Don’t Let These 6 Common Moving Mistakes Complicate Your Move

Whether it’s down the street or across state lines, moving to a new place is a major undertaking. With a tight schedule and so much to do, you’ll want to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Unfortunately, without a solid plan and the right approach, even the simplest of moves can turn into a time-consuming and frustrating ordeal.

Here at UF Mover Guys, we’re committed to making your move as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Below, our experienced Gainesville movers outline six of the most common moving mistakes we see people make and how you can avoid them.

UF Mover Guys is a full-service moving company offering licensed and insured services in Gainesville, FL! Contact us today to book your move!

Mistake #1: Not Decluttering Before You Move

One of the biggest regrets people have after moving is that they didn’t get rid of more junk when they had the chance. The perfect time to go through your belongings and purge items you no longer need is right before a move, so take advantage of the opportunity! Packing up everything you own without sorting through it first will only make your move more difficult, expensive, and stressful. Worse yet, unless your new place is significantly larger, you’ll end up with the same clutter you did in your previous home. To avoid this, we recommend donating, selling, or tossing out things you no longer need. This’ll lighten your load, ultimately saving you both time and money. For heavy items or sizable cleanouts, you can rely on our junk removal services for quick and affordable disposal!

Mistake #2: Failing To Make A Moving Checklist

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” Getting organized and planning ahead can make all the difference between a stress-free move and a total disaster. Moving involves completing dozens of small tasks within a tight timeframe, and it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks without a clear, easy-to-follow plan — and that’s where a moving checklist comes in! A detailed moving checklist, including everything from gathering packing supplies to updating your address, will help you stay organized and on track. If you don’t want to create your own, you can follow our moving preparation guide or find another checklist you like online.

Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long To Start Packing

Procrastinating on packing is one of the most common and unadvisable mistakes people make before a move. Gathering supplies and packing up your belongings is a lengthy and arduous process that should not be underestimated. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize how much time packing actually takes. Waiting until the last minute often leads to rushed packing, which only ever results in damaged items and rampant disorganization. To prevent the last-minute scramble, start packing non-essential items several weeks in advance. Work room by room, leaving your everyday essentials for last. If you need help packing for your move, contact UF Mover Guys! We offer professional packing services to save you both time and energy!

Mistake #4: Not Labeling Boxes

Many people regret not labeling their boxes once they find themselves digging through dozens of them, trying to find their phone charger or toothbrush. Don’t turn the unpacking process into a guessing game; keep things simple and organized by clearly labeling your boxes. On each box, write the room it goes in and what it contains. Doing this will streamline the unpacking process and make it easier to get everything in its rightful place. Trust us, both your movers and your future self will be grateful you labeled your boxes.

Mistake #5: Forgetting To Pack An Essentials Box

As we mentioned in the paragraph above, the last thing you want to do when you finally arrive at your new home is spend hours searching through boxes for essentials like your toothbrush. Fortunately, this is easy to prevent by packing and clearly labeling an essentials box that contains must-have items for surviving the first 24–48 hours in your new home. Some key things you should pack in your essentials box include:

Medications
Toiletries
Hygiene Products
Clothing & Pajamas
Eyeglasses
Phone Chargers
Important Documents
First Aid Kit

Mistake #6: Not Asking For Help

Trying to handle an entire move on your own can be extremely stressful, especially when dealing with stairs, heavy furniture, or a tight timeline. Not to mention, without help, you increase the likelihood of damaging your belongings or, worse, injuring yourself. Don’t be afraid to enlist help from friends, family, and professional movers. The more hands you have helping, the sooner you can get settled into your new home. Whether you need assistance with packing, loading, unloading, or full-service moving, we offer comprehensive residential moving services tailored to your unique needs, budget, and schedule!

Book Your Move With UF Mover Guys!

Looking to make your next move as efficient and stress-free as possible? Our team of professional Florida movers is here to help every step of the way! From packing and loading to transportation and even storage solutions, you can count on UF Mover Guys for all your moving needs!

