Author: Jordan Speisman

Moving Lights

Techniques for Effectively Packing Holiday Lights

Everyone knows the difficulty of taking boxes out that your Gainesville moving company brings in that contain decorative lighting and discovering all of the lights are tangled. When packing them up, it is important to store them correctly so you can remove them later without the hassle of untangling the lights. There are three different techniques that may be effective.

In a Circle

This is probably the most common approach to packing Christmas lights. Start by taking one end of the lights in one hand. Then use your other hand to grab the string of lights at a different spot. There should be about 1 foot of distance between your hands. Then create a v-shape by bringing your hands together. Then grab both points with your first hand. Continue doing this until reach the final bulb. Carefully place this circle on a flat surface. Use the remaining cord to tightly wrap around the circle and secure it until it forms a shape similar to a bow.

Small Bundles

This method involves starting on the end of the string of lights that does not contain the plug. Hold the string by pinching the second light between your first and second finger while the first light hangs along the bottom of your palm. Fold the two sides together so the first and third lights are side by side. Then put the fourth light at the top and continue to pinch and fold the string until the entire length has been used and you have a small bundle in your hand. Now, take the rest of the cord and wrap it around the cluster tightly and plug it into the other side. This version not only keeps your lights securely in place, but it also consolidates them so you will be able to fit more of them in your box for your Gainesville movers.

Cardboard Wraps

Another option is to cut a rectangle out of cardboard. Then cut two slits on opposite sides. Begin by securing one end of your Christmas lights into one of the cuts and begin wrapping it around the cardboard. Once you run out of string, secure the other end into the slit on the opposite side. You can now easily place them in a box that can readily be moved by your Florida moving company.

Disassembling Furniture Before a Move

How to Properly Disassemble Furniture

During the moving process, it can be difficult to move all of your possessions. This task becomes much more difficult if you have large, bulky furniture. Therefore, it is much more beneficial to take time to disassemble your furniture before your Gainesville moving company team arrives. When altering your valuable items, it is important to do it well.

Measure Furniture

Before you begin the moving process, take time to measure your furniture in order to determine if it will fit well within the moving van. Also, make sure your large pieces will be able to fit through door ways and hallways and the room at your new home each item will go in.

Analyze Furniture

Once you decide which pieces need to be disassembled, you need to look for disassembling points. Often, there are areas that are specific points where you can take them apart such as screws. This is especially true for bookshelves and desks. Sometimes, they are beneath fabric and you must thoroughly search them.

Get the Proper Tools

In order to properly disassemble your furniture, you will need to obtain the necessary tools. This includes items such as a hammer, Phillips head and flat head screwdriver. You may even need a small hex wrench, which will be helpful for tiny screws.

Consult a Manual

Some pieces of furniture may be easy to disassemble. However, others may be more difficult. Therefore, it may be helpful to read your manual. If you can not locate the manual, you may be able to find it online. Manuals will be particularly helpful for pieces that do not have obvious disassembling points.

Secure Hardware

After you remove the screws, it is important to keep track of the hardware. If you lose it, it will be much more difficult to find similar screws when assembling the piece of furniture again. Place the screws in small plastic bags and label with the accompanying name of the furniture, or you can tape the hardware to the furniture so you can find it once your Gainesville movers finish.

Disassembling your furniture may take time, but it will make your Florida moving process run much smoother. There is also more danger associated with carrying cumbersome furniture. You can accidentally drop it, which may cause an injury or damage your furniture and will then require repair costs. It will also make the task much easier for your Gainesville moving company.

How to Unpack Efficiently

The Efficient Way to Unpack

Unpacking your belongings can be one of the most exhaustive aspects to the moving process. It also has the potential to leave you with unpacked boxes months later. Therefore, it is critical to begin as quickly as possible and in an efficient manner once your Gainesville moving company has departed.

Label Boxes

If you write the correct room name onto each box, your Gainesville movers will be able to put each box into their corresponding room. This will save you time sorting time later. Similarly, tell your movers where to put each piece of large furniture because it will save you time and energy in the future.

