Moving Tips | Gainesville Movers and Moving Companies in Gainesville

Moving? Boost Your Energy With These Tips

Moving can quickly zap anyone’s drive, but there are few extra steps you can take to maximize your energy and even find new sources of motivation when your reserves are running low. Don’t struggle through another minute of moving without checking out these energy-boosting tips from UF Mover Guys. And if you need a little extra help, request a free quote from our Gainesville moving company!

Get Enough Sleep

You can’t maintain energy levels if you aren’t providing your body with enough sleep to begin with. But, we know, sleeping regular hours during a move can be difficult. You might be stressed or overwhelmed by everything you have to do, or you might be physically over-exhausted. Either way, it’s not uncommon to be stuck counting sheep during a life change as significant as moving. Still, getting proper amounts of quality sleep will help keep stress in check and better prepare your body to cope with all of the extra work. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep during a move, try meditating 15-minutes before sleep. You can also take natural sleep aids, such as melatonin and chamomile, to ease you into a restful slumber.

Nourish Your Body

In addition to getting enough sleep, your body requires nutrients and hydration to meet the extra demand. Even though you might be busy, it’s important not to skip meals. Make mealtime a moment to relax and regroup. Also, avoid heavy or fatty meals that will weigh you down and cause bloating. Instead, enjoy lighter meals that are packed with vitamins and nutrients to keep you feeling your best. It’s also important to drink plenty of water. Hydration is vital for maintaining high energy levels under normal circumstances, and it’s crucial during increased physical activity such as moving.

Avoid Alcohol And Excess Caffeine

When it comes to drinking during a move, stick with water. When your energy dips in the afternoon, it may be tempting to brew another cup of coffee or make a quick trip to your favorite café. Still, caffeine can actually have the opposite effect of what you’re intending. Drinking too much caffeine, whether from energy drinks or coffee, can dehydrate you and send your energy levels plummeting fast after that initial jolt of stamina. And while indulging in a cold beer or two might make the monotony of packing or unpacking seem more bearable, alcohol also dehydrates you, slows you down, and negatively affects your quality of sleep, producing an avoidable cycle of sleepiness. Save the celebratory drinks for when the move’s over!

Get The Music Going

Whether it’s funk, pop, classic rock, hip hop, country, or electronic, play some music that really gets you going. Not only will it provide a tempo to match your work to, but it can also make a dull experience more enjoyable. Play moving karaoke while you pack the dishes, and you might be surprised to find that you’re having fun. Who knows, the next song that comes on could be your second wind to unpack those last few boxes.

Take Breaks With Purpose

When you’ve been lugging around boxes and furniture all morning, you probably want to do nothing but stare at your phone during a break. However, this can be counterproductive because once you stop moving, it can actually take a whole lot more energy just to get the ball rolling again. Instead of checking out during a break, try doing something that allows you to break away from moving but still keeps you active. Take the dog for a walk, head to the store for more packing tape, or cool off with a nice shower. If you absolutely must have a break where you’re doing nothing, limit the time to 5 or 10 minutes.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

It’s understandable to want to do it all yourself, but you’re just one person. Even if you’re moving with family members, a significant other, or a friend, moving is a lot of work, especially when you’re not used to it. Seeking out the services of professional movers can make all the difference between burning out or enjoying setting up your new home. Many moving companies can even help with junk removal so you have fewer things to move.

How To Protect Your Vacant Home Or Apartment While Moving

Sometimes, people may have to move before selling their house or before the lease on their apartment comes to an end. No big deal, timelines between new and old tenants rarely align. However, it can be worrisome being responsible for two properties at once, especially since vacant properties are more susceptible to break-ins, vandalism, and other forms of criminal activity. So, what’s the best way to protect your vacant home or empty apartment in the days, weeks, or months you’re still responsible for it?

No need for a property-wide electric fence or alligator-filled moat — instead, just follow these seven simple security tips from the UF Mover Guys!

Make It Look Like Someone Still Lives There

One of the most effective ways to protect your empty home is by making it look like someone still lives there. The reason vacant properties are targeted in the first place is the lack of human presence, so simulating occupancy will naturally deter criminals by erasing any perceived opportunity. A couple of good ways to simulate presence is by leaving a car parked in the driveway and scheduling indoor lights to turn on at certain times. Also, an overflowing mailbox is a dead giveaway that a home is vacant, so stop by and empty the mailbox now and then.