Ready to book your move? Contact UF Mover Guys today to request a moving estimate!

Pro Moving Tips: How To Protect Your Furniture During A Move

Many pieces of furniture are bulky and awkwardly shaped, making them difficult to move and easy to damage if not adequately protected. Dents, scratches, broken parts, and torn upholstery are all common kinds of damage that furniture can suffer when they aren’t packed or handled correctly. Worse yet, once the damage is done, it’s not always easy or affordable to fix. Whether you’re moving up the street or across the country, you’ll want to keep your furniture safe. Below, UF Mover Guys shares a few tips to help you protect your furniture during a move!

UF Mover Guys is a full-service moving company offering licensed and insured services in Gainesville, FL, and the surrounding areas! Contact us today to book your move!

Disassemble Large Furniture When Possible

Bulky pieces of furniture like bed frames, dining tables, and sectional sofas are harder to move and more likely to suffer damage when they’re fully assembled. Disassembling these pieces prior to moving day makes them significantly easier to carry, load, and protect. Take off sofa legs, disassemble bookcases, and separate modular sectionals. Be sure to keep track of all screws, bolts, and other small hardware pieces by placing them in labeled plastic bags and taping them to the corresponding furniture. Need help? Our Gainesville movers provide assembly and disassembly services for furniture and outdoor items, such as swing sets and trampolines.

Wrap Furniture For Added Protection

Wrapping your furniture is one of the most effective ways to prevent scratches, dents, and other damage. For wooden items and other sturdy pieces of furniture, use moving blankets or furniture pads, and secure them with plastic stretch wrap. For upholstered pieces, consider using shrink wrap or mattress/furniture bags to shield against dirt, moisture, and tearing. Finally, you can secure drawers that don’t detach by securing them in place with plastic wrap.

Utilize Moving Equipment

The right tools can make all the difference. Using equipment like dollies, sliders, and lifting straps not only helps protect your furniture but also makes the entire moving process much safer and more efficient. Dollies, in particular, are especially useful for safely transporting bulky pieces of furniture. If you’re moving without the help of professional movers, renting or purchasing a few pieces of moving equipment can save you a ton of hassle and help keep your furniture safe.

Hire Our Professional Movers

The easiest and most reliable way to protect your furniture during a move? Hiring the professional movers with UF Mover Guys! Our team has years of experience safely transporting a wide range of items, from couches and desks to antique dressers and pianos. We’ve got the necessary skills, knowledge, and equipment to get your furniture safely from your old home to your new one, whether it’s a local move or across state borders. Contact us today to learn more or book moving services!

4 Self-Care Tips For A Stress-Free Move

Let’s be real, moving is overwhelming. Between the stress of planning out a move’s logistics, weeks of packing up your belongings, and the frustration of trying to recall which box your toothbrush is in — it’s easy to let your self-care routine take a backseat. However, remembering to care for yourself will only make the moving process smoother and more manageable. Below, UF Mover Guys shares a few self-care tips to help you ease anxiety, stay focused, and make the most of the moving process.

UF Mover Guys is a full-service moving company offering licensed and insured services in Gainesville, FL, and the surrounding areas! Contact us today to book your move!

Stay Active & Eat Well

When your schedule is packed, it can be tempting to skip meals or forego your typical fitness routine. But taking steps to maintain your health throughout the moving process helps keep your stress levels low. Making time for a brisk walk, light stretching, or playing music and dancing while packing can help you feel more energized and fulfilled. Additionally, even though it’s easy to settle for fast food, try to eat balanced meals and stay hydrated, especially during moving day. Taking care of your body helps keep your mind clear and calm.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

Your body and mind need restful sleep to function properly, especially when dealing with the physical and mental demands of moving. Even though your schedule’s packed, you should aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep every night and try to keep a regular bedtime. Waking up well-rested will make it much easier to stay focused, patient, and productive throughout the entire moving process.

