How To Move On A Budget

Budget-Friendly Moving in Gainesville, FL

The moving process can be quite expensive due to packing supplies, moving services, the down payment on your new home and the first month’s rent. Fortunately, there are some concrete steps that you can take in order to cut down on the costs. If you’re in need of a Gainesville moving company that’s trustworthy and dependable without breaking the bank, be sure to reach out to UF Mover Guys.

 

5 Moving Tips To Save Your Money

Before you make the big move, it’s helpful to know how to best prepare for the process, so you don’t spend too much money. Here are five easy ways to move on the cheap.

Cut Down on Your Belongings

When it comes to transporting all of the things you own, the more stuff you need to take with you, the more expensive it will be. One of the fastest and most effective ways of reducing your moving costs is by getting rid of everything that you don’t need to take with you. You can either give the stuff away to friends, donate it, or even sell it on sites like Craig’s List. What’s more, by hosting a garage sale, you can significantly cut down on your belongings and earn some cash in the process.

Don’t Buy Boxes

Boxes are essential when packing for a move, which is why the price for them is often quite high at many packing stores. But there are many other ways for you to get boxes without having to pay for them. You can ask friends or family for boxes, save boxes from packages you’ve received, ask local stores for boxes or bring home empty boxes from your workplace. Reusable plastic storage bins can also be used and reused whenever you move, eliminating the need for boxes all together.

Move in the Off-Season

While not everyone is able to move during the off-season due to their individual circumstances, if you have the ability to do so, it is highly recommended. The off-season is between fall and winter, and Gainesville movers are usually much less busy then than during the summer. This not only allows you to have more dates to choose from for the moving company, but it can reduce the cost of a Florida moving company by as much as 30 percent!

Plan Your Utility Shutdown Dates

Many utilities have a billing cycle, meaning that they will not stop charging you whenever it is that you decide to move. If you don’t want to pay for an extra month of utilities that you won’t be using, plan your moving date accordingly or cancel your services early. While some utilities such as electricity are necessary up until the day you leave, you can do without others, such as cable, for a couple of days or weeks.

Use a Professional Moving Company

People often believe that by forgoing a professional moving company and doing everything themselves they will save money. Oftentimes, however, this is just not the case. Professional companies have the necessary experience and materials to pack your belongings as fast and efficiently as possible, while ensuring for their safety. Since well-packed belongings take up less space and use fewer boxes, you will save more money. You can also choose a moving package that includes multiple services for a lower price to further reduce the overall cost.

Moving Company Gainesville, FL, Residents Can Trust

The moving process is often considered quite time-consuming and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be that way. At UF Mover Guys, we can provide you with all of the moving services you need to make the process a snap, including packing, unpacking and transporting your items. Contact us today for movers in Gainesville, FL you can trust.

4 Tips For Moving Out In A Hurry

Here’s How To Move Out On Short Notice

While some activities are fun to do in a hurry, moving isn’t usually one of them. When preparing for a move, your planning and packing often start months in advance. That way, when the big day comes, things go smoothly. However, you never know when an unexpected event — a job promotion, natural disaster, family emergency — will force you to move with little-to-no notice. If this happens, the trick is not to panic; instead, stay calm and do these four steps.

1. Create A Timeline

Even if the timeframe until your move consists of days or even hours, it’s important to make a schedule for preparations. This’ll let you have an idea of how much you can accomplish. A well thought out list also will keep you from forgetting important tasks. As you complete each task, cross it off your list. Acknowledging your progress provides much-needed reassurance. Meanwhile, if you need advice on how to prepare for a move, UF Mover guys, perhaps more than any other movers in Gainesville, FL, is willing to dish out advice to our customers.

2. Use Packing Materials You Own Already

One of the first steps involved with packing is usually a trip to the supplies store for tape and boxes. But when you have limited time, you may need to skip this step. Instead, begin packing with the materials you already have.

Fill your plastic tubs and luggage and use garbage bags to bundle clothing still on the hangers. Instead of purchasing packing peanuts, use towels, linens, and socks to protect fragile items in transit. (This also saves you time on packing your wardrobe!) Once you’re in a rhythm, head to the store for extra cardboard boxes, tape, bubble wrap and anything else you’ll need to finish the job.

3. Pack Up The Essentials First

Situations involving abusive households and natural disasters may prevent you from any type of formal moving process. Remember that your safety is the most important in this scenario and even your most beloved possessions are not worth dying for. If you do have a bit of time, focus on items that are difficult or impossible to replace.

