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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

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.

6 Reasons To People Relocate To Gainesville

Gainesville is a lively city with a lot to offer residents. The city has a beautiful balance of a quaint city surrounded by nature with ample things to do. There are excellent opportunities for school, career, and leisure. If you are considering moving to Gainesville, FL, check out the many reasons to relocate to this wonderful city. Once you decide, contact UF Mover Guys and schedule moving services with our professional moving company today!

Quality Education

Gainesville is home to one of the top public universities in the state, the University of Florida, which is well known for many of its bachelor school and graduate school programs. This university boasts a prestigious ranking due to the student’s success, small class sizes, education and research resources, scientific discoveries, and innovations. The university not only brings students from all over the world, but it is the largest employer in Gainesville, providing diverse jobs at all levels. UF also provides a social community for the city through athletics and the arts.

Beautiful Weather

Florida is known for its warm weather and minimal natural disasters. The state is an excellent escape from cold weather and snow. Gainesville offers a slightly cooler climate than southern Florida while maintaining mild winter temperatures. Gainesville is typically not significantly impacted by hurricanes or other natural disasters, thanks to being inland.

Central Location

Gainesville has a central location to the rest of the state and Georgia. The beautiful east coast beaches are about an hour and a half away. Orlando and the surrounding attractions, including Walt Disney World, are just an hour and 45 minutes south. Gainesville also has a public regional airport that offers flights to the four major domestic hubs.

Cost Of Living

Compared to the rest of the country, Gainesville is widely considered an affordable city. Although it rises every year, home prices are typically lower than the majority of cities of similar size. Florida having no state income tax also attracts many people.

Excellent Healthcare Facilities

Gainesville is home to UF Health Shands Hospital, which is well known for medical research and as a leading cancer treatment facility. It is ranked in the top 50 hospitals in the country and the top hospital in Florida. For potential residents needing specialty care or looking for a career in the medical field, Gainesville could be an ideal place.

Outdoor Recreation

In North Central Florida, Gainesville is surrounded by ample untouched nature and accessibility to outdoor recreation. There are picturesque parks such as the vast Kanapaha Botanical Garden and Cellon Oak Park, home to the largest live oak tree in Florida. With miles of smooth bike trails, the city also has a large cycling community. Gainesville is also home to some of the most beautiful natural springs in the state, with crystal clear, refreshing waters and opportunities for swimming, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Tips For Moving To Gainesville

Whether you’re an incoming student at the University of Florida or Santa Fe College, or you just want to live in a vibrant, growing community with perfect weather year-round, Gainesville has an abundance of opportunities for everyone. Check out our tips for moving to Gainesville and schedule moving services with our professional moving company, UF Mover Guys.

It’s Growing More Every Year

When the University of Florida put Gainesville on the map in 1906, there was hardly anything around. Flash forward over a hundred years, and residents never run out of things to do. And the offerings are only continuing to grow! As students move here for school, many of them find that they wouldn’t want to call anywhere else in the world home. Companies are taking their cue and setting up shop all over Gainesville. You don’t need to look far for glowing endorsements and Gainesville converts!

Gorgeous Weather

South Florida may be the land of eternal summer, but North Florida offers better weather variation without being too extreme. Winter ranges from the mid-40s to the mid-60s, and summer typically stays in the 80s, with temperatures spiking into the 90s during July. We’re even far enough north to showcase some beautiful fall foliage when the weather starts cooling off around October and November. Unfortunately, despite ample sunshine, we also get our fair share of rain with no notice, so you should always pack an umbrella for a rainy day.

We Love The Outdoors

Despite our growing population, we still make room for sharing space with nature. For example, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is over 21-thousand acres and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including free-roaming bison. We also have Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Morningside Nature Center, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, and many more parks dotted throughout the area. You also don’t have to travel far to visit places such as Ichetucknee Springs State Park and Osceola National Forest.

You’ll Probably Need A Car

Unless you’re a UF student and never intend to leave the Midtown area, you’ll probably want to have a vehicle. Many students opt for compact scooters that make parking on campus easy but still allow them to motor around town. Gainesville is relatively large and spread out, so bus routes can be spotty the further you get away from campus. Having a vehicle ensures that you won’t be at the mercy of public transportation.