Begin with Commonly Used Items

Before you move, place all of your essential items into a box that you will be able to easily access. This may include items such as a shower curtain, toiletries, towels, toilet paper, pillow, blanket, bed sheets and a change of clothing.

Plan Your Projects

It is important to plan out your projects to fit your schedule. This is especially true if you still need to work. Weekends are perfect for larger projects that take more time like setting up your media center. You can complete small tasks in the evenings after work so you can still make progress without tiring yourself out.

Unpack One Room at a Time

Finish each room before you move on to the next one. This will help you feel as if you are making progress. It may be helpful to begin with the kitchen so you can minimize the amount of meals you will need to get from restaurants. It is also vital to unpack your bedroom. This way, you will be able to put your bed together so you have somewhere to sleep. You can also unpack clothing that you will need to wear immediately.

Prioritize

Focus on the essential variables in each room. For instance, in your bedroom, you do not need to unpack winter clothing if you move in during the summer. Also, wait to decorate until after everything is unpacked. This way you will have access to your belongings quicker.

Make Unpacking Fun

Though your task may seem to be a bit daunting once your Florida moving company leaves, it does not have to be. You can find ways to make the process and time more enjoyable. Put on some music and invite friends over while you are unpacking. It also might be helpful to find rewards for tasks you complete. Go out for ice cream after you complete a large task or take a break and explore your new city.

Questions a Moving Company Might Ask You

When choosing a Florida moving company, there are many questions you will need to ask to find the correct one. However, there are also questions they will need to ask you. In order to properly prepare for your move there are several things they will need to know ahead of time.

Are you packing your things by yourself?

Movers will need to know the extent of the service you need. Some Gainesville moving companies offer to pack your items for you before they move them. This will help relieve you of the stress of boxing up your things while you are also organizing other variables of your moving process. If you are packing for yourself, it is important to make sure you secure all loose items before your movers arrive.

What volume of possessions do you have to be moved?

Your Florida moving company will need to know how much needs to be moved in order to help them figure out the level of difficulty associated with the job so they can factor it into their schedule and price.

What level of insurance do you require?

Moving companies will need to know what insurance you already have. If you have renters insurance, some of your possessions are already covered. Your Gainesville movers will also be able to provide you with a policy. If you do require insurance, your moving company will help provide you with a policy that works best for you. They will ask about any valuables you might be transporting in order to get a more accurate idea of how much coverage you will need. This way, if something does happen, your insurance will be able to cover the costs associated with that prized possession.

What is the basic timeline of your move?

Your moving company will need to know your expectations for when they will pick up your things from your old place and when they are free to deliver them to your new home. This will help them to know when they will have access to your items and will also allow them to figure out if your plans fits into their schedule in advance. At this time, they will also ask for exact locations and addresses of your two residences.

Will there be enough room for the moving truck to park?

If you live in an apartment or have a small driveway, there may not be enough room for the moving van. Therefore, they will be required to carry your furniture and packages farther. Movers will need to factor this into both their plan and their price for the service.

Does either location have stairs or an elevator?

You will need to let your movers know if you live on a floor other than the first one. This would be another factor that would influence the moving process. Stairs may require more movers or increase the cost of the moving process.

What is the distance between the two locations?

If you are moving a farther distance the Gainesville moving company will need to charge you more. Depending on whether you are moving to another city or to another street, you will pay different amounts.

Places to Meet People After Moving to Gainesville

Sometimes, moving to a new place can be isolating and you may find yourself cooped up in your apartment by yourself on a Friday night. In addition to getting accustomed to navigating your way around a new city, and unpacking your plethora of boxes delivered by your Gainesville movers, you must also form new social connections. This may be particularly overwhelming if you do not know where to go.

School or Work

This may seem obvious but if you are a student you will regularly see the same people in your classes and if you work you spend the majority of your time at your job. Do not be afraid to be outgoing and strike up a conversation with someone you do not know. You will automatically have something in common to talk about and they may be interested in spending time together outside of that environment. Take advantage of that time together and do not let yourself be a hermit in those situations.

