Cutting Down On Clutter Before a Move

 

When planning to move to a new home, sometimes it is hard to take everything that you own with you and you probably don’t need everything that you have. Moving can be a great opportunity to go through your belongings and get rid of everything that you no longer use, want, or need. After all, the fewer items you have to pack and transport the easier it will be to work with the best Florida moving companies.

A great way to get rid of clutter while also earning a few bucks is by hosting a garage sale. Get great tips on how to declutter before your move from a helpful moving company Gainesville, FL — UF Mover Guys.

Pre-Move Garage Sale

Planning the Sale

The first step in organizing a garage sale is planning all the details and ensuring that there aren’t any restrictions that you could be violating. Check with local authorities to see if you will need a special permit for the sale, need to pay a fee, or have to collect taxes. You will also need to check whether sign advertising is allowed in your neighborhood. Determine where you want to host the sale, and the date and times. Weekends during the warmer months often work best. Also, check that your homeowner’s policy covers any liability for injuries.

Determining What to Sell

Walk through your home and sort through your belongings with a notebook and pen in hand. Write down everything that you no longer need that could be sold. If you have fewer than 100 items, consider hosting a joint sale with a neighbor or grab a box of forgotten junk from your parents’ attic.

Preparing the Items for Sale

Once you have gathered all the items you plan to sell, clean them and make any necessary repairs so they are in good shape and will appeal to the buyer. When it comes to clothes, wash them and hang or fold them neatly. For toys and plastic items, gently wipe them down with a warm, soapy cloth. Group similar objects together for bundle sales (such as dinnerware) and keep pairs, such as shoes, together. When pricing items, keep in mind that they are used items — charge approximately 20 percent to 30 percent of the original price for items in proper working order. You can always lower prices but resist the urge to raise them. Also, be open to bargaining — after all, these are items that you want to get rid of!

The Day of the Sale

Before the sale, make sure that everything is well organized, clearly priced, and that you have enough packing supplies for the customers. Also keep a pen, a notepad, and a calculator nearby. Be sure that you have enough change, especially rolls of coins and singles. During the sale, always have at least two people present for security purposes and keep the money in a money bag rather than a box separate from you. Keep an inventory of all the items for sale and mark them off immediately after they are sold. Be sure to have a firm cash-only policy and, most importantly, have fun!

Movers in Gainesville, FL

When you need to reduce clutter before a move, a garage sale can help you dispose of the items you don’t need while making a profit. If you’re looking for Gainesville moving companies for your next move, look no further. At UF Mover Guys, we provide Florida moving services you can trust; contact us today.

 

Tips for Moving Out-of-State

If you are planning a move to another state, you’ll quickly realize it’s much different than moving across the street or to the other side of town. Packing up your belongings isn’t always an easy undertaking, but our Gainesville moving company has some great tips on how to make this process seamless.

 

Moving To A New State? Check Out These Tips

1. Plan Ahead

An out-of-state move is a big decision, and there are many responsibilities to keep in mind — for example, important deadlines and financial decisions. One way to simplify your move is to utilize a binder or notebook for everything related to the move. Keep checklists, receipts, telephone numbers, and any other notes you make along the way in the binder or notebook. Keeping this kind of data all in one place will save you time when you need to make a phone call to your utility company or the moving company.

If you can, visit the city and state you’re planning to move to before you take the plunge. Make a list of the things you need to map out: doctors’ offices, schools, and stores so you can make those quick trips after you arrive for necessities or items you may have lost or forgotten. With this information in hand, you’ll be ready to go.

2. Consider The Weather & Regional Season

When talking to your Gainesville movers, keep in mind what time of year you’re planning to move. You may not be able to choose what time of year you move as your job or another deadline might require it. But it’s always a good idea to check the local weather and be ready for anything.

3. Have A Moving Sale

Let’s face it, getting a grip on all of your belongings for an out-of-state move isn’t always fun. A moving sale can help ease the load by reducing the amount of stuff you’ll take with you, and you can use the earnings for gas money, snacks on the road, or even some decorations for your new home.

4. Create A Personal Packing Timeline

Everyone’s timeline is different. Creating a packing timeline can help you find your groove. To help you stay on schedule, sort your must-do tasks into the following groups:

  • To-Do the month before the move,
  • To-Do the week before the move,
  • To-Do the day before, and
  • To-Do the day of the move.

5. Pack Each Day

Another way to reduce the stress of an out-of-state move is to pack a little bit each day. For example, if there are toys or games you know your kids don’t use very often, those can go in a box. Making a detailed home inventory before you contact us for Florida moving also make the transition more manageable.

6. Create “Open First” Boxes

Our movers in Gainesville, FL pack boxes with professionalism and care. If you know there are things you’ll need for immediate use upon your arrival in your new home — such as toiletries and food items — designate a box or two as “Open First” so your movers know these boxes should be first out of the truck.

7. Don’t Forget Your Pets!

Pets require special care during a move. Our moving company in Gainesville, FL has years of experience helping furry friends make the out-of-state transition. Make sure to spoil your pet during the lead up to the move: giving them extra treats and attention will help make the experience less stressful for them. It’s also key to maintain a regular routine as much as possible on the day of the move, and don’t forget to keep food, water bowls and a couple of toys on-hand. Once you get to your new home, inspect the area for dangers such as wet paint or sawdust before you let out your pet to keep them safe.

Your Florida & UF Movers

UF Mover Guys is a Gainesville-based, Florida moving company that has helped many students, families and professionals make the move to Florida. If you’re looking to leave the Sunshine State, we can help! Contact us today for packing services or to schedule your move.