Cuisine & Culture

As part of our diverse community, there are unique eating options that span cultures from all over the world or offer culinary combinations that are uniquely local. From Vietnamese pho to Indian curry, you can take a cross-country culinary trip without leaving the city. There are also many shopping options that offer cultural ingredients so you can make your favorite dishes at home. Pairing with the diverse culture, there are many entertainment options, including art, history, science museums, theater shows, sporting events, concerts, annual festivals, and more. We’re also home to several local brewing companies and nearby wineries.

Gainesville Areas Of Interest

Gainesville is comprised of diverse community members, and that shows in the different sections of the city. If you’re a UF student, you’ll most likely end up around Midtown, which is located right next to the University of Florida campus. Midtown is the ideal hangout for students, with a selection of eateries, shopping, and entertainment venues that complement university living. Getting around locally via walking, biking, or bus is easy when you live in this section.

Northwest Gainesville is home to Santa Fe College and boasts a more laid-back atmosphere. While there may be fewer things to do in this area, and you’ll definitely need a car, shopping staples are still scattered about for the convenience of locals.

Downtown Gainesville comes alive during the night and day, offering residents diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There’s something here for everyone with live shows, musical guests, theater and movie showings, and more. Living in the area might be a little more expensive and a little more crowded, but that may be worth it for the centralized location.

Archer Road is also a growing hub of communities, shopping and dining complexes, and more. Traffic can get a little crazy around here, but the area is built up enough that if you’re looking for something to do, you won’t have to go far.

Ready to move to Gainesville? Contact our movers to get started! We offer a wide range of moving services to make the transition as easy as possible.

Moving? Get Started With The Right Supplies

One of the most worrisome considerations of moving is how to get your prized possessions to your new home in one piece. That’s where moving supplies come in handy! With the right moving hacks and packing supplies and techniques, even your most fragile items are sure to survive the relocation. Some moving tools and equipment can also help prevent injuries on moving day by making lifting and transporting items easier. Other supplies can likewise streamline and simplify the moving process. There are many moving essentials required both ahead of the move as well as on moving day. While certain items for packing up your belongings are everyday items you may already have on hand, others might not be so obvious or readily available to you. Here, our Gainesville movers detail the best way to get started with the right supplies in preparation for your next move.

Want help packing? UF Mover Guys offers a variety of residential moving services, including partial packing and full packing services! We even offer do-it-yourself packing, wherein we provide you with the boxes and packing materials! Contact us today for more information about our moving company and to request a moving quote.

Moving Boxes & Labels

You can purchase cardboard boxes or plastic totes/bins for stowing most of your belongings. If you opt for cardboard boxes, factor in that you might require a number of different sizes, such as small, medium, large, extra large, and wardrobe boxes. The size of boxes and the number of each size you need will depend on the size, type, and amount of belongings you intend to bring along to your new place. Labeling your boxes can help provide you and/or the movers you hire with insight into what room each box should go into. You can either gather some permanent markers and write the intended room directly on the box’s exterior or apply color-coded stickers to the outside of the box and note which colors coordinate with each room.

Packing Tape & Paper

When it comes to packing tape and insulation materials, such as paper, the general rule of thumb is the more you have the better! You’re going to want plenty of packing paper for wrapping fragile or sharp items, as well as to fill out near-full boxes that need some extra cushioning and stability. Be sure to only purchase ink-free paper, as papers containing ink can bleed into your clothes should the paper become wet or too hot. Purchase quality packing tape and plenty of it! You’ll need to use it for building boxes and sealing them up once they are full, so opt for a high-quality tape that can get the job done right. You’ll likely need more tape than you think, too, so buy an extra couple of rolls to be safe.

Plastic Wrap & Bubble Cushioning

Be sure to have at least one large roll of sturdy plastic wrap that you can use to group and insulate specific items. Plastic wrap is beneficial for keeping certain items together during your move, such as art materials, and preventing bottle leaks. For bottles, take off each bottle’s cap, apply a layer of plastic wrap over the opening, and screw the cap back on. You can use bubble cushioning to wrap up extra-fragile items, like those made of glass, porcelain, and ceramic. You can likewise use bubble wrap to provide additional protection to wall art as well as items you’ll later put into moving boxes.