Declutter, Purge, & Organize

Before you start throwing everything you own into boxes, take a little time to declutter, purge unnecessary items, and get organized — trust us, your future self will thank you. Getting rid of items you no longer need makes packing easier and gives you a fresh start in your new home. Go room by room and decide what to keep, toss, sell, or donate. It might take some time, but it’ll save you some time later on and could even get you a little extra cash.

Book Professional Moving Services

One of the best ways to ease moving stress is by hiring professionals to help. Here at UF Mover Guys, we handle all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on settling in and taking care of yourself. Our Gainesville movers take care of everything from packing and loading the truck to safe transport and unpacking. Let us help make your move smooth and stress-free. Contact us today to book moving services with UF Mover Guys!

Smart Summer Moves: Top Tips for a Smooth Relocation in North Central Florida

Summer in Florida isn’t just about longer days and poolside relaxation — it’s also peak moving season. Whether you’re a student relocating between semesters, a family upgrading to a new home, or a professional starting fresh, the early summer months bring the perfect opportunity to settle in before the heat really sets in. At UF Mover Guys & Storage, we’ve helped thousands of residents move efficiently and stress-free. Here are our top tips to make your summer move in Florida a breeze:

1. Beat the Heat — Start Early

Florida summers are no joke. With temperatures easily hitting the 90s by midday, we always recommend scheduling your move as early as possible. Morning moves help you avoid peak heat and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion (for you and your belongings).

2. Stay Hydrated & Dress for the Weather

Moving is physical work. If you decide to move yourself, be sure to wear lightweight, breathable clothes and take regular hydration breaks. We encourage everyone that moves themselves to keep cold water and towels on hand, especially during longer moves.

3. Book Your Move Early — Summer Slots Fill Fast

Summer is the busiest time of year for moving companies in college towns, especially around semester transitions. To secure your ideal move date and time, schedule at least 2–4 weeks in advance. UF Mover Guys & Storage offers flexible scheduling options to work around your calendar.

4. Take Advantage of Storage Options

Not quite ready to move everything in? Whether you’re in between leases or downsizing temporarily, our secure climate-controlled storage units are the perfect solution for keeping your items safe from the Florida humidity.

5. Label Everything Clearly

It might sound obvious, but in the rush of summer moving, things get misplaced easily; this is why we use bold labels for boxes and group items by room. Ask us about our packing services to add this onto your personalized move.

6. Protect Against Florida Showers

Florida weather can be unpredictable. Always have plastic wrap, tarps, or moving blankets on hand in case of a surprise downpour. Our team comes prepared with protective materials to keep your furniture and boxes dry.

7. Know Your Parking & Access Points

If you’re moving into an apartment or downtown location, make sure to check on parking policies ahead of time. Some complexes require permits or elevator reservations. Let us know the details — our movers are experienced in navigating tight spots and student housing.

8. Let Professionals Handle the Heavy Lifting

Moving in the summer heat isn’t just inconvenient — it can be dangerous. Our trained movers do the heavy lifting, packing, and logistics so you can focus on settling into your new space without the strain or stress.

Let’s Move, Florida!

Whether you’re moving across campus, across town, or into your forever home, UF Mover Guys & Storage is here to help. With over a decade of experience, a local reputation for excellence, and a deep knowledge of North Central Florida neighborhoods, we’re your trusted partner for a safe and smooth summer move.

📦 Call today to get your free quote or book your move!
📞 352-415-0886 | 🌐 www.ufmoverguys.com

How To Move With Plants

How To Move With Plants: A Guide To Plant-Friendly Relocation

Caring for houseplants requires a considerable investment of time, energy, and money, so it’s only natural that you’d want to keep your plants as safe as possible during a move. However, moving plants can be challenging, as they’re sensitive to changes in temperature, light, and humidity levels, and without proper preparation, they can become stressed or damaged. Fortunately, with a bit of planning and care, you can safely move your plants to your new home. Below, UF Mover Guys outlines how to move your plants safely.

