provide for any damage to the belongings being shipped. Such a company is more than willing to provide advice on packing, the type of boxes to use, how large a transport vehicle will be needed, length of the haul and other pertinent information.

 

Pack One Room at a Time

It is much easier to handle one room at a time. Look through it carefully, discard damaged or unusual items, and select things to go to a thrift store or other charitable institution. Always use good boxes, either furnished by the movers or purchased from another company. When a box is carefully packed, the box should be labeled so it is put in the right place upon arrival. This avoids having to go through a number of boxes to find something that is immediately needed.

 

Can’t Pack Yourself?  Hire Us To Do It

Many transport companies can supply packers who will expertly pack your belongings. In this case, they will usually furnish the boxes and any needed packing blankets. However, again, it is important to discard unwanted items ahead of time, as they will pack whatever is there, even an empty plastic butter tub.

 

Purge the Unnecessary Items and Donate to a Local Thrift Store

Moving entails other things besides packing and disposing of things no longer needed. It is extremely important to notify the post office of your new address and inform your landlord, if you have one, that you are leaving. You should also notify your bank, have utilities shut off, cancel any regular events you attend and so forth.

 

Companies such as Gainesville Moving will be able to provide a checklist that will help immensely in doing all the things that are necessary when one changes residence. A contract will be drawn up that states the cost of the move, the mileage and dates for pickup and delivery. Whether relocating across town or to another city, it is important to deal with someone who has the experience in the field and a good reputation for their customer’s concerns.

Things You Can Do Two Months Prior to a Move

Planning to move without prioritizing what needs to be done in a specific order can lead to a lot of stress and worry. Two months isn’t a long time to take care of what material possessions to keep, possibly leaving one job for another and business related areas that must be taken care of. Making an outline of everything that needs to be done can help ease those unnecessary worries. You most trusted Gainesville moving company is here to help you prepare for the moving day.

Eliminating Clutter From Your Life

Everyone has clutter surrounding the area they live in. Some of the items they value might be keepsakes, clothing, furniture, electronics and dinnerware. The best way to organize what is special and what can be tossed away is by making a list of everything that is packed. Once it has been boxed, the hardest part of packing is over. Anything that isn’t stored can be given away or sold.

Selling Is Easy

Many of the items you don’t want to haul can be sold in a yard sale or garage sale. One man’s junk can be another man’s treasure so always keep that in mind before you decide to trash anything. Organize and label all the items you want to sale with a price label and check off list so you can keep up with what is sold. You might decide to list a few items online at popular selling sites, like Craigslist.com, to make more money.

Deciding Who Will Be Helping You Move

The distance you will be moving will have a heavy impact on the cost and the people that you hire to do the move. Long distance requires the help of professionals that cost money. Short distance moves might require nothing but a large pickup and a few friends. For longer distances, you will have to shop around to find a local company that will give you the best rates.

Smaller Is Better

Having a few friends over to help you take items apart can make the process much easier. Tables, electronics and outdoor furniture are among some of the items that can be broken down to box. Moving boxes are easier than trying to move heavier items that can be bulky and awkward. Simply make sure that everyone keeps up with all the parts that go with each item. Gainesville movers would rather load nice packages over large items that needed separating.

Paper Or Plastic

You can use plastic shopping bags to store items that you feel are too delicate to store inside cardboard boxes. You can find enormous supplies of broken down cardboard boxing at dollar stores. They are notorious for having a large amount of them. Your best chance is checking these types of stores first since they won’t bale the cardboard with wiring.

Research Where You Plan To Live

This really should be the first thing that you do to see what kinds of opportunities are available where you plan to move. Things you might think about are the crime rate, population, school districts, recreation and public facilities. These are very important features that will mean the difference in your happiness in the new area.

Give Away What You Don’t Need

The very last thing you should do is make sure that everything packed is going to have a useful purpose once you do move. If you decide to leave a few extra items, you can always donate them to charity. After all, giving is a great thing to do to help those less fortunate.

How to Pack Wine and Liquor

If you have an admirable collection of liquor or wine, it’s a bit silly to imagine trying to transport it all in the back seat of your vehicle, right? Due to the glass packaging of most alcoholic beverages, they are difficult to transport and are very susceptible to breaking and handling fluctuating temperatures poorly during a move. This is why a bit of extra gentle handling is required for these types of items.

