Category: Moving Tips

Easy-To-Forget Items You’ll Need on Moving Day

Your moving date has been marked on your calendar for months. It’s the day when you pack up all your beloved possessions and settle into your new home. Don’t let it also be the day when you have to rush to the convenience store at 2 a.m. because you need an item you forgot at your old place.

 

Five Household Staples You Don’t Want To Forget on Moving Day

While there will be things like your great grandmother’s gold ring that you won’t forget to bring, some items you use more frequently may slip your mind. To prevent mistakes, here’s a guide to remind you of some household staples you’re going to need when you move.  

Phone & Computer Chargers

You’ve relocated and your Gainesville moving company has brought everything big to your new place. Suddenly, you remember that you forgot your phone charger, right when your phone is about to die. Don’t be that person! Make sure you have spare chargers and battery packs with you on moving day. You’ll probably need your phone to coordinate the move with whoever is helping you, so it’s important to keep it charged.

Cleaning Supplies

Remember to have your cleaning supplies near on moving day. You and your Gainesville movers have probably tracked dirt and grime into your new home, so one of the first things you’re going to want to do is clean. Yes, it’s not the most exciting thing to do, but you’ll feel good when you know you’re sleeping in a squeaky-clean room at night.

Toothbrush

Bringing a toothbrush sounds like a no-brainer, but movers in Gainesville, FL, say it’s one of the most common things people forget on moving day. To avoid this, pack your toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse or personal bag before moving day starts. Nobody wants to go to bed with stinky breath.

Fire Extinguisher

You might find it odd if your moving company in Gainesville, FL, carries a fire extinguisher in the truck, but you’re going to be glad you have it. After moving into a new place, you might catch something on fire if you are not accustomed to the new oven and stove. It’s important to keep this item near the kitchen to maximize safety while cooking. You never know when you might need it.

Canned Goods

You might have planned to eat out at the end of moving day, but you may feel exhausted after hours of carrying and arranging stuff. Remember to bring some canned goods that are quick and easy to prepare.

UF Moving Guys Are Here to Help

Whether you’re moving to Gainesville or making a move within the city, it’s important to have a moving company you trust to help you transition. UF Mover Guys is the Gainesville moving company for all your needs. We offer long-distance and in-state moving help, along with a full-service package that includes packing and transportation of your belongings. And we don’t even charge travel or fuel fees for local moves! Call us today, and let us help you start the next chapter of your life.

Packing a Home Entertainment Center

 

Many people have large entertainment centers in their homes that house various electronics. It may seem like a daunting task to pack it all up when planning a move. While there are many Florida moving companies that can help you pack up your entertainment center, there are also steps that you can follow to safely pack it. If you’re in need of movers in Gainesville, FL, you can count on the UF Mover Guys to get the job done.

Tips for Properly Packing an Entertainment Center

Empty Out the Entertainment Center

The first step in packing your home entertainment center for a move is to empty it out. Start by storing small objects like DVDs and CDs in boxes or plastic bins. Don’t pack the boxes too heavy or you could risk having the bottom of the boxes fall out. Also, remember that you will need to lift the boxes to and from the moving truck. When placing the boxes inside the Florida moving truck, be sure to keep heavier items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on top.

Pack All Electronics

Electronics such as speakers, Blu-Ray Players, and video game consoles are expensive, delicate, and often include various cables, so it is important to pack them carefully. Disconnect all cables from their electronics, wrap and secure them with zip-ties, and label accordingly. This will avoid any confusion with cables when setting up your systems. Wrap the electronics with foam padding or moving blankets as well as with an outer layer of bubble wrap for protection and place them in boxes along with their designated cables.

 

Pack the TV

Nowadays, most people own flat screen TVs which are lighter and easier to transport. But, they are also more fragile so certain measures need to be taken when packing to avoid damages. First, you should disconnect all cables and secure and label them. Then, remove the television from its stand or wall mount. If you still have the original box and packaging, store your television there and seal it. If not, wrap the screen in a moving blanket, secure it with tape, and then wrap several layers of bubble wrap around it. Always try to transport the TV in an upright position to reduce stress on the screen. If you decide to lay it down, don’t place anything on top of the screen. Don’t forget to pack the remote control as well.

