Moving Tips | Gainesville Movers and Moving Companies in Gainesville

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.

Moving Into A New Place Made Simple

Moving can be a stressful but also an exciting time. Whether you’re moving into your first off campus apartment or moving into a new home, a smooth and easy process is what every mover wants. Our Gainesville moving professionals at UF Mover Guys have come up with some tips for new and veteran movers alike to make the moving process simple and easy.

Have A Box Of Necessities Ready And Labelled

After a long day of moving, searching through boxes for toothpaste or a towel can be a nightmare. When packing, set aside a backpack or box for essentials, like a toothbrush, a set of pajamas, toilet paper, medication, and anything else you’d take on an overnight trip. If you have a pet, check that they have toys, food and water bowls, and beds readily available to make their transition as easy as yours. Having labels on everything can prevent last-minute headaches on move-in day. Our professional movers can assist in getting your items to their proper place and room, so you have one less thing to worry about when moving in. Let our Gainesville movers do the work so you don’t have to.

Get Acquainted With Your New Area

With moving comes a lot of new — new home, new neighborhood, new roads, and the list continues. Get acquainted with local markets, gas stations, and other convenience stores so you’re not caught with an empty tank or pantry on move-in day. Even if you’re just moving a short distance, you’ll be better prepared and ready for last-minute emergencies.

Confirm Your Address Is Updated

Picture this: boxes are stacked neatly in your new home, the Gainesville movers are on their way with the furniture, and you’re ready to unpack and relax, but wait — the lights aren’t coming on. What gives? It’s important to have utilities and internet ready before moving in. Sitting in the dark without AC, internet, or water is a less than ideal way to spend move-in day, so call your providers early. You’ll also want to update your mailing and billing address, otherwise, you may be missing out on important mail or the newest season of your favorite Netflix shows.

If you’re new to Gainesville, here is some information on the local utility and internet companies.

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) provides electric, natural gas, water, and other services. Check with your landlord or realtor to confirm which services are your responsibility.

Cox Communications provides cable, internet, and phone services to the Gainesville area. It can take a few days to get everything set up, especially for new accounts, so make sure to call in advance.

Plan Where You Want Furniture

Our movers in Gainesville are highly trained, professional, and ready to set up your new apartment or house to your liking. By planning where your furniture is going in advance, our local movers can ensure a smooth and quick process, allowing you to relax and get to unpacking in peace. If you need help unpacking or putting together items, UF Mover Guys has got you covered. We offer an array of residential moving services to accommodate your needs.

Check For Damages

Before settling in, take a quick look around your new home or apartment. Finding damages or leaky pipes is always upsetting, but it’s better to address any damages or repairs that need to be made before you’ve unpacked. The last thing you need is to lose a deposit due to looking over a chip in the paint or, even worse, losing some of your sentimental items due to a leaking pipe causing water damage.

Pick A Moving Company In Gainesville, FL

Whether you’re making a long-distance move or just moving down the street, UF Mover Guys can help. We offer a wide variety of moving services, including full and partial packing, local and long-distance in-state moves, climate-controlled storage, and more. Contact us to schedule a move today.

Smart Unpacking Tips

Once the truck is unloaded and the movers have left, it’s time to start unpacking. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you feel like you’re surrounded by a sea of unopened boxes, so Gainesville movers with UF Mover Guys have compiled this list of tips to make unpacking a breeze.

Smart Unpacking Starts With Smart Unloading

When unloading, if boxes were placed randomly around the home, unpacking will become complicated and frustrating. This is why it’s important to take the time while packing to clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This way, professional movers can unload the box straight from the truck to the proper room, saving time and effort in the long run. Remember, when it comes to moving, a little organization goes a long way.

Start With Your Priority Box

It’s always a good idea to pack a “priority box.” This is a box containing essential items needed for the first night or two in a new home. This generally includes items such as medications; toiletries; entertainment objects such as books or games; and enough clothes for the first day or two in the new home. This will save you from the frustration of tearing into boxes looking for that one item that you really need.