Don’t Leave Any Spare Keys Outside

It sounds obvious, but it’s not uncommon for people to leave their spare key underneath the welcome mat, in a potted plant, or above the doorframe of their vacant home in case they need to come back inside at a later time. Never do this, as those are the places a would-be intruder would check first. Instead, leave the spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend. Even if you believe you’ve found the perfect hiding spot, don’t leave your key outside — it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Double-Check All Windows & Doors

Amidst the hustle and bustle of move out day, you may forget to lock and secure all of the home’s windows and doors. To help avoid this, make sure the last thing you do on move-out day is to go through the house and double-check that every window and door is locked and secure. Also, a few weeks ahead of time, ensure that all the home’s locks hold strong. If any locks have been compromised, replace them before moving out. The last thing you want to do is leave the house wide open to intruders.

Keep The Alarm System Running

The more protection you have in place, the better, so hold off on ending the contract of your vacant home’s security system until necessary. Also, be sure to have anything that advertises the security system, from window decals to yard signs, prominently displayed. If you do decide to disconnect the home’s security systems on move-out day, at least leave the decals and signs up to convince criminals otherwise.

Ask Someone To Check On The Home

Moving too far away to check on the house yourself? Have a friend, family member, or even trusted neighbor stop by the property a few times a week and report any suspicious activity. Ask them to empty the mailbox, park their car in the driveway occasionally, and do anything else they can to make it look like people are still living there. Having watchful eyes on the property is worth it just for the peace-of-mind.

Install Motion Detector Lights

Motion detector lights are more than enough to discourage would-be intruders from entering a vacant home and make for cost-effective alternatives to a home security system. If you’re worried about someone lurking around the vacant home at night, install motion detector lights over the garage door, front door, backyard, and sides of the house. This strategic placement greatly reduces the number of ways an intruder could approach the house.

Take Care Of The Yard

An overgrown lawn is a telltale sign of a vacant home. For as long as the house is under your ownership, keep up with the landscaping. If you’re moving too far to stop by and give the grass trim, hire someone to do it for you. No need to keep every bush and tree trim and manicured; just ensuring the grass is cut regularly will suffice. Plus, having lawn care professionals stop by regularly is the kind of frequent activity that would deter criminals.

Moving soon? Check out more of our moving tips or contact our moving company to schedule residential moving services!

Moving Soon? Consider Making These Repairs Before Settling In!

Here at UF Mover Guys, we know you probably have a mountain of things to do before moving into a new place. Between packing, decluttering, and scheduling moving services, you may not have much time to thoroughly inspect your new residence — let alone make any repairs before you move in. However, there really is no better time to make certain home improvements than when the house is empty, free of furniture.

If you find yourself with enough time on your hands, consider making the following repairs and home improvements before moving into your new home. And, as always, contact our moving company, UF Mover Guys to request a free moving quote.

Interior Painting

If you’ve ever had to paint a wall, you know how much of a hassle it is to remove whatever is in the way, especially sofas and other bulky items. Not only do you run the risk of damaging your furniture and shelving when painting around them, but the paint’s smell may stick around your upholstery for weeks. On the other hand, if you thoroughly inspect your new home’s interior walls for blemishes and uneven paint jobs before hauling in your furniture, you won’t have as many problems. On the contrary, you’ll likely be better able to spot issues and do a better job painting when the room is clear of any obstacles.

Flooring

Flooring is similarly easier to survey, repair, and replace when nothing is in the way, perhaps more so than walls. Regardless of their material, floors sustain a lot of wear and tear over the years (and unrelenting pet smells as well, especially carpeting.) If your new home dates back more than half a century, we highly encourage you to update the flooring. Vinyl is increasingly becoming popular among homeowners thanks mainly to its durability, affordability, and customizability. Are you worried about scratching your floor while hauling in furniture? Hire professional movers with UF Mover Guys. We’ll take care of your new home like our own.

Popcorn Walls & Ceilings

If your new home dates back before the 1990s, chances are it has at least some popcorn ceilings and textured walls. These were favored in years past, but they are now largely unpopular and might even pose serious health risks to you and your family. The reason being that popcorn ceilings and textured walls often feature outdated construction materials, such as asbestos. Removing the textured part from walls and ceilings is now relatively straightforward but will require you to remove all furniture and belongings from the room. Save yourself the hassle, schedule a thorough inspection, and remove any popcorn ceilings before moving in.