Moving Blankets & Dolly

When you schedule moving services with UF Mover Guys, we can handle every aspect of your move, from packing up and loading to unloading and unpacking. However, you’ll likely need some items to make your move easier if you choose to tackle a do-it-yourself move. Dollies come in multiple different sizes and weight-handling capabilities. There are appliance dollies, furniture dollies, and utility dollies, all of which can be ideal for helping you move heavy boxes and bulky furniture from home to truck and back again. Furniture pads and moving blankets help cushion your items as they make their way to your new home. Consider which of your belongings might benefit from extra padding to ensure you rent or buy the correct number.

Overnight Essentials Bag

As its name implies, the overnight essentials bag is a must-have for moving! In preparation for your relocation, we recommend packing your essentials or the items you need to have on hand or use daily in a separate location from those you pack into boxes and containers. Consider putting items, such as medications, foods, clothing items, cosmetics, and toiletries for yourself, your family, and any pets, into the bag. Ideally, the bag should be able to provide you and your loved ones with everything they need in your new home until you have the time to unpack and situate your belongings. You might also want to include any passports, social security cards, jewelry, and small heirloom items with you in the bag to ensure you know where they are throughout your moving day.

How Much To Tip Movers

We all know the standard for tipping within the service industry — 15-20 percent or more, depending on the quality of the services rendered. But, the formula for tipping professional movers isn’t quite as well known. Are you supposed to tip movers? How much should you tip movers? When should you tip? UF Movers Guys is here to help! Check out this guide for answers to all your questions regarding tipping movers, including residential and commercial relocations, storage services, and junk removal, among other services.

Want more moving tips? Need to schedule a move? Contact us to get a free moving quote!

Do You Have To Tip Movers?

If you’re hiring a Gainesville moving company to do all the heavy lifting for you, it’s common courtesy to tip your movers, as you would a waiter in a restaurant or a food delivery driver once your order arrives. When planning the logistics of and budgeting for your move, be sure to factor the tip into your total moving budget, along with the cost of packing supplies and moving services. In order to ensure you’re fully prepared for the financial obligations associated with moving, we recommend starting the budgeting process early — that way, you won’t be surprised by unexpected bills or costs.

How Much Do You Tip Movers?

Tipping is a standard way to show your gratitude and a kind gesture that shows you appreciate the hard word your movers have done. But, how much should you tip your movers? Unfortunately, there is no set rule-of-thumb for how much to tip for residential moves and commercial moves. When it comes to deciding how much to tip, it all depends on what you feel comfortable tipping. Daily tips usually range from $20-$30 per mover for small-scale moves to $40-$60 per mover for large-scale moves. These ranges likewise apply for multi-day moves and moves that require multiple services, such as packing and loading. For full-service moves, storage services, and junk removal and hauling services, we recommend using the aforementioned range as a baseline and, from there, tipping what you feel comfortable with.

When You Should Tip Movers

As with any other type of service provider, your local movers want to do a good job and be recognized for it. Pay attention to how your movers treat your belongings and interact with you throughout the overall moving process. If you feel that they succeeded in providing you with high-quality service, it’s appropriate to tip them thereafter. You should tip your movers if they:

Are extra friendly and courteous
Provide high-quality service
Transport large, heavy furniture up or downstairs
Unload belongings in designated areas
Move your stuff in a timely manner
Assist you with multiple aspects of the move

What’s The Best Way To Tip Movers?

We recommend sticking to the general rule of individually tipping each of your Gainesville movers after they’ve completed the job. Giving each worker their tip along with a “thank you” serves as recognition and appreciation of their individual efforts. If the crew is doing a wonderful job and you want to convey your appreciation for their services in addition to tipping movers afterward, you might consider offering them other incentives, such as a refreshing glass of water or ice-cold lemonade. As a final tip on tipping movers, if you’ve received tip-worthy service, consider leaving an online review of the company — positive reviews go a long way and are much appreciated by the overall moving company!

