The Ultimate Guide To Moving A Long Distance With Pets

You have your moving checklist in hand, you’ve booked moving services, and you’re just about ready to embark on your next move, but what about your pets? Pet owners and pet parents love their animals, but when it comes to moving a long distance with them, they may not be aware of how to go about their relocation with their animals. After all, you don’t want to forget about the needs of your furry or feathered friends come moving day! Most pets take comfort in their routines, from their regular feeding times and favorite toys to their sleeping spots and activities.

Moving derails pets from their routines and can cause a significant amount of stress and anxiety until their routine restabilizes. Here, our Gainesville moving experts with UF Mover Guys offer tips for moving long distances with pets and how to make the process as streamlined as possible. Looking for reliable movers to handle the heavy lifting? Contact us today!
Curious cat in cardboard box

Acclimate Your Pet To Change

Moving is a significant transition for everyone in your household, but even more so for your pets. Whether your pets have fur, fins, scales, feathers, or otherwise, your pet’s needs should be at the top of your priorities through each stage of your move. As such, there’s quite a bit of organization and preparation needed prior to moving a long distance with your pet. The sooner you start planning your move with your pet and acclimating them to the changes that will occur, the better. 

In many cases, the safest way to relocate a pet is with them in a crate or carrier. Purchase one well in advance of your move and ensure it meets the requirements of the airline carrier (if applicable) or that it will fit comfortably in your car or other mode of transportation. Some pets love their crate or carrier, but others may take time to get used to them. Allow your pet to spend time around and in the opened crate or carrier ahead of your move. That way, but the time moving day arrives, they will be comfortable in it. 

Visit Their Veterinarian

During the planning phase of your upcoming move, you should make sure to visit your pet’s veterinarian for a check-up as well as any vaccinations, medications, refills, documentation, and anything else your pet may require. If your pet is prone to motion sickness, you can ask your vet about options for medication to remediate it. Consider getting your pet microchipped prior to your move-out date. Microchip implantation is a speedy, relatively painless, and simple procedure necessary for most pets. 

If you are ever separated from your animal, the implanted microchip will provide anyone who scans it with your contact information so you can reunite with them. In addition to microchip implantation, ask your vet about vaccinations, blood tests, and parasite preventatives. Ask them if they can recommend a veterinarian in your new location where you can take your pet when you arrive at your new destination.

Prepare Your Pet For The Move

Proper planning is the ideal way to make a long-distance journey with your pet more simple. You should spend time gathering the following. Depending on the duration of your travel, you may need to identify and reserve stays in pet-friendly hotels or B&Bs long before your move-out day arrives. You should also compile a list of stopping points that are friendly to pets so you can take breaks with them along the way.

  • Vaccination records
  • Identification tags
  • Portable food and water dishes
  • Several days of food and fresh water
  • Treats and toys
  • Cat litter, litter box, and scooper
  • Dog waste bags
  • Harness and leash
  • A cozy blanket and pillow or bedding
  • Pee pads and protective coverings
  • Cat carrier or pet crate 

Keep Your Pet Safe & Comfortable

You should ensure your pets are as safe, secure, and comfortable as possible throughout each stage of your long trip. Depending on the type of pet you have, you should discuss the best protocols for keeping them safe in the car or on the airplane with your veterinarian. If your pet is in a crate, you should ensure the crate is sufficiently roomy enough for them to stand up, turn around, and rest comfortably. Crates are generally made from metal, which is uncomfortable for pets, so be sure to line the crate or carrier with an appropriate amount of cozy blankets, throws, and padding. 

How To Pack Plants For Moving

Moving can be an exciting adventure, but things can get tricky when it comes to the lush world of plant relocation and packing your precious green companions. Don’t fret! Our Gainesville movers are here to lend you a green thumb and ensure your beloved plants make the journey to your new home with ease. In this guide, we’ll share invaluable tips and tricks on how to pack plants for moving, helping you preserve their vibrant beauty and nurture their well-being during the transition. So, let’s dig in and embark on a foliage-filled odyssey together! 

Looking for a trusted local moving company to relocate your belongings and plants to a new destination? UF Mover Guys can help make your move seamless and stress-free with our wide range of professional moving services that can be individually tailored to your unique needs. Contact us to book your move today!