Go Room By Room

Create and stick to a plan of action, rather than moving back and forth between rooms. Start with the rooms that are used the most, which usually means the kitchen. Hook up any small appliances such as the coffee maker and microwave, and get the dishes, pots and pans, and utensils into drawers and cabinets. Remember that this doesn’t have to be where they live forever; you can always go back and rearrange in a day or two.

After the kitchen, tackle the bathroom, starting with important items such as medications, toilet paper, and towels. Next, unpack the bedrooms. Families with older children can put children in charge of their own bedrooms, saving the adults the effort and helping kids feel like active participants in the move.

Take Your Time With The Peripherals

Once all the most important areas have been handled, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the rest of the unpacking process. Items such as artwork, books, and other decorative objects should be the last items unpacked.

If space is available, lay out all the artwork and decorations on a table and take some time to envision where each should go. Try out different locations before settling on a final position. Remember that there’s no hurry to get everything just right — there will be plenty of time in the new house to figure out where everything goes and feel at home.

The first step to ensuring a smooth unpacking process is finding the right moving company in Gainesville. For a free estimate, contact UF Mover Guys today.

8 Effective Ways To Move Out Quickly

Sometimes an event comes along that requires you to make a residential move in short order. Perhaps it’s a new job offer or you want to be closer to the family. Whatever the reason, there are some ways you can speed up the process — and maybe save a little money, too. Here’s a to-do list before moving from the Gainesville movers at UF Mover Guys to make everything as fast as possible.

1. Hire Local Home Movers

When there isn’t much time to organize, a Gainesville moving company can respond to your needs faster than a national moving company. Gainesville residential movers at UF Mover Guys are professionals who will give your valuables superior care and attention, freeing you up to handle all the last-minute details.

2. Get Your Packaging Supplies Organized

Before you spend all that time and money at a moving supplies store, take a look around your home for materials to help you pack in a hurry. You can wrap fragile items such as large plates and glass in a towel or blanket, instead of bubble wrap. Other breakables, such as glassware and ceramics, can go into boxes padded with bedsheets, pillowcases, and socks.

Speaking of boxes, look for some extras sitting around in your garage. If you need more, visit your local grocery store and ask the manager for eggs boxes from the dairy department. (Eggs boxes are built strong, and they’re free for the taking.)

3. Start Packing Early

If you put off packing, you’ll be rushed at the last minute. As a result, you might leave something behind or forget to do an important task. So, begin packing as soon as you have your boxes ready. Label each box as you go, listing what’s inside and which room it belongs in.

4. Ask Friends & Family For Packing Help

Putting stuff in boxes all by yourself is hard. Fortunately, you have plenty of assistance waiting in your neighbors, coworkers and family members. Why not invite them to a moving party? Offer them food and drinks in exchange for their packing labors. Play some great music and have lots of laughs. Before you know it, everything will be packaged, labeled and ready for the moving truck.

5. Donate Or Give Away Unwanted Stuff

Do you really need to take everything, or are there some items you don’t need anymore? Before the packing party, look through closets and storage spaces and separate out unneeded clothing, knickknacks, and gadgets. Also, look for items that:

Are damaged
Belong to someone else
You use only one time of the year, such as seasonal decorations

Toss the broken stuff, and pack the rest to donate. Then, take the items to a local charity where they can be put to good use, or give them to friends. The less you put on the moving truck, the more time and money you’ll save.

6. Plan A Pre-Move-In

Does your lease start before moving day? Take some things over to the new place early, if you can. Bring small items that you might not need right away, such as spare clothes, collectibles or kitchen tools. If you can make multiple trips, do it. The time you invest now will pay off in a faster move on the big day.

7. Have Your Move Ready The Night Before

The night before the movers arrive, double-check to make sure everything is ready to put on the truck. Did you:

Clean out the refrigerator?
Inspect the bathrooms for unpacked toiletries?
Peek under sinks for stray cleaning products?