UF Mover Guys is a full-service moving company that provides licensed and insured services designed to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact us today to book your move with our movers in Gainesville, FL!

Plant Prep: The Steps To Take Before Moving Day

Proper preparation will be vital to ensuring your plants are ready for the journey ahead. Start by pruning your larger plants, removing dead leaves, limbs, and other excess foliage. Trimming your plants will keep them compact, making them easier to transport and less likely to become damaged by snagging onto something during the move. After that, you should carefully inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases and treat them as soon as possible. Taking the time to treat an infested plant will help prevent pests from spreading onto other plants during your move. Next, you should re-pot your houseplants that are in breakable pots, transferring them into something shatter-proof, such as plastic pots. Finally, you should water your plants a few times before moving. Watering them a few days ahead of your move ensures the soil won’t be so wet that the pots are heavy and messy.

Transporting Plants Safely: The Do’s & Don’ts Of Moving Day

On moving day, keep your plants in a climate-controlled environment, such as your car, to protect them from harmful temperatures. Pack your smaller houseplants into a few open-topped boxes and place towels, bubble wrap, or packing paper in between them to keep them stable and secure. For larger plants, wrap them in a bed sheet or tissue paper to prevent their branches from snapping. Then, place them in the back seat of your vehicle and secure them with a seatbelt or tie them down. Try not to keep houseplants in the moving truck, as the restricted airflow, harsh temperatures, and limited light could cause them stress or harm. If you have to place some plants in your moving truck, make frequent stops to provide your plants with some fresh air and light throughout the journey.

After Moving Day: Letting Your Plants Settle In & Heal

Congratulations! The hard part is over; now it’s time to welcome your plants into their new home. Once you arrive, start unpacking and placing your plants inside as soon as possible to prevent further stress. If you had them in the back of your moving truck, keep them in a shaded area and gradually reintroduce them to direct light before placing them in their permanent spots. Inspect your plants for damage and prune them as necessary. Some of your plants may look gloomy after the move because of the stress, but don’t worry. Be patient, and they’ll start to perk up and heal with time. After your plants seem to have recovered from the move, you can transfer them back into their original pots and place them wherever they look best in your new home!

Trust UF Mover Guys For A Stress-Free Moving Experience!

Here at UF Mover Guys, we know how important it is that every item, from houseplants to furniture, makes it to your new home safe and sound. No matter how large, bulky, heavy, or fragile an item is, our residential movers have the experience, equipment, and muscle to move it!

Our residential moving services are designed to take the hassle out of our move. Whether you’re moving across the street or the state, you can count on our Gainesville moving company to get your belongings there smoothly and safely. Contact us today for a free moving quote and take the first step towards a stress-free moving experience!

Master The Art Of Unpacking: 5 Tips For Organization & Efficiency

You’ve done it! Finally, after a months-long process of planning your move, packing up your belongings, loading it all onto a truck, and transporting it across town, the state, or perhaps even the country — you’ve at long last arrived. Now, all that’s left to do is unpack. At this point, you’re probably pretty exhausted, and the prospect of unpacking the mountain of boxes before you might start to feel like an immense and overwhelming task. Fortunately, with some planning and smart strategies, you can transform the unpacking process from a never-ending chore into a manageable and streamlined experience. Below, UF Mover Guys shares five tips to help you master the art of efficient unpacking.

UF Mover Guys is a full-service moving company offering licensed and insured services in Gainesville, FL, and the surrounding areas! Contact us today to book your move!