Three Tips For An Easy Move

Whether you’re transferring for a job, preparing for the end of a lease, or you’re planning to live with a romantic partner, the process of relocating personal belongings can quickly create stress. At UF Mover Guys, we know a thing or two about moving. Whether your objective is to vacate a dorm room, an apartment, or a house with great haste, or you want to simplify the moving process, the following tips will help make your upcoming move a breeze.

1. Declutter Before Packing

Even those with the tidiest living spaces have some degree of clutter. Whether it’s one small drawer filled with different kitchen utensils or a smorgasbord of household goods, clutter is no match for the decluttering process created by our movers in Gainesville.

Create Item Categories

Before you’re waist-deep in a collection of your personal belongings, pull out a piece of paper and a pen or open a spreadsheet on your laptop. Next, detail categories which describe the types of items you own. Add items to each category to simplify the decluttering process. Consider the following example or create your own to accommodate your needs.

Clothing

This should include every garment, article, or accessory in the home that you could wear, such as pants; dresses; suits; pajamas; jackets; shoes; handbags; socks; underwear; hats; and athletic clothing, among any other type of clothing, accessory, or footwear.

Books

Even if you’ve embraced the digital age, you’re bound to have a few books laying around the house. Our Gainesville movers are accustomed to packing-up textbooks and other types of books, such as cookbooks; magazines; cookbooks; kids’ books; photo albums; and more!

Documents

Some documents are sentimental, such as old birthday or holiday cards, personal journals, or school assignments. Other papers are essential, such as tax documents, birth certificates, social security cards, and any papers related to work that you may need in the future.

Kitchen

If there’s one area of the home that presents difficulty while moving, it’s the kitchen. Practically every individual has a kitchen in their home, with a range of foods; cookware; spices; herbs; silverware; dishware; and different types of portable kitchen appliances.

Bedroom

Items that don’t fall within the different categories you’ve established, such as clothes or books, might include bedding — such as sheets, pillows, and comforters — artwork on the walls, and electronics, which include TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, home audio systems.

Group Items Into Categories

This step consists of going through each room of the home, gathering all personal items, and placing each item into the respective category to which it belongs. To avoid complications while grouping, Gainesville moving professionals recommend keeping items from the same rooms together. This will make unpacking a much simpler, faster, and more organized process.

Get Rid Of Excess Belongings

Even if you hire a moving company to help with the relocation, reducing the number of items you plan to bring with you to the new home can help facilitate a quick moving day process. Once the items are categorized into neat piles, put into a box all of the belongings you no longer need, want, or use. This can include clothes you’ve outgrown, electronics from which you’ve since upgraded, and multiple sets of the same kitchen items.

Throw Away Unusable Items

Items you plan to throw away can be put in the nearest trash can or dumpster, or you can make a round trip to any of Alachua County’s Rural Collection Centers.

Donate Excess Belongings

If the items you no longer want may be of use to others, consider donating them to charitable organizations, such as Goodwill Industries of North Florida, Inc. or Alachua Habitat for Humanity. Contact the organization ahead of time to note the days and times in which donations are accepted.

List Online Items Of Value

As a local moving company started in Gainesville, UF Mover Guys also understand that some people have an entrepreneurial spirit regarding their belongings. If you’d like to try your hand in selling your unwanted items, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are all good options.

2. Pack Smarter, Not Harder

As a rule, packing is easier when you have less stuff. After completing an exhaustive decluttering process, what remains is preparing for transport the items you plan on bringing along to the new home. Go room-by-room and pack your belongings into boxes, finishing one area before moving on to the next. You can buy cardboard boxes, heavy-duty tape, packing peanuts, and a wide range of other moving supplies from UF Mover Guys. We can also provide you with tips for cutting moving costs by using the items you already own.

Packing is a step that you can avoid altogether by hiring movers to do it for you. Our team can provide full-packing or partial-packing services, as well as disassemble any large furniture that doesn’t fit through the front door. Among the advantages to hiring professional movers for packing is the ensured safety and security of personal items throughout each step of the moving process, from start to finish, including packing-up, transport, and delivery.