Need help downsizing and decluttering before move-in day? Check out our decluttering guide and contact us to schedule junk removal and hauling services.

Moving On A Budget? Follow These 5 Easy Tips

If you’ve ever had to relocate for school or work in a pinch, you probably know how quickly moving costs can add up. Whether you need to buy more packing supplies, hire professional movers, or get a pet sitter for move-out day, there always seems to be one more thing to do on the moving-day list, especially if you didn’t get much time to plan your move. So, how can you stay within budget next time you need to move? Your safest bet is to start making plans as soon as you know you’ll be relocating, that way you’ll have plenty of time to weigh all available options.

Fortunately, moving doesn’t have to break the bank. With enough preparations, you can cut down on costs. Follow these simple tips from UF Mover Guys to ensure your move stays within budget.

Looking for affordable movers in Gainesville, FL? Contact us to get a free quote!

Downsizing Is Key

You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s worth reminding — there’s hardly a better time to downsize than during a move. Not only will you save time and money by having fewer items to pack, load, move, and unload, but you also have an opportunity to make a bit of extra cash by selling unused items. Less things to transport also means you can rent a smaller van, hire movers for less time, and run less risk of damaging your belongings on the way to your new place.

Know Where & How To Sell Unused Items

The best place to sell used items nowadays is online. Use marketplace applications and reply to inquiries right away to encourage buyers and use verifiable forms of payment like cashier’s checks or direct payment applications to avoid scams. If you can’t wait to find a buyer online, consider selling to a local thrift store instead. Just make sure to look at their online reviews to ensure they are a trustworthy business.

Be Mindful Where You Leave Trash

Need to get rid of bulky items? Be careful when leaving items like furniture on the side of the road, even when next to a dumpster. Depending on your area’s regulations, you may be subject to illegal dumping fines. To be safe, contact our local movers for junk removal services and guarantee that your trash is disposed of properly. Back at your old place, make sure to go through every room looking for any trash that might prevent you from getting your security deposit back.

Store Expensive Items For Later

Deciding what to keep is not always easy. Some things, like an extra bed set or dinner table, may be in the way now but might come in handy later. If you’re not ready to part with some of your belongings or think you’ll need them in the future, find affordable storage services in your area to keep them secure and out of your way. While it may seem tedious to relocate furniture, replacing big items like couches or beds is usually far costlier than simply storing them away.

Find Cheap & Free Packing Supplies

Packing supplies may not be the biggest threat to your wallet when moving, but they can make a dent nonetheless. If you plan your move ahead of time, you may have a better chance of finding cheap or even free packaging supplies. Ask around. Your friends and family may have some leftover cardboard boxes they wouldn’t mind donating. Check local grocery stores and ask if you can take any extra boxes while checking out. Slowly but surely, you’ll gather enough.

For the best value in town, trust our moving company to deliver affordable and reliable residential moving services. UF Mover Guys is fully licensed, insured, and ready to help you transition into your new home stress-free. Contact us to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Moving In Together? Introduce Your Pets With These Tips

Whether you’re moving in with a significant other or a new roommate, things can get a little bit tricky if you both have pets. Even if you’ve had the opportunity to introduce your pets to each other before the big move, pets can be territorial with their space, toys, and even you. To help ease the transition, UF Mover Guys gives you some tried-and-true tips for introducing your furry companions to their new friends.

To help the rest of your move go smoothly, schedule moving services with our professional moving company in Gainesville, FL.

First Impressions

If there hasn’t been time to get your pets acquainted before the big move, make sure to set aside time in a neutral area. For most dogs, this can be an area outside of the home, such as a dog park. For cats and dogs who aren’t trained enough for outdoor activities, find a place indoors.

If you’re moving into a completely new home, this should be easy to accomplish. However, if someone is moving into your space or vice versa, it can be challenging to find a spot that your pet hasn’t already established as their own. If so, the first meeting might need to be in a small, controlled area, such as a bathroom, and will most likely be brief.

You may even need to isolate both pets from each other and have them gradually become aware of one another through increasing proximity. While this isn’t ideal, it can help maintain safety while the two new pets are acclimating to each other’s presence.