Stay Organized By Clearly Labeling Your Boxes

Do yourself a huge favor and take the time to label all your boxes before the move. Ideally, you should label each box with its designated room and a brief description of its contents. For example, if you fill a box with pots and pans, you could write something like “Kitchen: Cookware” on the box’s exterior. Properly labeling each box before your move will eliminate the guesswork when unpacking and help you formulate a systematic approach to the entire process. If you want to get really organized, you can use color-coded labels, markers, or even stickers to make your boxes even easier to identify at a glance. Also, don’t forget to mark boxes containing breakable items with “FRAGILE!”

Unload Boxes Into Their Designated Rooms

You can make the unpacking process significantly more manageable and efficient by organizing your boxes as soon as they arrive at your new home. As you, your movers, or your friends and family unload the moving truck, you should direct them to place each box directly into the room specified on its label. Doing this will save you from the time- and energy-consuming hassle of moving boxes from room to room later and will help keep your new home from turning into a disorganized and cluttered maze. Additionally, be sure to stack boxes containing light, fragile items on top of heavy boxes and not vice versa in order to prevent damage and make the process safer.

Prioritize Unpacking The Essentials First

Now that all your clearly labeled boxes have been placed in their designated rooms, it’s officially time to start unpacking. First, prioritize unpacking the necessities. This could include toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, chargers for electronic devices, necessary paperwork, tools for assembling furniture, and maybe some food to help keep your energy up. You can streamline this step and make your necessities easier to find by preparing one or two essentials boxes and labeling them “Open First.” Unpacking these items first will keep you comfortable and adequately equipped to tackle the rest of the unpacking process.

Take It Room By Room For A Streamlined Process

Once you’ve unpacked your essentials, you can start tackling the rest of your boxes and settling into your new home. To streamline the unpacking process, you should focus on unpacking one room at a time. If you’re lucky enough to have a lot of people helping you, now would be the time to divide and conquer. Assign a few people to each room and have them focus solely on setting up their assigned room. Begin with the rooms you’re likely to use first, such as the kitchen and bedroom, and slowly make your way to less important areas like the living room, garage, and guest rooms. Seeing one room fully unpacked and organized before moving on to the next will fill you with a sense of accomplishment, which can be a huge productivity boost and stress reliever.

Let Our Professional Movers Help!

UF Mover Guys is your top choice for efficient and affordable moving services in Gainesville, FL! Our residential movers are here to streamline your moving process from start to finish. We can help pack your belongings using the safest packing methods, clearly label each item before loading it onto the truck, unload each item into the room you designate, and unpack boxes before cleaning all packing materials out of your home. We even offer assembly and disassembly services for furniture and outdoor items. Let us make your move a smooth and stress-free process. Contact our Gainesville moving company today to request a free quote or book your move!

Pack Like A Pro: How To Pick The Right Boxes For Every Item

Packing up every belonging you own before a move is an arduous and time-consuming process that can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. After spending so much time packing, the last thing you want is for any of your boxes to come apart, break, or crumple under the weight of what’s been loaded into them. Unfortunately, this is the frustrating experience of many people who inadvertently pack their belongings into boxes that aren’t the ideal size or shape for the job. Below, UF Mover Guys shares tips to help you pack like a pro by outlining how to pick the right boxes for your move!

UF Mover Guys is a full-service moving company offering licensed and insured services in Gainesville, FL, and the surrounding areas! Contact us today to book your move!

Small Boxes: Best For Heavy Or Fragile Items

Smaller-sized moving boxes are ideal for heavy, compact, or delicate items. Because they’re easier to carry, small boxes reduce the risk of fragile items shifting around and breaking in transit. Additionally, their compact dimensions help deter the overpacking of dense objects, which can make boxes too heavy to lift safely. Because of these benefits, you should use small boxes to pack items such as:

Books
Glassware
Dishes
Canned Goods
Pantry Items
Small Electronics
Ceramics

When packing delicate items such as glassware, ceramics, and dishes, it’s best to wrap them in cloth, packing paper, or bubble wrap.