Woman packing up her kitchen

Gather Your Supplies

Whether you’ll be driving your new plants to your new home or you’ll hire professional movers to take care of your plants and belongings during your move, there are several precautions you should take to help make sure your plants make it through the move and arrive safe and sound. When gathering moving supplies, note your plants may need more protection to make it through your relocation. You’ll need moving boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, plastic pots, sterilized potting soil, plastic bags, and paper towels. 

Prepare Potted Plants

It’s worth remembering that though it might seem easy to relocate your potted plants, you are unlikely to prepare them for the move in a single day. Take time during your transition to help plants acclimate to their new home. Repot your houseplants into lightweight plastic pots with sterilized soil, as doing so will help make them easier to carry during your move. Then, you can pack away heavy ceramic pots and other fragile plant wares. A week before you move, you should prune your plants, remove dead leaves, and cut back foliage. About three days before the move, water each plant thoroughly or as per its individual needs. Consider placing a flea collar around each potted plant to draw out any critters you don’t want to bring to your new home.

Pack Each Plant

When moving day arrives, get your plants packed up by gently and carefully placing plastic bags over each plant pot and tying a string around each bag at the base of the plant. Using a plastic bag to pack up your plants will help prevent the soil in the pots from spilling in your car and making a mess. Ideally, you will transport your plants and your essentials in your car or cab of the moving truck. This way, you can save space in the truck for other belongings. After placing a bag around each plant and tying it to the pots, place each plant in a moving box. For larger plants, designate a box for them alone. Smaller plants can share boxes. Ensure each box is insulated so they won’t have room to shift around during the drive.

Hire Gainesville Movers

The best way to ensure your move is as smooth as possible is to hire trusted movers, like those with UF Mover Guys, your Gainesville moving company, for moving services tailored to accommodate your specific needs for packing, transportation, storing, delivering, unpacking, and so much more! When you work with a moving company that cares about you and your belongings, you have the peace of mind to focus on making your new living space a home. We make it our business to provide customers with the highest quality moving services possible. Contact us today to schedule your move!

 

Your New (Or First) Apartment Checklist

Welcome to the exciting world of living on your own! Moving into your own apartment can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also overwhelm you, especially if it’s your first time. There’s so much to consider, from finding the perfect location to picking out furniture, and it’s easy to feel like you’re forgetting something important. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate checklist for your new (or first) apartment, so you can feel confident that you’ve covered all the essentials and can focus on making your new space feel like home. 

So, whether you’re moving across town or to a new city, UF Mover Guys is here to help! Contact our Gainesville moving company today and get started on making your move-in process a breeze! Book your move today!
Your New (Or First) Apartment Checklist

Furniture

Decking out your new or first apartment can get expensive, especially if you are starting from scratch. Whether you are starting for the first time living away from mom and dad or embarking upon a new life adventure as a seasoned renter, if you need furniture, there’s typically no need for you to splurge on brand-new buys. To get started with the necessities, consider getting many of the major furniture items you need from friends or family, or buying them at estate sales or garage sales, Craigslist, and thrift stores. You should exercise caution, however, as you purchase used furniture, and you should thoroughly inspect each prospective piece of furniture for fleas, bed bugs, and other unwanted extras before handing over your cash. Your furniture needs may differ from this list depending on what you already have.  

  • Bed and mattress
  • Desk and chair
  • Shelves
  • Dresser with drawers
  • Couch
  • Coffee table
  • Dining table and chairs
  • TV stand or console

Kitchen

Depending on your wishes for your new place, what you already have on hand, and what you need, a basic kitchen set-up can be as minimal or as elaborate as you’d like. For those moving to a new apartment for the first time, their kitchens will likely be under-equipped for their needs. So, ensure you have all the essentials for your kitchen. Consider these kitchen items when making your list of items to acquire.