  • Wallet
  • Important paperwork (birth certificates, insurance policies, social security card, medical records, vehicle registration, passport)
  • Medications
  • Family photographs & sentimental heirlooms
  • Cell phone & charger
  • Major electronics (laptops)
  • Minimal clothing

4. Hire A Fast & Reliable Moving Company

Once you know your move-out date, contact UF Mover Guys, a moving company Gainesville, FL, residents trust. Professional movers have plenty of experience moving and will be able to load and unload your truck much faster than you will. In many cases, we’re available for last-minute moves, and our help can make all the difference!

Moving in the Spring

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

Why Move in the Spring?

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

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

 

Clearing the Clutter

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

Vacation Time

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

 

Ways to Reduce Your Moving Costs

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

The Challenges Moving Companies Face

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

Some Challenges Movers are Faced With

Every Move Varies

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

Elevators Can Be an Obstacle

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

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

 

Other Moving Companies That Give Movers a Bad Name

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

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

Why Hire UF Mover Guys to Move Your Office

When it comes to moving out of an office workspace, it can be a tiresome and tedious activity that one dreads and puts off until the last minute. However, it must be done and it must be done properly as you want to leave behind a good impression while also preparing for your new office and your new life ahead. Don’t fret, because UF Mover Guys can help you through the whole process and walk you through it with relative ease. You see, we have done this many, many times in the past and know exactly what we are doing and how to handle it with relative ease. No move is too big or too small for them.

Moving Your Office or Relocating a Work Space

Why Hire Gainesville Movers for Your Office Move

People know that UF Mover Guys are without a shadow of a doubt the best in the business and can handle anything that is thrown their way, especially in your office. They will help you move out quickly and efficiently and make sure the job gets done right the first time. It can be overwhelming and exhausting having to do all of this on your own, especially if you have a big workspace. That is why you need a group of men and women who know what they are doing and can help make this a smooth and easy transition with no problems whatsoever.

Talent and Experience with Moving

These are the best movers that money can buy and they have years upon years of experience in this field. You can never have too much experience or knowledge in this sort of field. It helps them know what to expect, how to handle it, and how to be prepared for anything that may come their way. That is the true beauty of these movers and why so many people are hiring them and so impressed with the work that they put into the job. It stands head and shoulders above the competition and is truly one of a kind.

You wouldn’t trust this job to just anyone and that is why it is so important to find the right ones who can get it done properly and without any hesitation or hassle. They also have the best customer service in the business and they are top notch workers who bust their butt and never take it easy or coast on the job. You are getting one hundred and ten percent commitment from them when hired for the job.

Preparing for Movers Before Moving Day

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

Things To Do Before Moving Day

Confirm with Gainesville Moving Company

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

 

Pack One Room at a Time

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

 

Can’t Pack Yourself?  Hire Us To Do It

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

 

Purge the Unnecessary Items and Donate to a Local Thrift Store

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

 

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

How to Move a Pool Table

Pool tables present one of the most unique challenges available in the entire moving industry. These entertaining pieces of furniture are the perfectly nightmarish combination of gargantuan and delicate. There are many crucial considerations to keep in mind specifically pertaining to their exceedingly fragile nature. While you might think it is wise to cut costs by moving the unit on your own with no extra assistance beyond a group of amateur acquaintances, the truth is that you probably need help.

Why A Moving Company Should Move Your Pool Table

Pool Tables are Massive

It is common knowledge that game room furniture is obscenely weighty, but no amount of anticipation can prepare you for the heaviness that is at hand. Lifting these tables intact is nigh impossible, and there is no safe way to rotate them. Even if a group of people can lift a pool table off of the ground, carrying it will be a nearly insurmountable task with hazardous obstacles to dodge everywhere.

Disassembly Takes Tons of Effort

So, once you realize that the only way to move a pool table is in pieces, it is time to start working with a screwdriver. The individual parts must be separated in an extremely careful manner. Proper technique is essential to preserving the integrity of a pool table’s craftsmanship. The slightest error can result in complete debilitation of all playing functions.

Safety goggles will also be useful during this step. This is because the staples holding the pocket straps need to be undone, and they have an unpredictable nature when released from their pressurized position. After these are secured, it is time to free the rails. The felt can only be lifted after the rails pop out of the locks. You must be equipped to handle glue or nails at this stage, and it is impossible to tell which will arise. After all of this, you can flip the table over to detach the legs.

Reassembly Takes More Effort

If you are lucky enough to get all the pieces apart without destroying the table, it is time to undo all your hard effort of dismantling. There were no guidelines beyond safety for the previous step, but organization is the key to success now. Instructions must be followed perfectly to ensure all architectural elements are restored.