Medium-Sized Boxes: A Versatile & Roomy Option

Medium-sized boxes are versatile and roomy boxing options that offer a nice blend of support and ease of handling, making them the go-to for most household items. These boxes can keep items secure without becoming too heavy to carry effectively. Medium boxes are perfect for packing items such as:

Pots & Pans
Kitchen Appliances
Bathroom Items
Decorations
Toys
Shoes
Office Supplies

You can pack an assortment of items into these boxes. Just make sure to acknowledge each box’s weight capacity.

Large Boxes: Ideal For Lightweight & Bulky Items

Large boxes aren’t as structurally sound as smaller ones but are not without use. While overfilling large boxes with heavy items can make them difficult to lift and increase the risk of damage, filling them with bulky yet lightweight items can make it much easier to transport awkwardly shaped objects. Large boxes are ideally used for:

Bedding
Pillows
Towels
Large Stuffed Animals
Blankets
Lampshades
Lightweight Decor

Specialty Boxes: Extra Protection & Utility For Moving Unique Items

There are a variety of different kinds of specialty boxes designed to minimize the risk of damage to specific items. Some common types of specialty boxes include:

Wardrobe Boxes: These boxes have a built-in hanging rod, making them perfect for transporting clothes.
TV & Mirror Boxes: Specially designed boxes that securely fit televisions, mirrors, and framed artwork.
Dish Packing Boxes: Boxes with compartments reinforced with extra padding to fit and protect dishware and glassware.

Investing in a few specialty boxes can save you time and reduce the chances of damaging particular items in a move.

Let Our Gainesville Movers Handle The Packing For You!

Packing can be a lengthy and overwhelming process, but UF Mover Guys is here to help! Our residential moving services include professional packing and unpacking to save you time and help ensure your belongings are secure and organized during every step of your move. Whether you’re relocating in Gainesville or moving out of state, our experienced team takes the stress out of packing and moving! Contact UF Mover Guys today for a hassle-free move or to request a quote!

How To Pack Your Kitchen Like A Pro: Moving Tips & Tricks

With fragile glassware, bulky pots and pans, and countless small items, packing up your kitchen can be one of the most challenging and time-consuming parts of a move. Fortunately, with the right approach and a few clever packing techniques, you can pack up your kitchen efficiently and ensure your belongings are protected for the journey. Below, UF Mover Guys shares a few expert tips that will help you pack your kitchen like a pro and lay the foundation for a smooth, stress-free move!

UF Mover Guys is a full-service moving company offering licensed and insured services in Gainesville, FL, and the surrounding areas! Contact us today to book your move!

Pots & Pans: Stack For Secure Transport

Packing bulky, awkward items like pots and pans will require patience and a Tetris mindset. First, line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to create a cushioned foundation. Next, gather your largest, heaviest pots and pans, which will be at the bottom of your moving boxes. Begin placing pots and pans in the boxes, stacking them by size, and nesting smaller ones inside larger ones to save space. For pot lids, wrap each one individually and position them vertically along the box’s edges to maximize space and reduce the risk of damage.

Plates & Bowls: Stack Vertically To Avoid Breakage

Second only to glassware, plates and bowls are some of the most fragile items in a kitchen, so proper packaging will be key to preventing breakage. Start by using packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap each plate and bowl individually, focusing on providing extra padding around the edges where damage is most likely to occur. Next, stack plates vertically (like records) in the box to minimize pressure and lower the likelihood of cracks. Place bowls with cushioning between each layer of plates and use packing paper or kitchen towels to fill any keeps, ensuring everything is secure for transport.

Glassware: Wrap & Cushion For Protection

Glasses and stemware are incredibly fragile and require special care to protect them against chips, cracks, and shattering. First, wrap each piece of glassware individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, taking extra care to ensure that delicate rims and stems are well-padded. When packing them into their box, pack glasses upright rather than on their sides, and use dividers whenever possible, especially for tall or thin pieces such as wine glasses. Make sure to add ample layers of cushioning between rows and fill any empty spaces in the box with paper or bubble wrap to prevent glasses from moving around and bumping into one another.