Wine Bottles to Pack

Packing Your Wine and Liquor Before Your Move

Taking Inventory

Certain types of liquors and wines should be stored at various temperatures, and this is why it’s wise to develop a game plan ahead of the move. White wines should be transported in cooler temperatures, such as in a portable cooler, while reds should stay in the general area of 55 degrees. A Gainesville moving company, like UF Mover Guys, that provides temperature-controlled vehicles is your best bet for the red varieties.

When wine increases in temperature and becomes hot, it ages much more quickly and runs the risk of becoming flat. Exceptionally low temperatures can easily dry out the bottle’s cork, making it easy for oxygen to seep in. Dry ice is used commonly by movers that have wine collections.

Once you’re ready to begin taking inventory of your alcohol collection, start making a note of liquids that can be packed together. This can give you a better idea of the number of boxes you’ll likely need.

Arranging Packing Materials

One of the best ways to gather packing supplies for these types of items is to check with local bars, liquor stores, nightclubs, and lounges for spare liquor and wine boxes. These types of materials are designed to transport liquor and wine by use of dividers, and they tend to be extremely sturdy. If you must use basic packing boxes, they must be heavy duty. Consider either buying/renting durable plastic containers or checking with local offices for copy paper packing boxes.

It’s advisable to wrap liquor bottles in sturdy cloth. Anything, ranging from towels to t-shirts, can be used. Wine can be packed this way too, but it’s a good idea to remember that in the event of an unfortunate glass bust, the cloth wrapping the bottle will likely be ruined. For wine, you should always leave bubble wrap and shredded paper for ideal packing materials.

Packing Your Alcohol

If you have to use traditional cardboard boxes for transporting your wine or liquor, be sure to affix a layer of tape to the bottom of the box for added support. Liquor and wine boxes won’t require this step due to their sturdiness. Consider layer a towel or shredded paper along the bottom of the box to cushion the contents. You might also want to individually wrap each bottle either with a thin cloth or paper to prevent label scratching. Place the liquor/wine into the box, and use extra towels or rags to fill the empty space around them.

Wine box for moving

Unpacking Your Alcohol

One of the first things you should steer clear of once you arrive in your new home is opening a bottle of wine for enjoyment. Liquor will be okay to open directly after the move, but wine will likely respond poorly to the drastic temperature changes. It’s a good rule of thumb to allow time for the wine to settle for 2-3 weeks before opening it. Once wine has been removed from its packaging, set it on its side again immediately. It’s very important that wine always touches its cork. If the cork dries out from standing upright for too long, oxygen will eventually seep in and ruin the beverage.

Special Packing Techniques

When you are transferring between homes, it can be very tempting to want to leap in and do the work of packing on your own. However some, particularly weighty, objects can pose health risks. You probably do not possess all the appropriate packing material for them and those items also need to be loaded and unloaded with certain caution. Plus, even hefty objects are not always invincible.

uf movers

 

When packing a weighty object, it’s always advisable to pad it first. You can use items such as old newspapers, newsprint, even pieces from old boxes, etc., be sure that it’s not wadded as it will only add weight inside the box and, therefore, will not be protective. Next, place it in a box that will hold its size and weight to the maximum without breaking down. If you can hear slipping sounds to indicate that the item is sliding around, it’s the wrong box for that object as it puts the item at risk for damage. If this is unavoidable, it may be best to double-pad the packed item by slipping it into a second box.

With fragile materials, it is best to go through the same process and then mark that box “Fragile” and with some items such as vases, you will probably also need to add “this side up” to minimize the damage risk. Also, when you are getting yourself situated at your new home, it will also save you a lot of time if you label the contents and room on each box.

If you have any items that weigh 50 pounds or above and especially 80 pounds or above, a pallet (a floor-level platform that provides a stable structure) may need to be used but is best handled by professional movers such as those employed with our Gainesville moving company, UF Mover Guys.

