Category: Moving Tips

Protect Yourself From Moving Scams

There’s a lot of trust between movers and a moving company. After all, you’re giving them access to all of your possessions and paying them for it — sometimes a lot of money. Unfortunately, not all moving companies honor trust, hitting you with fraudulent charges and holding your possessions hostage if you refuse to pay. But, there are red flags to look out for to help you avoid movers who would abuse your trust.   

UF Mover Guys is a professional moving company that has helped hundreds of clients move to their new homes. When you work with us, we want you to have the best moving experience possible. Check out our tips on how to avoid moving scams, and contact us today to get a quote or to schedule moving services. 

Ask For Referrals

The best place to start your search for a reputable moving company is through friends and family with insights into local moving companies. Not only can they provide you with referrals to companies they enjoyed working with, but they also may help you steer clear of companies unpleasurable to work with. If you can’t get any recommendations from people you know, try looking up online reviews. Just be aware a couple of negative reviews doesn’t necessarily mean the company is bad to work with. Instead, read all of the reviews and look for trends, such as hidden fees, flexibility, and customer service.  

Research The Company

While looking at reviews, you should also investigate the company deeper. Read through their website, look at online resources, and check their Better Business Bureau page to see their ratings. You should also check to see if they are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the American Moving and Storage Association. Both of these associations will provide insight into the company and let you know if they are properly registered. If not, this can be a huge red flag that they are not reputable or trustworthy.     

Be Wary Of Hidden Fees

Any trustworthy moving company you work with should fully disclose all fees and information before moving any of your things. Hidden fees can include packing, unpacking, climbing stairs, moving heavy objects, and more. While these may be reasonable, they should also be discussed upfront. If the company is dodgy or flat out refuses to discuss these items of concern, move to a company that won’t try to spring extras on you in the middle of a move. Additionally, most companies will not require a deposit for holding your moving date. However, they may ask to put a credit card on file without charging it.  

Low Quotes

If the moving company gives you a quote too good to be true, it probably is. The best thing to do is shop around and get a quote from a few moving companies. This will allow you to compare their services and fees to determine if it’s suspiciously low or unreasonably high. Ultimately, you should go with the company with the best reputation and provides excellent services at reasonable rates.

Get Everything In Writing

As part of outlining any potential hidden fees, it’s imperative you get everything detailed in a formal contract. This should include dates, services, fees, and timelines. Also, avoid using cash and opt to use a credit card instead. Not only does this provide proof of payment, but if there are any fraudulent charges, you can have them removed through your credit card company.

Advantages Of Moving In The Middle Of The Week

Many people schedule their moves for the weekend. After all, a weekend move just seems to make the most sense. Not having to take off work or fight your way through rush-hour traffic are just some of the benefits afforded by moving on the weekend that makes it the most popular time of the week to move. However, moving on a weekday can provide just as many unique advantages people should consider before scheduling their next move. Below, the professional movers with our Gainesville moving company outline three of the most significant advantages to moving on a weekday.

Contact UF Mover Guys today to book moving services from our movers in Gainesville, FL!

Lower Costs

Moving during the week could save you money, and who doesn’t love saving money? Since weekdays typically aren’t as busy as weekends for Gainesville moving companies, you’ll likely find cheaper rates if you move during the week. That extra bit of cash can be used on furnishing your new place or merely stowed away for a rainy day. If you’re looking to cut moving expenses, moving on a weekday might be right for you!

Utility Companies Are Open

One of the biggest perks of moving during the week is your utility companies will all be open on the day you move in. Forget to turn on the electricity before moving in? Not a problem. Need internet hooked up immediately? No worries. When you move in the middle of the week, you’ll always be able to reach out to your utility providers for a quick fix during their regular weekday business hours rather than waiting until they open next Monday. 

You Have All Weekend To Settle In

If you move towards the end of the week, you’ll have all weekend to unpack, relax, and get acquainted with your new neighborhood. There is no need to worry about getting up early for work the next morning, so you can even pop open a bottle of wine to celebrate. Better yet, you could throw a housewarming party over the weekend. After all, completing a big move is a lot of work; you deserve some time to kick back and unwind! 

Why It’s Better To Move In The Spring

Marked by its warm weather and blooming flowers, spring arrives each year as a welcome reprieve from the frigid winter months. Moreover, spring represents change and renewal, so it only makes sense that spring is the best time to move! While some people believe summer is the ideal season to move, there are many advantages to moving in the springtime no other season can compete with. Below, our dependable Gainesville movers outline four reasons it’s better to move in spring.