Disassemble the Entertainment Center

Entertainment centers come in a variety of sizes and weights. After your entertainment system is empty, remove all drawers and secure any doors with rope. Check to see if it comes apart into smaller, easier to transport pieces. If it does, disassemble it and store all hardware in a plastic bag. Wrap the entertainment center with moving blankets and cover all corners. If there are glass panels on it, tape cardboard over the glass on top of the moving blankets.

Moving Company Gainesville, FL, Residents Can Trust

If you are looking for reliable Florida moving companies for your next move, look no further. At UF Mover Guys, we provide our customers with quality services to ensure the safe and timely delivery of their belongings. Contact us today for Gainesville, FL, movers you can count on.

Cutting Down On Clutter Before a Move

 

When planning to move to a new home, sometimes it is hard to take everything that you own with you and you probably don’t need everything that you have. Moving can be a great opportunity to go through your belongings and get rid of everything that you no longer use, want, or need. After all, the fewer items you have to pack and transport the easier it will be to work with the best Florida moving companies.

A great way to get rid of clutter while also earning a few bucks is by hosting a garage sale. Get great tips on how to declutter before your move from a helpful moving company Gainesville, FL — UF Mover Guys.

Pre-Move Garage Sale

Planning the Sale

The first step in organizing a garage sale is planning all the details and ensuring that there aren’t any restrictions that you could be violating. Check with local authorities to see if you will need a special permit for the sale, need to pay a fee, or have to collect taxes. You will also need to check whether sign advertising is allowed in your neighborhood. Determine where you want to host the sale, and the date and times. Weekends during the warmer months often work best. Also, check that your homeowner’s policy covers any liability for injuries.

Determining What to Sell

Walk through your home and sort through your belongings with a notebook and pen in hand. Write down everything that you no longer need that could be sold. If you have fewer than 100 items, consider hosting a joint sale with a neighbor or grab a box of forgotten junk from your parents’ attic.

Preparing the Items for Sale

Once you have gathered all the items you plan to sell, clean them and make any necessary repairs so they are in good shape and will appeal to the buyer. When it comes to clothes, wash them and hang or fold them neatly. For toys and plastic items, gently wipe them down with a warm, soapy cloth. Group similar objects together for bundle sales (such as dinnerware) and keep pairs, such as shoes, together. When pricing items, keep in mind that they are used items — charge approximately 20 percent to 30 percent of the original price for items in proper working order. You can always lower prices but resist the urge to raise them. Also, be open to bargaining — after all, these are items that you want to get rid of!

The Day of the Sale

Before the sale, make sure that everything is well organized, clearly priced, and that you have enough packing supplies for the customers. Also keep a pen, a notepad, and a calculator nearby. Be sure that you have enough change, especially rolls of coins and singles. During the sale, always have at least two people present for security purposes and keep the money in a money bag rather than a box separate from you. Keep an inventory of all the items for sale and mark them off immediately after they are sold. Be sure to have a firm cash-only policy and, most importantly, have fun!

Movers in Gainesville, FL

When you need to reduce clutter before a move, a garage sale can help you dispose of the items you don’t need while making a profit. If you’re looking for Gainesville moving companies for your next move, look no further. At UF Mover Guys, we provide Florida moving services you can trust; contact us today.

 

Tips for Moving Out-of-State

If you are planning a move to another state, you’ll quickly realize it’s much different than moving across the street or to the other side of town. Packing up your belongings isn’t always an easy undertaking, but our Gainesville moving company has some great tips on how to make this process seamless.

 

Moving To A New State? Check Out These Tips

1. Plan Ahead

An out-of-state move is a big decision, and there are many responsibilities to keep in mind — for example, important deadlines and financial decisions. One way to simplify your move is to utilize a binder or notebook for everything related to the move. Keep checklists, receipts, telephone numbers, and any other notes you make along the way in the binder or notebook. Keeping this kind of data all in one place will save you time when you need to make a phone call to your utility company or the moving company.

If you can, visit the city and state you’re planning to move to before you take the plunge. Make a list of the things you need to map out: doctors’ offices, schools, and stores so you can make those quick trips after you arrive for necessities or items you may have lost or forgotten. With this information in hand, you’ll be ready to go.