It is also best to save technological items such as computers or landline phones for last because technological items are not only vulnerable to breakage but also to sustaining damage due to environmental temperatures. Both of these most likely have some of your personal contact information stored in them.

moving and packing

Objects that necessitate distinct packing

For items, such as certain furniture pieces that cannot be put into boxes, our main motto as Gainesville movers is to “pad it and wrap it”. That is, cover them with transfer blankets as necessary and then wrap them in expansive plastic wrapping. Since you will probably not be using the transfer blankets, renting them will save you money.

If you’re moving art pieces that are pricey or special to you and/or your family, it is advisable to ask a professional mover about a special crating. If you have any that have glass in the frame, pad it with something sturdy like bubble wrap and put an “X” mark with tape on the wrapping to hold it together in case it breaks apart.

Also, it’s never advisable to mix items from different rooms into boxes. This may be tempting as it does make the packing process go much quicker. However, first some items put together pose too great a risk for damage and secondly, when you unpack at your new home, you will be running all over the place just to have everything placed in the right rooms.

Decluttering: What to Get Rid Of During A Move

Moving is almost always an exhausting feat, but a wise approach can dramatically simplify the ordeal. The easiest way to streamline a moving experience is by removing all excess. Anything that is non-essential can be discarded. This will make the entire job much easier, but you need to know which items to remove. To make relocation a happier time, the following guide explores belongings that can be donated or thrown away.

basement-finish-before-after-01

What To Declutter Before You Move:

Magazines, Newspapers and Periodicals

Printed subscriptions are fun, but they can quickly accumulate a lot of extra weight for movers to handle. Furthermore, their tiny size makes it easy for disorganization to ensue. Avoid scattered messes by recycling old publications. This will make room for the next issues that will be arriving at your new address. Do not worry about losing any information, especially since most publishers back up their content online.

Books

book clutter

These may not be issued as regularly as the previous items, but they are just as digitally accessible. E-readers can contain an entire bookshelf, and the knowledge will be permanently stored in your pocket. The need to lug around boxes of books is over. Any release that has a digital backup can be given away before the big move. More drastic measures can be taken as well; in fact, a whole literature collection can be exchanged for a library card. Take the extra books there as a gift to the community.

Music

Songs are no longer solely stored on clunky hardware like records and CDs. Digital alternatives are everywhere. The Internet has copies of almost every track in existence, so rip the music and dump the discs! Obsolete media should be eliminated. Get rid of the cabinets full of cassettes and 8-tracks. Trade the cases of music for an MP3 player, or simply buy a hard-drive just for tunes. The movers will thank you when the time comes.

Furniture

Relocation offers the perfect chance to measure the worth of your furniture. A discerning eye will help you figure out what items belong in your new home. If your new place is furnished, then your old furniture can be moved to the dumpster. Gainesville movers will help you decide what is worth bringing along for the ride. They will carry anything you want them to, but it is smart to give bigger accessories a second-thought. Huge pieces are nothing more than baggage in the long run.

Antiques

Avoid the risk of damaging fragile goods by selling them beforehand. While moving companies in Gainesville are adept at handling sensitive items, it may not be worth the extra stress and hassle. There are huge markets for old goods, and the sales can help you recoup some of the losses incurred by moving, which is never free.

Artwork

In a similar vein, artwork collections should also be narrowed down. They can be quite valuable, so there is no reason to risk possible damage. As a general rule, visual pieces serve no conventional function besides entertainment, so they should be considered expendable unless sentimentality overrules judgment. This rule especially applies to large canvases, gigantic sculptures and installation pieces. It is very easy to find receptive audiences for creative works, and the extra room will be incredibly refreshing.

Electronics

These days, people acquire gadgets at a rapid pace. Upgrades are continuously released, and new models often lead to older ones being retired. Most of these obsolete devices simply linger around purposelessly. This culminates in quite a mess; therefore, the best route is to eliminate all electronics that aren’t current.

 

For any more tips, or help with your move go more smoothly, contact UF Mover Guys today!

declutter garage

Moving Tips: Before, During, and After

Moving day can be exhilarating. You are beginning a new journey and putting your origins down in a different abode. You have been daydreaming about the new home you have attained and it is entertaining to see how renewed and diverse your fixtures and portraits appear when they are positioned in a brand new setting.