Volunteer

There are many places that require a lot of help. A great way to fill your time is by finding ways to make a difference in your community. There are many different places you can volunteer in Gainesville depending on your passions and what you might enjoy doing. While you are volunteering, you will interact with other people and it has the potential to be a great way to meet new friends.

Student Life

If you are a student, take advantage of organized events. Gator Nights is held every Friday night at the University of Florida. They show new movies that have been recently been released, and have free food, crafts and other activities you can participate in. The best part is it is all for free! Many UF students attend this event so it is a perfect way to socialize.

Joining one of UF’s 1,000 organized clubs is always another option. This is preferable because there are so many options, you are guaranteed to find one that corresponds with your interests. These smaller groups also facilitate the growth of friendships and they also look good on your resume.

Community Events

If you find yourself with free time on a weekend, do not spend it in your apartment curled up on couch. Instead, look up activities occurring in the community. For instance, in the summer, there are periodic festivals with musicians and artists that would make an entertaining outing. Downtown Gainesville offers a variety of coffee shops, restaurants and nightlife spots which are other great ways to meet people.

After your Gainesville moving company leaves, you are left with the task of making new friends. In general, the key to meeting people in a new area is to be friendly. If you initiate conversations with people you do not know, eventually you will find someone who is also looking for a friend. If you stay in your apartment, nothing will ever change and you will not meet anyone new. So, be brave and build lasting friendships; you never know who you will meet!

How to Pack a Desktop Computer

Everyone has a computer and when you move, you need to take it with you. However, it is very easy for computers to get damaged during the process. The best way to protect your computer is to take it with you personally. That way, you will be more likely to save it from excessive movement. However, this is not always possible and when it is not, you need to know how pack it before you give it to your Gainesville movers.

Preparation

First, you need to get insurance for your computer. On the off chance that it does get damaged, you want to make sure that you will have the finances to repair it. Also, computers hold many important documents and pictures. Take the time to back it all up on an external hard drive so you will still have access to your important information if something happens to it. Next, you should remove the wires. If you are not sure you can put them back correctly later, it might be best to take a picture of them first or label the wires.

Placing it in the Box

In order to safely pack your desktop, you will need a large box, tape and bubble-wrap or packing paper. If possible, use the box your computer came in, but if you no longer have it, a normal box will do. Begin by reinforcing the edges of the box with tape in order to better stabilize it. Wrap your computer’s tower in bubble-wrap and place it on the bottom of the box. Then, tape bubble-wrap to the front and back of your monitor and position it on top of the tower. Fill remaining gaps with bubble-wrap and packing paper to prevent parts from moving too much. Fold the cords for your keyboard and mouse then cover them both with packing paper. Place both into the box and again, fill all empty spaces with paper. Then put the top of the box down and securely tape it.

Before you hand your desktop computer to your Gainesville moving company, make sure that it is packed properly. There is no guarantee, but the better you pack it the less likely the chances are that it will get damaged. Choose a company with movers Gainesville, FL, trusts.

What You Need to Know About Moving Insurance

The Truth About Moving Insurance

There are many costs that are associated with moving and they all start adding up; maybe you want to cut down the cost by removing certain expenses. Sometimes, you may not even know which services are worth keeping. Moving insurance may seem like an add on that may not be worth it. However, even the best Gainesville moving company can make mistakes. Here is some information that might help you make this decision.

Important Details Regarding Moving Insurance

One important factor to be aware of is that moving insurance is offered by a third-party and not necessarily by your Gainesville moving company. Your moving company may be partnered with an insurance business who can assist you, but you may choose someone else in order to compare prices.
There are different levels of moving insurance: full replacement value protection and released value. Full valuation provides compensation for the total cost of the item that was damaged, but it costs more money. Released value insurance is coverage that is based on the weight of the items rather than the cost of replacement.