Know The Signs

You’ve probably been with your pet long enough to know the signs they exhibit to tell you how they’re feeling. Reading your fur baby’s body language can go a long way toward ensuring that the transition to their new life goes smoothly.

For dogs, be aware of their ear and tail placement. If their ears are pinned back against their head, and their tails are down or curled between their legs, they’re probably feeling anxious about the new situation. Even if they’re not displaying anxious behavior, keep an eye out for territorial behavior when they may be too aggressive or growling at the other animal.

Similarly, if your feline friend is being extra stand-offish or trying to escape the situation, don’t push the meeting. You can always take a break and come back to introduce them to each other another day when they are more relaxed.

Exercise Dogs Together

When your dog was a puppy, you probably exercised them to curb unwanted behavior, such as chewing on furniture. The same principle can be applied to getting them used to a new situation. Exercising dogs together in a neutral environment can reduce stress, distract them from the unfamiliar, and tire them out, so they’re less likely to be fearful or aggressive.

Dogs are pack animals, so doing activities together strengthens their bond. Try taking them for a walk together at a new park. While walking, you don’t need to prioritize having them side by side, just near each other. Be sure to keep them leashed at the park so that you can maintain control of the situation. Furnishing plenty of treats and praise is also helpful because it creates a connection between being around this new dog and good things.

Take It Slowly

Animals are subject to their own thoughts and feelings about circumstances. It’s important to acknowledge and respect that whenever you’re introducing them to new experiences. While the new fur pals may almost instantly take to one another, it could take weeks or even months for harmony to build between them.

Both owners need to be patient with their pets. Sometimes, we take for granted that animals don’t speak our language and have no idea what’s happening or why. They may interpret the addition of a new pet in the household as a threat to their position. Take it one day at a time, and be sure to give both pets plenty of love and attention.

Also, be sure to provide each pet with a safe area where they can retreat to if they’re feeling overwhelmed. This place should be a separate room with comforts that they are familiar with, such as their crate, bed, food and water bowls, and toys. They may not hit it off as fast as you and your roommate did, but with patience and love, they’ll eventually come around.

How To Keep Your Dog Happy After Moving

The big day is finally here. You’ve found a new home, packed up all of your belongings, and now you’re finally ready to settle into the new place. While it may be an exciting life change for you, your furry pal has no idea what’s going on. Oftentimes, a move to a new home can lead your dog to exhibit anxious and destructive behaviors.

Moving is stressful enough, but moving with a dog can be even more so. Let UF Mover Guys help take away some of that burden. Contact us for more information about our professional moving services.

Make It Safe

Before you allow your dog into any area of your new home, make sure it’s pet-proofed. Check fences for areas where they might be able to squeeze through and ensure that there are no safety threats in any room your dog can access, such as cleaning supplies or small choking hazards. If necessary, use gates or a pet playpen until you can address this. Even if your pet is trained to walk without a leash, make sure to leash them until they understand where they can and can’t go in the yard and neighborhood.

Keep It Familiar

Changing homes is a significant shift in a dog’s life, so keeping everything else as routine as possible can help make them feel more comfortable. As soon as you can, arrange their bed, crate, and toys to a similar layout as you had before. Try to feed and walk them at the same pre-move times of the day as well. Even avoiding purchasing new items for yourself for a while, such as furniture, can help them feel more secure in their new environment. On the other hand, buying new toys for them, especially ones that allow them to chew, can help curb destructive behavior.

Get Their Energy Out

Exercise is a great way to combat pet anxiety. Making sure that you’re giving them an appropriate amount of exercise for their age and breed can make all the difference. Exercise can include going for walks around your new neighborhood or yard, playing fetch, tug-of-war, or other forms of playtime with you. Keeping them active will help distract them from all the changes and help them sleep better, reducing the likelihood of anxious behavior.

Give Lots Of Love

Reassuring your pet with plenty of attention can help them feel better. You likely already know what type of attention your pet responds to best, but try a variety of tactics to keep it fun for both of you. Favorite treats, easy training sessions, plenty of belly rubs, playful floortime, letting them nap near you, and keeping them nearby when they’re awake can all have a positive effect on your pet’s transition to the new home.