But moving day can likewise be hectic. There is a great deal to get done and you, no doubt, want it to go efficiently. Below are several useful moving tips to follow prior to the UF Mover Guys arriving.

Countdown to Moving Day

Weeks Before the Big Move

  • Hold a yard sale. This way you will not have to find a place for them in your new home.
  • Get prepared, and do not delay until a few hours prior to the Gainesville movers coming. Put together a list of tasks you must complete and when they must be finished.

Days Before the Big Move

  • Make certain you are prepared for the movers. Do not overlook washing the laundry, running the dishwasher, packing your luggage, and disconnecting computer plugs, and additional electronics. This will save you a lot of much needed time.
  • Reserve items that you will be taking with you on your trip and visibly mark them as Do Not Pack; such as snacks, cell phones, and other items you may need that day.
  • Put in order to have your accounts closed out at your local bank and start up accounts in your new city. It is best to have this done before moving to your new town to save you time. It also gives you one less thing you have to arrange in your new town.
  • Attain a change-of-address kit from your post office, or you can visit usps.com. This will ensure that you do not miss any important documents that may come through the mail.
  • Pump out the gas and oil from all of your power equipment, such as your lawnmower, edger, etc., to avoid any messy spills.
  • Schedule house cleaning and additional home services for the day subsequent to loading. This is especially important if you were renting as it ensures you will receive a part or all of your deposit.

The Day of the Big Move

  • Prior to the moving truck departing for your destination, give the driver a phone number where you can be reached. It is likewise an agreeable notion to get the driver’s cell phone number.
  • Be conscious of the following items and warn your Gainesville movers if you need them moved:
    • Flammable objects
    • Combustible objects
    • Spray cans
    • Dangerous supplies
    • Gasoline
    • Vegetation
    • Paints
    • Bullets and explosives
    • Jewelry
    • Legal papers, such as wills, fiscal documents, insurance records, etc.

The Day After the Big Move

  • Have your utilities turned off the day after packing. Make sure it is not before so that it will not be too hot or cold while you are packing and moving.
  • Make your travel preparations for the day following moving day. In the event of weather postponements or other unexpected complications, you would not want to miss a flight or other travel associated schedules.
  • Prior to the moving truck departing for your destination, give the driver a phone number where you can be reached. It is likewise an agreeable notion to get the driver’s cell phone number.

Planning with your Gainesville moving company and if you adhere to these simple moving tips, your household move should be simple and stress free!

Deduct Moving Services from Taxes

Would it not be nice to subtract your moving expenses from your taxes?

You potentially could if you are moving because of work. These deductions include the cost of hiring a professional moving company.

Obviously you cannot subtract the entire expense of your move from your taxes. You need to research what you may be eligible for.

UF Mover Guys has provided a checklist of where to begin your search. Following our advice can help you deduct heavy moving costs from your taxes to help you reduce the amount you have to pay and increase the amount you get back.

The two factors that determine whether you can subtract moving expenses from your taxes are time and distance.

You need to have worked for a minimum of 39 weeks after you have changed locations to be eligible. You are only eligible for a deduction if the move is solely for the purpose of business relocation.

Moving to deal with the death of a family member or to be closer to a family member due to medical issues does not warrant  a tax deduction. Also, divorce and other forms of involuntary separation do not count either.

The second criteria is the new workplace needs to be at least 50 miles from where you previously lived in order for it to count. You cannot merely pack up your possessions  and buy a house a few blocks down the road.

As long as you pass these two tests, you should be good to go. If you have satisfied these two requirements then you have several types of deductions you can make for the move.

These deductions include the cost of you and your family’s trip to your new residence. The trip counts as a moving expense because  you are investigating where to buy a house and the neighborhood.

The cost of moving your belongings from a storage unit and the cost to connect or disconnect utilities is also covered by the deductions. These deductions apply to both your current and new homes.

You can also subtract the cost of shipping a boat or vehicle. You likely can deduct the cost of moving other business material as well as the cost of packing and unpacking.

In most cases, you have 30 days to deduct the cost of using a storage unit or locker. If you miss the 30-day mark, however, you will have to pay for it yourself.