Looking for reliable movers in Gainesville, FL? Look no further than UF Mover Guys! Contact our Gainesville moving company today to request a quote on any of our moving services!

Perfect Moving Weather

In Florida, summer weather is sweltering, and fatigue can set on quickly. In the winter, temperatures are freezing and uncomfortable. Spring is a perfect middle ground between summer and winter when the weather is not too hot and not too cold. On average, spring tends to be more temperate than other seasons. So long as you keep an eye on the forecast to avoid spring showers, spring’s temperate weather will afford you a comfortable and convenient move.

Easier To Move With Kids

If you have children, you may think the ideal time to move is during summer break. After all, your kids are free to help throughout the moving process in the summer. Nevertheless, it may be easier to expedite a move when your children are still in school. As long as your kids are at school during the day, you won’t need to supervise them and can focus your attention on preparing for the move. Plus, your kids would probably prefer not to have their summer vacation infringed upon by your move. Of course, you can always schedule your move during spring break if you’re set on having your kids help out.

Cheaper Moving Costs

Summer is often the busiest time for moving companies. Accordingly, summer has the steepest moving costs of any other season. However, movers will enjoy more availability from local moving companies and significantly lower prices in springtime. By scheduling your move in spring, you’ll enjoy more flexibility and affordability from your local moving company.

Ideal Season To Sell A Home

If you plan on selling your home around the same time as your move, then there’s no better season than spring. The real estate market is remarkably competitive during the spring, making it easier to sell your home. Moreover, properties listed in the springtime often sell for higher prices than those sold during other times. If you’re looking to sell your home fast at a reasonable price, spring is the perfect season.

What’s The Best Season To Move?

So, you’ve decided to move. Now all you have to do is settle on a date. But, when’s the best season to move? Well, it depends. Are you looking for the lowest rates? Would you prefer to prioritize good weather? Do you have children enrolled in school? These factors and more will play a crucial role in determining which season would be ideal for your move. Below, the experienced movers with our Florida moving company help simplify the decision by breaking down the unique benefits and drawbacks of moving during each season.

Ready to book moving services? Contact our moving company, UF Mover Guys, today to request a moving quote!

Spring

So long as you’re prepared for spring showers, the spring season’s not-too-hot, not-too-cold weather makes it an opportune time to move. Better yet, since homebuyers typically want to move in the summer, marketing a home in the competitive spring season might allow you to sell for a good price. Additionally, since fewer people will move in the spring, moving companies will have lower rates. The only drawback is spring is a busy time for school-aged kids. In particular, older students might need time to study for upcoming exams.

Summer

If you’re college-aged or have kids in school, summer will likely be the most suitable time to schedule a move. Plus, between warm weather and longer daylight hours, a move during the summer season should be convenient and grant you plenty of time to unload. One might choose to avoid moving during the summer because of the high price tag. Generally, summer is the busiest time of the year for moving, which can drastically change the prices of rental equipment and moving services. If you’d prefer to save money, it might be best to wait for a different season.

Fall

Have school-age children? Then you might find moving during the fall, right as the school year starts ramping up, to be a challenge. However, if you don’t, the fall could be a great time to schedule a move! The fall’s cool weather will make it easy to unload your truck without getting drenched in sweat. Fall is also not a popular time for a move, so prices will be lower. Plus, moving before the holidays gives you just enough time to get the new place ready for visits from friends and family.

Winter

Winter is generally regarded as the least convenient time to schedule a move. Temperatures are frigid, the kids are in school, and traffic is heavy due to the holidays. However, there is a silver lining: low prices. Since many people choose to avoid moving during the winter, moving companies will have considerably lower moving rates compared to other seasons. So, if affordable rates are all you’re after — a winter move could be perfect for you!

How To Get Rid Of Old Furniture

Moving is an exciting endeavor, full of potential possibilities, including opportunities to meet new people, find new work, and (perhaps the most exciting part of all) buy new furniture to decorate your latest home. However, before you start looking for new couches, tables, loveseats, and more — you should decide how to get rid of your old furniture. The last thing you want is to go through the hassle of moving your old furniture just to discard it at your new place, so the sooner you can get started purging your old stuff, the better. Below, the experienced Florida movers with UF Mover Guys share four easy ways to get rid of old furniture before your big move.