If you decide to pursue a do-it-yourself move, ensure the safety of your personal items by remembering to pack and move from heavy-to-light and from large-to-small. This pertains to the manner in which items are packed into the boxes as well as the order in which the boxes are loaded onto — and unloaded off from — the moving truck.

3. Start Planning Early

This tip may seem somewhat obvious. However, the lead-up to a move can be a busy, preoccupying time, as you focus on the number of things you have to do besides moving, such as dealing with a realtor, finishing up school or preparing for a new job. It’s possible, even understandable, that a few details regarding the relocation may slip your mind. But planning ahead for the move by several months can help you ensure that all details regarding your move are accounted for. Three to four months prior to moving day is the optimal time to schedule services with a moving company and create a to-do list. You can also avoid feeling stressed and overworked by creating an early timetable for decluttering and packing — distribute the moving tasks across multiple weeks and set aside a few hours to perform the tasks on designated days. Following these tips will help you make easier your upcoming moving day. For additional help or to schedule moving services with UF Mover Guys, contact us today!

How To Cut Moving Costs

Few events in life are more exciting than moving, except some homeowners dread it because they believe the costs are too high. The real truth about moving is it’s only as expensive as people make it. Every decision can swing the costs up or down, and a few smart choices can make the process downright inexpensive. So if the goal is to save some green, UF Mover Guys has a few moving tips to reduce expenses and still achieve the desired outcome.

Do The Packing Yourself

The same moving companies in Gainesville that provide packing services also sell do-it-yourself moving supplies (cardboard boxes, tape, foam peanuts, etc.). To save a little money, skip paying the pros to pack up and instead do the job yourself; maybe invite some friends to help and pay them in pizza and drinks.

Use Alternative Moving Supplies Found In You Home

Professional packers aren’t that expensive to hire. So while DIY packing cuts costs, the savings aren’t a huge amount. One way to reduce expenses further is not to use moving supplies and instead pack using the materials already in your home. Here are a few ideas.

Substitutes For Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes aren’t expensive. Yet, completing a large moving job can take dozens of boxes. That can eat into your budget. If you’re strapped for cash, our movers recommend using one of these alternatives to boxes.

Suitcases

Even if you can’t remember the last time you went on a vacation, chances are you have nestled in the back of the closet one or two suitcases. What’s nice about suitcases is they’re not only a cost-effective alternative to moving boxes. But they often have wheels, making them ideal vessels for transporting your heaviest items.

Plastic Trash Bags

Trash bags ain’t pretty. But they’re low-cost, expansive, and thus effective for packing items on moving day. One downside of trash bags is the lack of protection; you may not want to use them to carry your laptop, flatscreen TV, or similarly fragile items — unless you wrap these in towels beforehand. But most household items, such as your wardrobe, can be packed into trash bags with no issues.

Low-Cost Packing Peanut Alternatives

Well-trained movers utilize assorted types of padding to protect items during transit. The prices for these materials, such as packing peanuts or foam wrapping, are mostly low. Yet, when a budget is tight, it cuts costs to find alternatives.

Towels

Proper packing techniques call for filling up empty spaces in boxes with paper or foam matting, so the contents don’t rattle around during transit. If you can’t afford packing materials, an alternative you no doubt own already are bathroom or kitchen towels. Towels can wrap delicate items or be placed on top of nearly full boxes to fill in the gaps and keep contents secure during travel.

Clothing

The household items that are most temperamental are made of glass or ceramic, such as dishes or decorative pieces. You’ll see movers in Gainesville wrap these pieces in paper before packing them. The paper reduces the risk of chips or cracks when items collide. Instead of moving paper, one cost-saving option is to use your clothing. Examples include using T-shirts to separate dishes or clean socks can protect stemware.

Save Money By Reducing Waste

When you pack up old belongings you no longer need or allow food to spoil before moving because of poor planning for shopping, these are examples of waste that cost money. By eliminating the waste, you improve the affordability of the move.