  • Dish soap and scrubbers/sponges
  • Dish drying rack
  • Dish/bar towels
  • Oven mitt
  • Cutlery and cutlery tray
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Cutting board
  • Dishware set with plates and bowls
  • Food-storage containers
  • Drinkware and mugs
  • Cooking utensils, like a spatula, whisk, etc.
  • Wine glasses
  • Knife set and block
  • Cookie sheets
  • Mixing bowls
  • Microwave
  • Toaster
  • Electric kettle
  • Strainer
  • Garbage cans and bags
  • Ice trays
  • Paper towels and holder
  • Plastic wrap and aluminum foil
  • Coffee maker

Living Room

Your living room will be where you hang out solo and with friends. As such, it should feature a style that resembles you and how you like to spend time. If you enjoy watching TV or streaming shows, make your living room as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for catching the latest episode or hosting a movie night with new pals. Here are some things you might need in your new living room.

  • Bookshelves or floating shelves
  • TV and TV stand
  • Floor or table lamps
  • Coffee table and end tables
  • Couch and loveseat
  • Other seating options like cushions and chairs
  • Area rugs and throw blankets
  • Curtains (for living rooms with/near windows)

Bedroom

One of the most important rooms in your new living space is your bedroom. You should spend some time setting it up to help make your new spot feel like home. You might want to leave setting up and decorating your bedroom until the last minute, but you should consider making the bedroom your first or one of the first rooms you set up (you’ll be grateful when it’s time to snooze). Here are some essential needs for your bedroom in your new apartment!

  • Mattress and mattress protector/topper
  • Bedframe (headboard, footboard, etc.)
  • Pillows
  • Bedding (sheets and pillowcases)
  • Bed blanket, quilt, or duvet cover
  • Clothes hangers
  • Curtains and curtain hardware
  • Nightstand(s)
  • Bedside table lamp(s)
  • Mirror
  • Under-bed storage totes
  • Closet storage totes or containers
  • Hampers for dirty and clean clothes

Bathroom

Just like your bedroom, your bathroom needs to be set up relatively quickly after you move in. The difference between having a completely bare bathroom and one that’s outfitted with all you need can be significant. Set yourself up for success by outfitting your new bathroom with these items and whatever else you need.

  • Hand towels and bath towels
  • Washcloths
  • Shower curtain and liner
  • Shower squeegee
  • Bath floor mats or rugs
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Trash can and bags
  • Hand soap
  • Toilet plunger and cleaning brush
  • Toilet paper
  • Bathroom cleaning and sanitizing supplies

Cleaning Supplies

In a perfect world, all new homes we move into would be sparkling clean on move-in day. In many cases, this is true, but in some cases, you might have some cleaning to do before setting up each room of your new living space. In any case, you’ll need to add cleaning supplies to your move-in checklist. Having all the cleaning supplies you need on hand will give you the chance to start with a clean apartment and maintain a clean home as time passes. Here are some cleaning supplies to add to your list.

  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Mop and bucket or spray mop and cloths
  • Garbage can and recycling bin
  • Garbage bags
  • Step stool
  • Laundry baskets
  • Disinfectant liquid and all-purpose cleaner
  • Toilet-bowl cleaner
  • Stain remover
  • Glass cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Cleaning rags
  • Laundry soap
  • Duster

Things You Can Do To Make Moving Less Stressful

Moving can be a massive undertaking, especially if you are rushed for time or have little to no help. It is easy to be stressed before, during, and after moving. With these straightforward tips from UF Mover Guys, you can hopefully streamline your move and reduce stress. 

Don’t let your next move overwhelm you, we’re here to help! If you need movers in Gainesville, FL, our experienced and friendly movers can help you with packing, moving, and unpacking in your new place. Contact us to book your move with our Florida moving company today. 
Woman packing up her kitchen

Stay Positive

By focusing on the positive aspects of the move, such as starting a new chapter in life or the excitement of exploring a new area, you can alleviate negative emotions associated with the move. Additionally, taking breaks and tackling tasks one at a time can help prevent burnout and reduce the feeling of being buried under a mountain of responsibilities. Incorporating mindfulness, gratitude, and positive self-talk into a moving routine can significantly reduce stress and make the experience more enjoyable.

Plan Ahead

One of the major factors that can contribute to stress during a move is the lack of time management. Many tasks need to be completed before and during the move, and leaving everything until the last minute can make the process even more overwhelming. Giving yourself ample time to pack can significantly reduce stress levels. Starting earlier will give you enough time to sort your belongings, declutter, and organize. A well-planned moving timeline can help you avoid any last-minute rush or panic. 