Contact our Gainesville moving company today to request a free quote on any of our awesome moving services!

Sell It

Moving can be costly, so why not try to turn a profit by selling your old furniture? Whether by hosting a garage sale or posting your items on an online marketplace, such as Craigslist or OfferUp, selling old belongings is a great way to help mitigate moving expenses. Just be sure to price your furniture fairly. Trying to charge too much for an old couch can drive customers away and cause items not to sell. Research local used furniture prices beforehand to ensure your items are reasonably priced and guarantee they sell.

Donate It

Don’t feel like going through the hassle of trying to sell your unwanted furniture? Try donating them! If your furniture isn’t beyond repair, there are a plethora of great non-profit organizations that would happily take your unwanted belongings — some even offer to pick up large furniture from your home. Taking your furniture to Goodwill, The United Way, or even a local church is an easy way to get rid of furniture and do a good deed. Just don’t forget to request a receipt so you can claim the donation on your taxes.

Gift It

Have a friend who could use a better couch or mattress? Gift them yours! Odds are everyone has at least a few family members or friends who would be happy to take some of their old furniture before moving. Try sending out some text messages, or even a mass email, with pictures attached to friends and family offering them your unwanted furniture. Offering furniture to people you know can be one of the quickest ways to get rid of unwanted items. Plus, some may offer to pay you a little bit for your items.

Let Us Take Care Of It

We at UF Mover Guys offer convenient removal services to help get rid of any unwanted items before you move. Our movers make getting rid of unwanted furniture as stress-free and straightforward as possible. We work around your schedule, handle all logistics, and dispose of your items responsibly. Couches, mattresses, TVs, appliances, even scrap and waste you’ve accumulated in the process of preparing to move — we’ll take care of it all. Contact our moving company today to learn more about our residential moving services or request a free moving quote!

Moving Made Easy With These Tricks

Congrats on your upcoming relocation! Now you just have to figure out how and what to pack, and how to move your belongings to your new place. While the emotional aspects of moving can be overwhelming on their own, the physical process of packing up and moving can be a great deal of hard work and cause significant stress. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with easy moving hacks that will help make life that much easier on moving day and beyond. Our Gainesville movers with UF Mover Guys can help simplify and streamline your relocation process with an encompassing range of moving services designed to meet your needs. Contact us today to get a quote and to schedule moving services.

Make A Daily Schedule

Moving day can creep up more quickly than you might realize. That’s why one of our top moving tips and tricks is to get started early on the first steps of the moving process: planning and scheduling. You’ll more than likely have to arrange your packing and other moving-related tasks around your work schedule for work or class, among other obligations. This is where you will put your organizational skills to the test! Use a calendar, and write down the specific tasks you need to complete and when. You might also consider setting reminders for each task a day before its due date to help ensure you get everything completed on time. 

Purge Your Clutter

Moving provides an excellent opportunity to purge some of your unwanted stuff. Take a long, hard look at your belongings, and think about what you don’t want to bring with you to your new home. Not only will you have less stuff to pack, but you’ll also save yourself the hassle of figuring out where to put the collected clutter in your new living space. Make three piles comprising what you’ll keep, what you’ll toss, and what you’ll donate or sell, and determine which pile each of your belongings should go to (all with a sharp eye towards the future). With clothing, a good rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn it in more than a year, it’s unlikely you’ll wear it in the future. Doing a thorough preliminary purge in anticipation of your relocation will help you feel that you’re on the right track towards completing your move.

Label Moving Boxes

Packing important items into various moving boxes, then later needing those items and not knowing where you put them, is an easy recipe for frustration during the packing process. That’s why our professional movers recommend that you keep tabs on what stuff you put where by keeping notes on what items you put into each box. Assign each of your moving boxes a number and write the number on each box using a permanent marker. Then, write the contents of each box in a notebook, along with its coordinating box number. Alternatively, you could list the contents out on the side of each box, so you’ll know just by looking at it what each box contains. You should also consider labeling your boxes based on where they should go in your new place. Simply write a destination on the outside of the box.

Enlist Moving Help

Moving day can be fraught with stress, strain, and frustration. Unfortunately, in many cases, these negative emotions correlate with poor pre-move planning. The best way to ensure your move goes off without a hitch is to hire professional movers in Gainesville to take care of as much or as little of the move as you need. UF Mover Guys offers tailored moving services that can help take all the stress out of your moving day; these include partial pack-ups, full-packing, rental truck loading, truck unloading, long-distance in-state moves, pack-outs for renovations, furniture assembly, and even short-term storage. Our movers will be able to help you get the job done in a speedy and organized way for the epitome of moving made easy!