Moving Resources

Many people have clothes they don’t wear or boxes of home decorations they never intend to display. Getting rid of unwanted items before moving saves money. First of all, some items may be sellable, and the profits can offset moving expenses. Furthermore, it takes resources to pack and transport items. Every item you move that shouldn’t be moved is an added expense. To avoid waste, plan about three months prior to moving to downsize your home. Create an inventory of your belongings. Mark which ones you’ll keep, sell, donate, or throw out. And by the time moving day arrives, try to have gone all the items you don’t need. For more expert moving tips, contact UF Mover Guys!

Food

Throwing away food is an obvious waste of money. But it happens often to people who face a fridge full of perishable items when moving day rolls around. To avoid having to waste food, consume all the perishable items ahead of time, and don’t buy anymore within a few days of the move. You can find plenty of creative recipes for utilizing those leftovers from Allrecipes.com. If you have unopened, nonperishable food donations, you can bring those to Bread of the Might Food Bank in Gainesville.

No matter your budget, UF Mover Guys offers customizable services that can be tailored to your move. For full-moving services, we charge no travel or fuel fees on local residential, commercial, and student moves. We also have affordable rates on moving trucks rentals and moving supplies. Contact us to learn more!

Moving Bulky & Specialty Items

Not everything in a home or business can be readily picked up and moved to a new location. Generally, heavy items — or those deemed awkward in everyday terms — need the help of an experienced moving company. UF Mover Guys, a professional Florida moving company, has the experience, equipment, and training necessary to make sure your heavy items remain intact and unscathed during your next move. Call us today for a free estimate!

How Can I Tell If My Item Is Bulky Or Heavy?

Generally, items are considered bulky or heavy if the individual weight is more than 250 pounds, which would require at least three movers. Often, these larger items need to be handled a certain way in addition to being carried upstairs or downstairs. Most household heavy furniture, such as dressers and sofas, don’t fall into this category but some items do. If you’re unsure how much an item weighs, check the manufacturer instructions or look up the item’s shipping weight online.

Specialty Items We Move

UF Mover Guys has a team of movers who can help home and business owners who need help moving heavy items 7-days-a-week.

Safes

Moving safes can be nothing short of a hassle unless you’re working with the home movers from UF Mover Guys. We know the proper way of handling safes of all size, from small and personal to large gun safes and how to move them without damage to the floor and surrounding structure.

Aquariums

Freshwater or saltwater, aquariums are popular choices to create an underwater oasis in a home or office. Moving them, however, can quickly turn into a challenge given the fragility of the display. We have the equipment needed to adequately dismantle and reassemble an aquarium while preserving the glass and interior habitat.

Hot Tubs

A hot tub or jacuzzi may not look weighty, but appearances can be deceiving — some types can weigh up to a half ton. Couple this with technical components, such as computer boards and wiring, and moving a hot tub is a task best left to a moving company.

Pool Tables

Don’t leave behind your pool table because it’s big and bulky — call UF Mover Guys! It’s not uncommon for people to consider leaving a pool table for the new residents because moving this item is often beyond their realm of ability. Our team takes all steps necessary to protect every inch of the table, from the intricate woodwork to the felt, so you have years of enjoyment after the move.

Pianos & Organs

Delicate and often family heirlooms, pianos and organs require special attention to make sure nothing is marled inside or out. Throughout the move, our focus is on protecting these instruments with padding and stretch wrap while using special equipment such as a piano board to distribute the weight.

Paintings & Artwork

Attention to detail extends beyond a painting or piece of artwork itself. Padding, wrapping, and crating these cherished and often valuable personal items is crucial to assure they aren’t damaged. We do what it takes to protect these irreplaceable pieces during any move.

Specialty Equipment

Home gyms, pottery kilns, and other specialty equipment found in homes and offices need special consideration during a move. Many times these items have multiple interworking parts that can be separated but if any part is damaged, the entire item isn’t functional. Each part is inventoried and carefully wrapped and loaded into the moving truck then unloaded with the same tact.

Outdoor Playhouses & Swing Sets

Not only do outdoor playhouses and swing sets provide hours of enjoyment and entertainment for families, but they’re also an investment. Except when it comes time to move, many people lack the experience and equipment necessary to disassemble, transport, and reassemble them. We’ll examine the equipment and creates a custom diagram to assist with reassembly and verifies all parts are suitable for transport.