Stay Organized

By sorting through your possessions and creating distinct piles, you can identify what needs to stay and what can be thrown away or donated. This helps minimize the clutter and reduces the amount of unnecessary stuff you will have to move. Additionally, labeling your boxes can be extremely helpful. This makes it easier to locate items once you arrive at your new home. Apart from that, it also creates a sense of organization and sets a clear path for your move. Incorporating these steps will make your move less chaotic, helping to make the move less stressful.

Ask For Help

Asking for help can help take some of the burden off of your shoulders. Not only that, but it can also make the move more enjoyable, as you get to spend time with friends and family while you’re working. Plus, having extra hands to help with the heavy lifting and packing can make the process go much faster and smoother, saving you time and energy in the long run. Reaching out for help during a move can be a smart choice for your physical and mental health.

Hire Professional Movers

There is no doubt that moving can be a challenging experience, particularly if you have a lot of items or heavy furniture that require special handling. One of the best ways to alleviate the stress of moving is to hire professional movers. Our Gainesville moving company has all the equipment and tools to ensure your items are properly packed, loaded, and transported to your new home. Our professional movers can save you time and effort, giving you more time and helping reduce the aspects of moving that contribute to stress. At UF Mover Guys, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional moving services at affordable rates so you can be confident that your move will be smooth and stress-free. Contact us today to learn more about our moving services and to schedule your next move!

10 Things Parents Wish They Knew Before Moving Their Kids To College

Moving a child to college for the first time is a major milestone in the lives of parents and their children. In addition to the cocktail of emotions that come with the move into their college living situation, many practical considerations and preparations must be made. With so much to prepare for before college move-in day, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To help ensure college move-in day runs as smoothly as possible, we’ve compiled the following list of things parents wish they had known before moving their kids to college.

UF Mover Guys is a moving company offering affordable moving services in Gainesville, Florida. Contact our Gainesville movers today to book your move!

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Make A List Of Dorm Room Essentials

Take time to figure out exactly what your child needs to settle into their dorm. Many universities provide lists outlining exactly what new students should bring with them. So, review any list provided for help determining what will be essential. Common dorm room essentials include towels, bedding, storage, pillows, a trash can, a microwave, a mini fridge, and bathroom supplies.

Review Dorm Rules & Regulations

In addition to reviewing what dorm essentials will be needed, it’s important to familiarize yourself and your student with any dorm room rules and regulations. After all, you don’t want to waste time packing items the university doesn’t allow. For example, you wouldn’t want to buy your student a bunch of scented candles just to discover the dorms don’t allow open flames.

Bring Cleaning Supplies

Many parents recommend bringing cleaning supplies on move-in day. Bring a vacuum to clean the floor and some disinfectant wipes to wipe down the room’s surfaces. 

Have A Tool Kit Handy

In addition to cleaning supplies, many parents recommend bringing a tool kit just in case. When you and your student arrive at their new home, you may discover a bolt or screw that needs tightening or a piece of furniture that needs to be constructed, and you’ll be glad you have a tool kit handy.

Stay Hydrated & Bring Snacks

Healthy, energizing snacks and refreshing drinks are a must-have on a busy moving day. Food and refreshments will help keep the mood light and energy levels up so your family can focus on getting your student settled in.

Document What Your Student Brings

Many parents suggest documenting what their child brings with them to college. This is especially helpful if your child is sharing a space with a few roommates, as you’ll be able to ensure your student can return with all the belongings they brought when it’s time to move out. 

Have Your Student Pack Light

The lighter your student packs, the easier the move will be. Have your student only bring clothes for the fall season and then swap them out for warmer clothes when they return for winter break. This is especially smart if your student has limited storage space in their dorm.

Let Your Child Take The Lead

Moving out of home and into college is a significant transition in the lives of children that symbolizes a major step towards independence.  With this in mind, letting your student take the lead is important.  Ask them where they want things, allow them to make their own decisions, follow their preferences, and let them enjoy their first day of independent living.

Prepare Going-Away Gifts

Finally, consider preparing a going away gift for your student. Something sentimental such as framed family photo can mean a lot to a child leaving home for the first time and some cash or a gift card to their favorite restaurant would surely be much appreciated as well. 