Minor Damage is Actually Extreme

The mildest flaw can completely ruin a pool table. An unlevel playing field is useless, and recalibration is a likely necessity. Tiny stretches in the fabric will generate a permanent wrinkle, which means the whole surface might need a replacement. The designated spots for each staple must be remembered. If re-gluing is necessary, be careful to avoid lumps that counteract the intended evenness.

Injury Can Occur

A lot of the equipment involved is heavy duty and dangerous. Accidents can occur within the blink of an eye. Trips to the hospital can derail an entire move, and expenses can be horrendously huge. One single instance of faulty handling can lead to hospital bills that are even bigger than the pool table itself.

They Will Not Fit in Most Vehicles

On top of everything else, this factor must also be kept in mind. Gainesville moving companies have the trucks that large pool tables need for secure transit. On the other hand, you probably don’t. Good luck trying to fit that colossal beast into a sedan!

The bottom line is that moving pool tables will usually require extra assistance, but do not fret. Simply seek services from moving companies in Gainesville, such as UF Mover Guys, the most professional moving company in the state. They can do the work while you relax!

Things You Can Do Two Months Prior to a Move

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

Eliminating Clutter From Your Life

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

Selling Is Easy

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

Deciding Who Will Be Helping You Move

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

Smaller Is Better

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

Paper Or Plastic

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

Research Where You Plan To Live

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

Give Away What You Don’t Need

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

How to Pack Wine and Liquor

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

Wine Bottles to Pack

Packing Your Wine and Liquor Before Your Move

Taking Inventory

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

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

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

Arranging Packing Materials

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

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

Packing Your Alcohol

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

Wine box for moving

Unpacking Your Alcohol

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

Moving Antiques And Extra Large Items

Can you imagine moving without even lifting a finger? It may be hard to imagine such a scenario, but with the right Gainesville moving company, it is very much possible.

UF Mover Guys knows how to make a move go as quickly and smoothly for you.
UF Mover Guys knows how to make a move go as quickly and smoothly for you.

Who would not enjoy moving when all the planning is already done for you? There is no need for you to worry about collecting boxes for packing. You don’t even have to think about how the unpacking will be done once your belongings reach the destination. Not only will you find all your belongings in place, but even the electrical appliances will be plugged in and ready to use. Let this be the ultimate moving experience you have always wished for, which lets you be the in-charge but does not require you to do a thing.

 

Moving Antique Pieces

 

You can make use of our made-to-order crates and climate-controlled storage spaces to keep your belongings in mint condition. Our expertise in helping people move gives them the peace of mind that even the most valuable and delicate of their stuff will arrive safely at the promised time, and here is how we do it:

  • We detail and photograph each of your vintage pieces before packing them securely.
  • Our crates are made according to the dimensions of every item in order to safeguard them from any damage.
  • Completely secure personalized storage spaces are available for keeping the antiques safe in a temperature and moisture controlled environment.
  • Our skilled movers are also equipped to arrange and carry huge items like pianofortes.

 

Transporting the wine bottles from your collection

Moving Wine in Florida

We consider our company like fine, aged wine. As we grow in experience, so does the quality of our work. When it comes to transferring your carefully picked wine collection from one location to another, we know exactly the way it should be done. Our knowledgeable staff will take every step possible to ensure that your prized collection of excellent wines is relocated just how you want it. This is why our range of services includes features like especially crafted crates and refrigeration for the entire course of transportation.

 

  • Just like with every item we pack and move, our company’s expert workers will take down details of all wine bottles in your collection and take pictures of them as well.
  • We can also provide you exclusive moving trucks that keep your wines under optimum temperatures during the entire moving process.
  • If need be, you can keep your wine collection in our specially designed storage facility with temperature controls.
  • We go to painstaking lengths in order to ensure safe transfer and unpacking of your wine collection at your new address.

 

Transporting Pianos

 

With years of skill and professional experience under our belt, we are proud to say that our Gainesville movers and packers are the best when it comes to moving pianos from one place to another. We understand the value of this beloved possession of yours and will take extra care to bring it to your new home safely.

 

  • Our dedicated team of experts is fully trained to dismantle, move and reassemble pianos, no matter what type. Whether you own a grand piano, an upright, a parlor or a baby grand.
  • We understand the fine art of handling pianos and taking good care of them, so you can be assured that your musical instruments are in safe hands.
  • With the use of state-of-the-art machinery and reliable workforce, we also offer to hoist extra large objects through windows, whenever required. We can also get it in touch with an expert to make your piano ready to play right before you arrive.
  • If and when needed, you can also choose make use of our temperature-regulated storage compartments.