Finally, put personal items like prescriptions and important papers in a small tote or other container. Pack them in the car a few minutes after the movers arrive in the morning.

8. Do Your Last-Minute Cleaning Before Moving In

Now it’s morning, and the truck is here. To help complete the moving in one day, clean up while items are being removed. Wipe dirt off windows or shelves as boxes get taken off them. When everything is out of a room, vacuum the floors and look for any items you may have missed. Then put the cleaning items in the truck and you’re ready to go.

Call Gainesville, FL Movers Now

For more than 10 years, Gainesville residents have depended on UF Mover Guys to handle last-minute moves. With our expertise and friendly service, you can expect a well-planned and organized move, even when time is critical. Contact UF Mover Guys today for moving services in Gainesville, FL, and let’s get this move on the road!

Moving Hack: Create A Packing Schedule

Moving is stressful. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything that you have to do and put off packing until the last minute. Unfortunately, as professional movers know, packing only gets more difficult and stressful with procrastination. The key to simple and stress-free packing is to start early and create (and stick to) a detailed packing schedule.

Before You Pack

The moment you know you’re moving, create a moving checklist of everything you have to do, complete with specific deadlines for each task. This checklist will keep track of tasks such as changing utilities from the old place to the new, picking up boxes, and hiring a Gainesville moving service. A detailed checklist will keep you on top of everything that you need to do.

Moving is also the perfect opportunity to downsize your belongings. The less you have, the easier it will be to pack. Take some time before your move to sort through possessions and get rid of clothes, books, or other objects for which you no longer have use. You might consider hosting a garage sale a month or so before your big move.

Where To Start

The hardest part of any big project is figuring out how to get started, and this is no less true for packing. Because packing can take a long time, and you’ll still need to live in your home while you’re packing, it’s best to start in the least frequently used rooms of your house, such as an attic, garage, or guest bedroom. Clearing these rooms early on will provide you with a convenient “dumping ground” for packed boxes to keep them out of your way throughout the packing process. Having all of your packed items in one area will be a blessing come moving day.

Packing Schedule By Room

Depending on how much time you’ve allowed yourself to pack, you may choose to dedicate a day to packing each individual room. If you’ve really planned ahead, you may even be able to spend a week on each room. Gainesville movers recommend the following packing order:

Storage areas such as basements, attics, or garages.
Little-used rooms such as guest bedrooms or home offices.
Children’s rooms, if any.
Finally, the most essential rooms: kitchens, master bedrooms, and bathrooms.

As you’re packing, keep in mind what you’ll need your first night in your new home and pack those items together in a box or suitcase. This way, you won’t spend your first night digging through multiple boxes just trying to get ready for bed.

Packing Schedule By Item

Another tactic for packing is to tackle objects by function. As with packing by room, it’s best to start with nonessentials. This includes seasonal items such as holiday decorations and out-of-season clothes, artwork and decorations, and collectibles such as photo albums or scrapbooks. Anything that you won’t have use for before your move should be packed first. Next should come books, DVDs, games, and other hobby activities. You likely won’t have time to enjoy these in the hectic days and weeks leading up to your move. Remember that books are heavy, so it’s best to pack these in small, sturdy boxes to keep them safe.

As moving day gets closer, move on to nonessential items that you use a little more frequently, like linens, office supplies, and jewelry. When packing linens, remember that old blankets, towels, and sheets make excellent padding for breakable items like china or lamps. In the final days before your move, tackle the objects you use every day. This includes electronics, kitchen items, and clothes. You may have to live on paper plates and plastic utensils for a few days.

Packing is a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Gainesville movers will tell you that the best way to keep moving low-stress is to create a packing schedule that works best for your life. Remember that these tips are just suggestions, and you can tweak them to suit your needs. To get started on creating your packing schedule, contact us today to schedule your move.