Tips For A Smooth Summer Move

Summer is one of the most popular times of year for people to move. Unfortunately, moving during this time can present its own set of challenges. From the heat, humidity, and heavy rains to the traffic, moving in the summer can be quite a hassle. With the game plan, you can make sure your summer move is as stress-free as possible. Check out these helpful tips for a smooth summer move, so you can enjoy your new place without any headaches. 

Need assistance moving this summer? Our Gainesville moving company helps make your move faster and easier. Contact UF Mover Guys today to book moving services

Tips For A Smooth Summer Move

Check The Weather

Summer in Florida means high temperatures, high humidity, and frequent heavy rains. As your moving day approaches, stay updated on the weather for that day so you can plan accordingly. If possible, try to keep your moving day flexible so you can push it back a day if there are severe thunderstorms. 

Pack Ahead Of Time

Moving can be stressful with so much to do in so little time. To make it easier on yourself, start packing your belongings as early as possible. Leave out your essentials, such as your daily toiletries, the clothing you need, and a few dishes and glasses. Everything else should be packed before moving day arrives to help the day go smoother and faster. 

Protect Your Belongings

The humidity and sudden rain can damage your belongings if they are not wrapped properly. Cover items that are not waterproof in plastic to prevent water spots, warping, and discoloration. Also, be sure to wrap fragile items carefully to prevent damage. 

Double Check The Utilities Are Turned On

When you are moving into your new place in the heat of summer, the last thing you want is to walk into your new place on move-in day and discover there is no air conditioning. Before move-in day arrives, call your utility company and initiate service. You can also verify with the leasing office that the AC is operational for apartments and managed properties.

Move In The Morning

Florida summers are notorious for heavy afternoon rains. Starting your moving day very early will not only help you avoid the peak temperatures but can alleviate the stress of moving during the afternoon rains. Plus, the roads will be quieter, and if you are moving into an apartment, there will be less foot traffic around the building. 

Stay Hydrated

Moving is hard work and even if you are a seasoned athlete, the heat impacts everyone. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the moving day and take breaks as frequently as needed. 

Hire Professional Movers

Moving in summer is difficult, and if you have a lot of items or heavy furniture, it can be dangerous. To save yourself from heat stroke or a sore back, seek professional assistance. Our Gainesville movers are trained and experienced in efficiently moving in all types of weather. Plus, specific equipment and trucking enable us to complete the job quickly and simply. Contact UF Mover Guys for affordable moving services this summer. 

Tips For Moving With Roommates

Moving means embarking upon a new, exciting beginning, but this time can also feel stressful, particularly when roommates are involved. Whether you are moving into a place with a roommate for the first time or you’re moving into a new space with roommates you’ve lived with for years, moving with roommates requires care and organization. Here, our movers in Gainesville, FL, discuss the top tips for moving with roommates.

Are you in search of a dependable Gainesville moving company to help make your move a breeze? Contact UF Mover Guys today to book moving services you can count on!
Tips For Moving With Roommates

Discuss Timeline, Budget & Expectations

As with most stressful situations, it’s best to begin with a conversation between you and your roommate or roommates. Be sure to sit down with your roommates and discuss all the details of your moving timeline, budget, and expectations. When are you planning to move? If your move-out date doesn’t overlap with your move-in date, you’ll probably want to set up transitional housing and storage. 

What is your budget? Moving costs can add up, so be sure to lay out the costs ahead of time. What are your expectations? Once you decide on a moving date and budget, discuss what each person expects of one another regarding packing up personal and common areas, who will do what, when, and how to ensure you stay on top of your schedules. 

Make A Moving Checklist

There are many aspects to a move. Keep a running list of the tasks you and your roommates need to complete and reminders for important dates. A shared list will help each roommate stay organized and on top of their respective duties. If you and your roommates are not yet living in the same space, make sure your list is easily accessible to all parties. Ensure each person knows what they are responsible for.

Your moving checklist should include tasks, such as sorting and organizing prior to packing, and a loose gameplan for what to do first after you’ve moved into your new living space. It’s important to go through your belongings and downsize, especially if you currently live alone and plan to move in with others. Additional people means additional stuff, and it’s easier to get rid of the excess by donating it or tossing it before your move. 