Stay With Them

When possible, stay at home with them for the first couple of days. Your presence will have a calming effect and signal to them that everything is okay. While it’s not always possible to take time off of work or school, even limiting the amount of time you’re away from home on social engagements can also help. As a side bonus, this will give you more time to unpack and settle into your new home so life can go back to normal sooner for both you and your furry pal.

Be Patient

Above all else, be patient with your dog. They’ve been ripped away from the life that they were comfortable and familiar with, and have no idea why. Showing them compassion and an extra bit of patience can go a long way toward helping them accept their new home. If your dog regresses in training, such as having an accident in the home or tearing up furniture, remember that this is their way of communicating with you. Use love and understanding to communicate back rather than getting frustrated or angry.

Professional movers can allow you to spend more time addressing your pet’s needs without becoming overwhelmed. Check out our other moving tips to make it as stress-free as possible!

4 Tips To Find An Apartment In The Summer

Finding an apartment in the summertime can feel like somewhat of a competition — many people are off from school or are taking time off from work for vacation, so they also have time for apartment hunting. If you happen to be in the market, it can feel a little overwhelming. To make the process a little easier, check out our tips for finding an apartment in the summer.

And when you need moving help, call the professionals at UF Mover Guys!

Check Your Credit

One easy way to streamline the apartment hunting process is to learn your credit score before you even meet with a potential landlord. You can receive a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Landlords will often use your credit score to determine if you are a good candidate for the apartment. They also might use it to determine how much the deposit will be. If you have a lower credit score, you can help your cause by providing a favorable rental history. You should also be able to show proof of an income that is at least two to three times the amount of rent of the apartment.

Get Financial Items In Order

To corroborate your income, print out bank statements and have at least three recent pay stubs readily available. If you know that you don’t make two to three times the amount of rent, consider getting a roommate or make sure to line up a dependable family member or friend to sign as a guarantor. This way, the landlord will have a guarantee that rent will be paid no matter what. You should also be ready to pay all of the fees, which may include first and last month’s rent and a deposit fee. If you don’t have immediate access to the amount of money required for move-in, then your dream apartment might end up going to someone else.

View Apartments During The Week

If you’re a student or faculty member at the University of Florida, there’s a pretty good chance that you have at least part of the summer off. While this can give you the advantage of having time for apartment searching and packing, many others will be doing the same thing. When possible, gain a competitive edge by scheduling tours during the week. Most people will be using their weekends to visit properties, so viewing them during the week might give you extra time to tour and express your interests. Also, come prepared with plenty of questions so that you can pounce on the property immediately if it fits your criteria.

Compare Local Moving Companies

Local movers can ease so much of the burden of moving — both literally and figuratively — especially when it’s over 90 degrees outside and the last thing you want to do is hoist your couch up two flights of stairs. Professional moving companies also offer other valuable assistance, such as packing services and storage facilities. Once you find the perfect apartment, our moving company can make your summer move go smoothly without you breaking the bank or a sweat. Contact UF Mover Guys to get your moving quote today. Also, be sure to check out our moving tips for more insights on how to make your move the best yet.

How Much To Tip Movers

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

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

Do You Have To Tip Movers?

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

How Much Do You Tip Movers?

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

When You Should Tip Movers

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

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

What’s The Best Way To Tip Movers?

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

Moving-In Tips: When Taste & Style Clash

Moving in together is a relationship milestone that offers both benefits of cohabitation and requirements of compromise. The hardest part about moving in with your significant other might seem like having to share a
bathroom. Still, for many couples, the greatest and most unexpected challenge is combining individual taste and style within a shared living environment. Our movers at UF Mover Guys offer these helpful tips for combining style and making design compromises with your partner for a home you both love. For personalized moving services to fit your needs, call our team.

Decide What Stays & What Goes

Moving in with your significant other means dealing with double the amount of stuff. Before calling your local movers to schedule moving services, it’s essential first to identify what items to leave behind and what things you plan to bring along to your new home. Compromise is the name of the game when it comes to cohabitation — if you choose to take your favorite coffee table, allow your partner to select another piece of furniture to bring along. Most cohabitating couples find it helpful to agree on purging unwanted items equally before moving.

For duplicate belongings, inspect both items and determine their condition, size, and quality. If you can’t seem to reach common ground on a specific item, it may be worth tossing out and buying something new that you choose together.