Silverware: Bundle Securely For A Stress-Free Move

You can keep your silverware clean and organized during the move by bundling utensils together by type and wrapping them in packing paper, kitchen towels, or plastic wrap. Place each bundle in a small box or Tupperware, adding crumpled paper or towels to prevent them from shifting around. If you keep your silverware in an organizer, even better — wrap the entire tray in plastic wrap to keep everything in place. Wrapping your entire organizer rather than each item individually will make unpacking much easier!

Food: Sort & Donate

Packing food efficiently starts with sorting through your pantry and fridge to decide what you can bring with you and what you can get rid of. Discard expired items and commit to donating unopened foods you no longer want. Pack dry foods such as pasta, rice, and spices in sturdy, sealed containers to avoid spills. If you decide to transport a few perishable items, use insulated bags or coolers to keep them as fresh and cool as possible during the trip.

Appliances: Pack Cords & Components Carefully

Kitchen appliances such as toasters, air fryers, blenders, and microwaves require extra care to prevent damage. If you still have the original boxes for any of your appliances, pack them in those for the best fit. Otherwise, wrap each appliance in bubble wrap and secure any loose parts, such as cords, with zip ties or rubber bands. Place the heaviest appliances at the bottoms of boxes and fill any empty space with excess paper or towels to keep them snug and safe.

Book Your Next Move With UF Mover Guys!

Packing your kitchen doesn’t have to be stressful — UF Mover Guys can handle the hard work for you! As a full-service Gainesville moving company, we offer professional packing and unpacking services. We use the best and safest packing methods to ensure your kitchen — and the rest of your home — is packed efficiently and securely. From packing delicate glassware to transporting heavy appliances, our licensed and insured team has the experience and muscle to make your move smooth and stress-free. Contact UF Mover Guys today to learn more about our moving services or to book your move!

5 Tips For Decluttering Before A Move

You finally scored your dream apartment, building, or home. That’s great! Now it’s time to prepare for the moving process. You have to clean, pack, and sort through the seemingly never ending pile of clutter you own. This process is not for the faint of heart. It can sometimes feel impossible to know which things to donate and which to keep.

Fortunately, UF Mover Guys is here to help with your decluttering. Our expert moving professionals can assist you with storage, junk removal, box labeling, and even disassembling large belongings. Contact us today regarding your next Gainesville, FL move.

Make Three Piles

It sounds intuitive, but the ‘three pile’ decluttering technique is popular for a reason. The purpose of the ‘three pile’ process is to assist you with narrowing down your belongings to only the ones you truly love, cherish, or frequently use. To participate in this method, make three piles on your floor. Section each one off. In total, you will need a ‘Donate,’ a ‘Toss,’ and a ‘Keep’ pile. In some cases, you may need to construct a fourth pile for ‘Maybe’ items that you haven’t yet decided on.

Any items that you no longer use, but are still in good condition, can be donated to a friend, a local charity, or a nonprofit organization. This act keeps clothes, toys, and accessories out of landfills. It’s decluttering you can feel good about!

Likewise, any objects you no longer use that are broken, ripped, scratched, or in disrepair should be appropriately disposed of.

Schedule Breaks

Decluttering can be tedious and difficult. It can cause stress and frustration in even the most experienced packers. To prevent burnout, it is important to avoid cleaning all in one batch. Take the process one step at a time. Write out your steps in a to-do list, and only focus your attention on the current task at hand. If you can, be sure to rest and relax every few hours to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Depending on what best relieves you, you can light candles, play music, read a book, or talk to friends in between.