Maintain Open Communication

Communication is key for just about every relationship in life. Your relationship with your roommates is no different! Moving can be stressful, and can be a test of patience. To help prevent potential quarrels, communicate often and openly with your roommates. Discuss what you’ve completed on your to-do list, communicate your plans, and talk about your desires and intentions. This is one of the only ways to help ensure your relocation with your roommates will be successful.

Hire A Trusted Moving Company

Moving with roommates requires a significant amount of communication and organization. Each part has to fulfill its personal responsibilities and mutual tasks. One of the ways you can make relocation easier for everyone is to hire a reliable local moving company like UF Mover Guys to handle all of the heavy lifting! Our professional and experienced moving staff will carefully pack, transport, store, and unpack your belongings, providing you and your roommates with the precious time you need to heal with more important tasks. Schedule moving services today!

Apartment Cleaning Checklist: 5 Tips For Move-Out Day

After you’ve packed all your belongings into boxes and moved your furniture out of your apartment, all that’s left to do is clean. Most apartment lease agreements state residents must leave their apartment in the same condition they found it on move-in day, and failure to do so could result in the loss of their security deposit. Nobody wants to lose their security deposit, so renters must give their apartment a deep clean on move-out day. Below, our comprehensive apartment cleaning checklist outlines all the necessary steps to cleaning out your apartment on a moving day. 

UF Mover Guys is a Gainesville moving company offering efficient and affordable moving services. Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, our Gainesville movers can help. Contact our moving company today to book your move!
Moving in a hurry

Remove Nails From Walls

Decorating your walls with pictures and artwork is a great way to make your apartment feel like home, just don’t forget to remove the nails from the walls on move-out day. If any nails, towel hooks, TV mounts, furniture anchors, or anything else has left a sizeable hole in your wall, consider patching the hole up. Removing nails from walls and patching up holes can help protect your security deposit and ensure you leave your old apartment in pristine condition.

Clear Out Cabinets

It’s easy to forget about clearing out your apartment’s cabinets while you’re focused on packing boxes, moving furniture, and cleaning out rooms. Accordingly, it’s essential to set aside some time to focus on cleaning out the inside of your apartment’s cabinets. Empty every cabinet or cupboard in your apartment and then wipe down their interiors to remove dust or grime. Remember to check the backend of your cupboards for any small cups or other items that might otherwise get left behind.

Clean Carpets

While living in an apartment, accidents, spills, and other messes that can stain a carpet are bound to happen. With a carpet steam cleaner, you can wash your apartment’s carpet and get it looking just like new. Additionally, you can remove old, hard-to-remove carpet stains by applying commercial carpet cleaner and letting it sit for a few minutes. Giving your carpet a deep clean can help prevent your apartment complex from charging you a carpet cleaning fee or fining you for a replacement.

Don’t Forget About Appliances

Don’t forget to dedicate ample time to deep cleaning your apartment’s appliances during the cleaning process. First, empty out your fridge and clean up any messes that may have been caused by spilled food. If your oven has an “auto clean” function, turn that on for a quick and convenient deep clean. However, if your oven doesn’t have an “auto clean” button, then make sure you scrub the inside of the oven clean of any crumbs or stains.

Don’t Leave Anything Behind

Some apartment complexes will charge you for anything left in your apartment after you’ve turned in your keys, so it’s important to ensure nothing is accidentally left behind. Once you’ve finished cleaning your apartment and loading up your moving truck, do one last walkthrough of your apartment to check if any items have accidentally been left behind. 

How To Pack Smartly For Your First Move

Moving for the first time is exciting! After all, you are going out into the world on your own and in your own living space! While moving may feel like an exciting prospect, preparing for a move can be challenging, especially for those who have never moved. If you’re moving for the first time and you don’t know where to start, have no fear! Getting organized early and following these moving tips from your local movers with UF Mover Guys can help make your first move (and any that follow) much easier and hassle-free.

Looking for a dependable moving company to handle the heavy lifting? Contact our moving company today to book moving services from our dependable movers in Gainesville, FL!