Choose Clean Lines & Natural Materials

There are plenty of decorating tips out there, but for couples with clashing style and taste, it’s best to stick with general crowd-pleasers. While picking out furniture for your new home, select items featuring clean lines made from natural materials. Furnishings with clean lines don’t have to be lackluster, but they can effectively integrate with a wide range of different tastes. No matter how you or your partner’s taste changes over the years, furniture with simple, clean lines and a natural composition will always be easy to integrate with the rest of your home’s décor. Another way to keep your space looking neat and appealing is to hang mirrors instead of artwork. Choosing art that appeals to both partners can be fraught with stress. Mirrors can instantly brighten up a room and allow natural light to reflect beautifully.

Select A Neutral Color Palette

As with clean lines and natural materials, a neutral color palette is typically the best interior-style option for couples with different tastes. Neutrals are an excellent solution for blending multiple different styles, but they don’t have to be boring. We recommend that couples opt for neutral colors and tones when selecting large investment pieces — such as a headboard or couch — and express their unique style preferences with small accent pieces — such as decorative pillows or picture frames. The best way to keep multiple neutral accents from looking too dull is with texture, such as a cream, grey, or brown-colored rug. Rely on texture (not color) to increase the visual interest of your interiors. If you prefer to use what you have, consider refurbishing strong-colored furniture with a neutral-colored coat of paint.

If In Doubt, Pick What’s Popular

For couples moving in together, style and taste tend to clash most when selecting interior details, such as flooring, fixtures, and finishes. If you find yourself at an impasse, consider what most people choose. Opting for the most popular items is not just a great way to avoid an argument over personal taste, but it can also boost the mass appeal of your home and increase resale values should you decide to list the property for sale. It’s hard to go wrong with classic home interiors, such as hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. When you and your partner can’t agree on certain aspects of your home’s interior design, the popular taste can help guide you. As with a neutral color palette, popular home picks should be used for foundational aspects of the home, while small accent pieces can add personal flair.

Five Moving Tips For Student Renters

Moving into your first student apartment is always exciting. It can also be a lot of work. Moving into an apartment is much different from moving into a dorm, where large furniture items such as beds, desks, and dressers are already provided. Simplify the moving process with these tips from Gainesville movers with UF Mover Guys.

1. Choose A Move-In Date

The first step of a move is to pick a moving date. Consider factors such as the availability of helpers and professional movers, the date you need to leave your current apartment, and your new apartment’s contract. In a college town such as Gainesville, it’s a good idea to schedule a move for a few days before or after the apartment complex’s common move-in date. This will help avoid the chaos of multiple households moving in at once. Students who are moving in with roommates should communicate with their roommates beforehand to determine if they’ll all be moving in on the same day. It may be a good idea to stagger move-in times.

2. Downsize Before Moving

Moving provides the perfect opportunity to take stock of possessions and get rid of anything that is rarely used and takes up valuable space. A general rule of thumb is that if something hasn’t been used in the last year, it’s a good time to donate it. Set aside some time to go through your things and decide what you no longer have a use for. This will streamline the packing process and create fewer boxes when it comes time for the moving company to cart them away.

3. Gather Boxes

It’s best to start acquiring boxes several weeks before a move. Students who wait too long run the risk of losing out to other students who are moving at the same time. For free boxes, visit local grocery stores and ask if they have extra boxes they can give away. This can be a handy resource, but may not provide a great variety of box sizes. If you need specific sized boxes, most moving companies in Gainesville will also sell boxes.

4. Plan The Layout Of The New Apartment

Knowing where to direct your professional movers will significantly simplify the moving process. Before moving in, take pictures and measurements throughout the apartment that you can use to determine where furniture should go. Students can provide their moving service with this blueprint to ensure that heavy furniture gets placed where it should go, saving them from heavy lifting in the future.

5. Complete The Inspection Sheet

On your move-in day, your landlord or property manager should provide you with an inspection sheet. Go through the apartment and carefully inspect for damage, nonfunctioning appliances, or marks on the paint, flooring, or walls. Make note of damages on the inspection sheet and turn it into the landlord or property manager for their records. This way, students will not be liable for pre-existing damage when they move out.

Moving into a new apartment is both exciting and stressful. At UF Mover Guys, our goal is to mitigate that stress as much as possible. Contact our Gainesville moving service today for a free quote.