Utilize The 90/90 Rule

Despite its name, no, the “90/90 rule” is not a diet or weight loss plan. This rule refers to the practice of asking two essential questions while decluttering your home. One: Have you used this particular item in the last 90 days? If you are moving an item with you, it should be something that you use frequently. Secondly, will you use this particular item in the next 90 days? If not, it is unlikely you will ever need to utilize it again. It is not worth the struggle to pack and move an object, simply in hopes that you might need it in the future. Instead, try practicing these reflective questions to determine if an item is significant enough to move.

Tackle Your Papers

It’s very easy for loose papers to pile up around the house. Homework, documents, and notes can quickly accumulate in your backpacks and desks. To conquer this mess, create three piles for your papers: shred, file, and recycle. For any out of date scratch papers, gather them together and take them to your nearest recycling bin. Think to yourself: what are the chances you will need your 8th grade biology homework again? This thinking helps you keep old, outdated items from taking up space in your new home.

If the paper you no longer need is confidential, shred it with a paper shredder. This simple device can reassure you that your private information will not fall into the wrong hands.

If the paper you are examining is sentimental, recent, or contains information you will likely need to refer back to, invest in a personal filing system. Manila folders and labels are an affordable and excellent way to organize similar documents in one centralized location.

Delay Purchasing Organizers

Organizers can be cute, stylish, and trendy. However, you should try to manage your temptation to purchase one immediately. Wait until after you declutter to research storage options. This way, you can get rid of unnecessary items first and accurately anticipate the size and type of storage you will need. You don’t want to buy a giant shoe rack just to donate half of your old sneakers!

How To Pack Electronics When Moving

Enable Tracking

Most newer models of smartphones offer user’s the ability to track their devices. This feature allows people to find their phones in the event that they are lost or stolen.

Setting up tracking is easy. Simply open your phone’s tracking app and allow it access to your location. Now, your phone will appear as a tiny dot on a map of your surroundings. In the event that your phone is missing from your moving boxes and luggage, all you have to do is log into your phone’s Cloud account on your computer to see where it is at.

Remove Batteries

If possible, safely take out the batteries from all of your electronic devices and remotes. This prevents your battery’s from potentially overheating or leaking during your move.

We recommend that you keep all of your removed batteries in a central, safe location, such as a plastic ziplock bag. This way, you will not misplace or lose any of them.

Back-Up Important Information

Although it is never pleasant to think about, it is wise to be prepared in the unfortunate event that your device becomes damaged during travel.

Before moving, upload all of your photos, documents, and necessary information onto an external USB flash drive or the Cloud. In doing so, you preserve all of your data.

Label Wires

Wires for electronic devices often look similar. When jumbled together in a single box, they can become especially confusing to decipher.

It is best practice to accurately and diligently label all of your wires, cords, and chargers. Use a sticker to wrap for your cables. On this sticker, legibly write the name of the devices the cable connects, or the item the cord powers.

Next, gently coil your cable and use a rubber band or zip-tie to secure the coils. This prevents the coils from coming loose and tangling together. Then, place each wrapped cable into a plastic bag that corresponds with the cord’s purpose. For instance, you might have a designated bag for audio cables, or a similar bag specifically for video cables.

This labeling process, while tedious, allows you to enjoy quicker and more convenient electronic set-up in your new residence.

Use Bubble Wrap

Unlike newspaper, bubble wrap will not accidentally transfer onto your screens or scratch your fragile devices. This factor, along with its affordable price and abundance, makes bubble wrap a prime candidate for all of your moving endeavors.

When packing your electronics in a cardboard box, we suggest that you use bubble wrap to cushion the top and bottom of your device. If you do not have access to bubble wrap, cloth towels serve as a good alternative.

Contact Our Professional Moving Company

At UF Mover Guys, our friendly and helpful team is able to help you move large appliances, such as TVs, computers, and gaming consoles. We employ the safest and most secure packing methods available to carefully and reliably transport your precious valuables. Additionally, all of our drivers are trained in best driving practices for a smooth, gentle moving experience. Contact us today to witness the power of our professional moving services for yourself!