Start Packing Early

One of the best ways to minimize stress for first-time movers is to give yourself plenty of time to plan and pack ahead of moving day. The earlier you begin, the better. You can start by packing up specific areas or items you don’t often use, such as items in your closet, clothing you wear the least, decorative pieces, or books you won’t read until after moving day. This way, the majority of your living space will remain as normal as possible while making progress with packing. Commit yourself to packing a few boxes each day, and make sure to leave several boxes and packing materials for the items you will leave to pack until the last day, like your toiletries, favorite clothing items, and everyday dishware.

Pare Down Your Items

Packing is the best time to go through your belongings and purge the excess. Sorting through your possessions and being brutally honest with yourself can help you distinguish between the items you can’t live without from those you can leave behind. Designate a donation box (or several) and keep it separate from what you are taking with you. After you’ve sorted your things, you can then decide if you want to sell items of significant value to help fund your relocation, donate the items to a charity you like, and throw out items that can’t be reused. 

Gather Moving Supplies

The process of packing requires a significant amount of packing supplies to help make the move as simple as possible. Having these items on hand will help make packing and organizing your belongings much easier, and it will also ensure your items arrive safely in your new living space. You will need moving boxes of all different sizes, scissors, permanent markers, heavy packing tapes, stickers, and paddings, such as newspaper, bubble wrap, or another form of packing insulation. If you’re unsure how many boxes you’ll need, take the time to assess the items you intend to pack and scale from there. In most cases, it’s better to gather more supplies than you think you will need, especially if this is your first time moving!

Pack Like A Pro

Even for those moving for the first time, there can be a lot of items that need to be wrapped properly and packed safely. In addition to padding purchasable for keeping your items safe in the moving boxes, you can use items you already have on hand, such as socks, towels, bedsheets, and other soft materials, to pad boxes containing fragile items like glassware and decorations. Blankets, comforters, pillows, and clothing can even be placed in a heavy-duty contractor bag, as these bags can fill in open spaces in a moving truck. Remember to pack your heaviest items, such as books, in small boxes so they are easier to carry. While you pack, make sure to label each box, bag, and bin with the contents and the destination room in your new place. This will help make it easier to organize your boxes based on where they should go in your living space and simplify the unpacking process. 

Book Professional Moving Services

Our experienced Florida movers offer moving services to help make the process of moving simpler for those moving for the first time and those experienced with moves alike. If you’re looking for a professional, local moving company that can help simplify your relocation, then look no further than UF Mover Guys. We offer packing services, loading, unloading, and much more! Contact us today to schedule moving services!

Common Packing Mistakes

Moving can be hectic, with so much to do in a short amount of time. Packing and moving efficiently can save you a lot of hassle and time in the long run. How you pack greatly impacts your moving and unpacking success. Here are some common packing mistakes to avoid during your move. 

If you need movers in Gainesville, FL, our movers can assist you with packing, moving, and unpacking in your new home. Contact us today to book your move with our Florida moving company

Underestimating The Amount

Underestimating how much you have to pack is an extremely common mistake people make when moving. Give yourself ample time and start organizing and decluttering your home weeks in advance. If you have a lot of belongings or particularly large and heavy items, consider hiring a professional moving company to help with your move.  

Insufficient Supplies

Without the proper supplies, moving will be a lot more difficult. Make sure to obtain enough quality boxes, it is better to have too many than not enough. Also, collect bubble wrap or moving blankets to help protect your items on the journey. 

Randomly Filling Boxes

It is tempting to pack quickly and say to yourself, “I will deal with this when I unpack.” However, you will save time and hassle if you pack per room. Packing per room allows you to pack and unpack efficiently. You pack boxes by what room items belong instead of a collection of those items. For example, a box with “master bedroom” items instead of “pillows” from all over the house. When you move, place the corresponding box in the room it belongs in. Randomly filled boxes take much longer to unpack and can often waste space and supplies. 

Not Labeling Boxes

Labeling boxes is essential, especially for glass and other breakable items. Labeling should indicate what room the items belong to and if the box contains any fragile items. 

Misplacing Commonly Used Items

We have all been there when you spend your first day in your new place and can’t find a water glass, socks, or charger. Making a designated “unpack first” box or suitcase with the essentials will help prevent this. Include a couple of days of outfits, essential toiletries, and anything else you know you will need on the first and second days of living in your new place.