Get Through Holiday Moving With These 5 Tips

Moving during the holidays can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a family or children. Trying to juggle both holiday festivities and a move can leave you zapped of energy and feeling down when you should be feeling excited about new prospects and old traditions. If you have an upcoming holiday move, follow these moving tips from UF Mover Guys. Our professional moving company has helped hundreds of clients get through holiday moves, and we can help you too! Contact us today to get a quote or schedule moving services.

Start Early

While starting early is always good advice for moving, this is especially true during the holiday season. Getting a jump on packing can help you manage both festivities and your moving responsibilities. Begin by packing rarely used items such as books, art, movies, video games, off-season clothes, decorative pieces, and items tucked away in the attic or closets. Then, find a place to keep these boxes out of the way or consider climate-controlled storage until it’s time to move. This can also be an excellent time to get rid of old items that you never use with local junk removal companies.

Minimal Decorations

Keep decorating to a minimum to cut down on work for you and avoid accidentally breaking any ornaments while you get things situated. If you have children, consider having them work on DIY decorations such as paper snowflakes, popcorn garland, or homemade greeting cards. Putting up just lights can be an easy way to add sparkle to your home without the extra commitment. If you’d rather keep your usual decorations packed up, buying a few things from a bargain store can be an easy and inexpensive way to spruce up your home, and you can donate the decorations later.

Celebrate Away From Home

To avoid the extra stress of hosting a holiday get-together, consider alternative locations to celebrate. These may include other family members’ homes, nearby parks, or even a nice hotel. If you don’t want to spend your last holiday in the area outside of your home, consider hosting a potluck or even catering to help reduce the amount of work you’ll have to do for both preparation and clean up.

Score Black Friday Supplies

Save a little extra money by timing your packing purchases. If you are moving after Black Friday, look for discounts on office supplies before and on the big sale day. Items such as packing tape, bubble wrap, and boxes often drop in prices around this time. But, of course, if you’ll be moving before Black Friday or too close to that date, the savings aren’t worth putting off early packing.

Hire A Moving Company ASAP

The holidays can be a busy time, and scheduling a reputable moving company can become difficult the closer you get to the holiday season. To avoid the stress of increased rates or not being able to procure movers at all, make sure to schedule moving services early. The sooner, the better, but we suggest at least three months out so you can rest easy knowing that you will have professionals to lighten the load (literally) when moving day rolls around.

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.

Why Downsizing Is A Good Thing

Whether you’re ready for a simpler lifestyle or just a smaller place to move to, it can be hard to say goodbye to your old home and old pieces of furniture. Downsizing before a move can be a bittersweet process, but it is bound to happen at some point in your life and has several benefits, not just for recent retirees. Our professional Gainesville movers at UF Mover Guys are here to teach you the benefits of downsizing. 

Our movers in Gainesville are here to help you cut the clutter with our junk removal services. Contact us today to request a moving quote and to schedule moving services for your upcoming relocation.

You’ll Save Money

Smaller spaces are less expensive, so moving means cheaper monthly payments, lower utility costs, less space to fill, and lower property taxes if you even have any. However, the more room you have, the more tempting it is to fill every room in the house with furniture, electronics, or appliances — those add up!

It’ll Re-Energize You

Whether you are an empty-nester whose children moved away or a college student looking for a new place to live, downsizing can usher in a new chapter of your life. A smaller living space means a change in lifestyle that can reduce your stress levels and keep you active. A smaller home also means less upkeep and possibly new amenities for you to enjoy.

You’ll Have More Time For Fun Stuff

A smaller home can mean less clutter and, therefore, less time wasted. For example, if you move into a smaller home, you will spend less time cleaning and fixing things, which means more time to pick up a new hobby or read a book. Traveling will also be less of a hassle when you leave home for an extended time, especially if you consider downsizing to an apartment or a condominium.

You Can Relive The Past

It can be cathartic to go through your belongings. Going through a mountain of things can bring up memories and remind you of how far you have come in life. While these memories will come up, try to get rid of things you haven’t used in a long time or aren’t sentimental to you. If any items have sentimental value to you, we recommend asking how many of these things you want or when was the last time you used them.