It is necessary to know that after all of your belongings are in your house, you should examine your possessions for damages. If there are any, you must report them immediately. You have up to nine months to file your claim, but the sooner you report it, the more likely you will be to receive compensation. In fact, if you are able to report harmed items on your receipt that you give back to them, you will have a stronger case.

Benefits of Having Moving Insurance

Depending on the form of insurance that you choose, you may receive the full value of any lost or damaged items. This is helpful not only because you will be compensated, but also because otherwise you would have to spend even more money on replacing your items along with the regular cost of moving in Florida.

No matter how much you trust your Gainesville movers, you might still have anxiety over the thought of your items becoming destroyed. Insurance may help to put your mind at ease. You can rest easy knowing that you will receive some form of compensation if your possessions become damaged.

Drawbacks of Insurance

Another downside to insurance is that insurance can be extremely expensive service. Especially if you decide on the full value insurance, you may end up spending exponentially more money. During the moving process, you may want to save money so you may need to count the cost of buying insurance.

While it is always beneficial to prepare for the worst, the worst may not happen. There is a chance that none of your items will be harmed during the moving process and you have spent unnecessary extra money during an already expensive process.

Mover Profile: Austin

Name: Austin

What is your favorite part about working for UF Mover Guys?

My favorite part about working for UF Mover Guys is the schedule.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy playing guitar, lifting, and going to the beach.

What brought you to Gainesville?

I came to Gainesville to start a new life.

If you could move any celebrity, who would it be and why?

If I could move any celebrity, I would move Kevin Hart. He’s hilarious.

What is your favorite moving story?

My favorite moving story is when we moved a couple to St. Pete. After the move they let us take a shower in their outdoor shower and gave us some refreshments.

Mover Profile: Tim

Name: Tim

What is your favorite part about working for UF Mover Guys?

My favorite part of moving is that it allows me to stay active and not be stuck inside.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy playing basketball and playing video games in my spare time.

What brought you to Gainesville?

I came to Gainesville for school and for the opportunities the city has to offer.

If you could move any celebrity, who would it be and why?

If I could move any celebrity, I would move Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He is my favorite wrestler of all time and a great role model.

What is your favorite moving story?

My favorite moving story is probably the day it started snowing in Florida. It was a super chill move with 6 people and 3 trucks full. I had been to Alabama, Utah, Michigan and Vermont, and hadn’t seen snow fall until that day.

Five Things to Find When Moving to a New Place

Moving to a new place is both exciting and stressful for the same reason: you do not know where everything is yet. This means there is a whole new city for you to explore! At the same time, it means that when you need something, you may not know where to find it. Gainesville movers have helped you with the hard part; now It is important to take the time to locate different places that will meet your various needs before you move there.

1. DMV

Everyone knows it takes forever to stand in line for assistance at the DMV, but it is necessary. If you are moving to another state, you will need to get a new driver’s license and license plate. While it may not be the most exciting adventure, it is better to get it over with.

2. New Health Services

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it is important to find the different businesses you might need. This includes the nearest hospital, a dentist and a general doctor. Hopefully, you can find great service close to your home. It might help to ask for recommendations from other people if you know anyone in this new city yet.

3. Stores You’ll Visit Weekly

You will need to go to these places very frequently so it is crucial that you find them quickly. This list may consist of grocery stores, drug stores, or any other place you go often. Learn the quickest routes and shortcuts in order to make these trips as convenient as possible.

4. Different Social Scenes

When you know everyone in a small town like Gainesville moving to a new city can be somewhat isolating. You have left all of your friends behind and you may not know anyone else yet. Most likely, your mind has also been consumed with the stress from the move. Take some time to look for different social groups to join. Consider your interests and then look online for options. Perhaps you want to go to a regular trivia night, or maybe you want to take pottery classes. Whatever you choose, take advantage of the time and try to meet people who share similar interests.

5. Local Restaurants

Now that your Gainesville moving company has helped you move everything into your new home, leave the stress behind. Spend time eating at places you have never heard of; who knows what new favorite place you might discover? Perhaps even ride your bike or walk to really enjoy the atmosphere. Fall in love with your new home and establish regular eateries.