2. Consider The Weather & Regional Season

When talking to your Gainesville movers, keep in mind what time of year you’re planning to move. You may not be able to choose what time of year you move as your job or another deadline might require it. But it’s always a good idea to check the local weather and be ready for anything.

3. Have A Moving Sale

Let’s face it, getting a grip on all of your belongings for an out-of-state move isn’t always fun. A moving sale can help ease the load by reducing the amount of stuff you’ll take with you, and you can use the earnings for gas money, snacks on the road, or even some decorations for your new home.

4. Create A Personal Packing Timeline

Everyone’s timeline is different. Creating a packing timeline can help you find your groove. To help you stay on schedule, sort your must-do tasks into the following groups:

  • To-Do the month before the move,
  • To-Do the week before the move,
  • To-Do the day before, and
  • To-Do the day of the move.

5. Pack Each Day

Another way to reduce the stress of an out-of-state move is to pack a little bit each day. For example, if there are toys or games you know your kids don’t use very often, those can go in a box. Making a detailed home inventory before you contact us for Florida moving also make the transition more manageable.

6. Create “Open First” Boxes

Our movers in Gainesville, FL pack boxes with professionalism and care. If you know there are things you’ll need for immediate use upon your arrival in your new home — such as toiletries and food items — designate a box or two as “Open First” so your movers know these boxes should be first out of the truck.

7. Don’t Forget Your Pets!

Pets require special care during a move. Our moving company in Gainesville, FL has years of experience helping furry friends make the out-of-state transition. Make sure to spoil your pet during the lead up to the move: giving them extra treats and attention will help make the experience less stressful for them. It’s also key to maintain a regular routine as much as possible on the day of the move, and don’t forget to keep food, water bowls and a couple of toys on-hand. Once you get to your new home, inspect the area for dangers such as wet paint or sawdust before you let out your pet to keep them safe.

Your Florida & UF Movers

UF Mover Guys is a Gainesville-based, Florida moving company that has helped many students, families and professionals make the move to Florida. If you’re looking to leave the Sunshine State, we can help! Contact us today for packing services or to schedule your move.

How To Move On A Budget

Budget-Friendly Moving in Gainesville, FL

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

 

5 Moving Tips To Save Your Money

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

Cut Down on Your Belongings

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

Don’t Buy Boxes

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

Move in the Off-Season

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

Plan Your Utility Shutdown Dates

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

Use a Professional Moving Company

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

Moving Company Gainesville, FL, Residents Can Trust

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

4 Tips For Moving Out In A Hurry

Here’s How To Move Out On Short Notice

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

1. Create A Timeline

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

2. Use Packing Materials You Own Already

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

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

3. Pack Up The Essentials First

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

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

4. Hire A Fast & Reliable Moving Company

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

How to Manage Stress During a Move

Make the Gainesville Moving Process Less Stressful

Everyone knows that even with help from one of the best Florida moving companies, the moving process can still feel chaotic. You must ensure that everything from your old house is loaded on the truck, everything is brought to your house in one piece and you have time to unpack your belongings. With so many moving parts, it can be easy to get lost in the process but there are several different tips that can help you through the move.

Be Flexible

As you are searching for local moving companies Gainesville, FL residents trust, you should also be formulating a detailed plan to make sure that your old house is clean and you will have access to your new house when the moving truck arrives. Beyond that, it is important to accept the fact that things will come up. Perhaps new construction will cause you to be stuck in a traffic jam or you will have to stop at a pharmacy on the way to pick up medicine because one of your children are sick. Whatever the problem, plans can be adjusted to accommodate it.

Find Ways to Relax

When you chose which moving services you were going to use, you most likely selected them because they were well experienced and had a great reputation. Therefore, you should trust them to do their job. Let them do the heavy lifting on moving day. Consider starting off the day with yoga before the moving process begins. If you have to spend a long day in the car driving, take several breaks to stretch your legs, stretch and refocus. When you feel yourself worrying about what could go wrong, take several deep breaths and instead be in the moment with your loved ones.

Make the Experience Memorable

Contrary to popular opinion, moving doesn’t have to be miserable. Look for opportunities to make the experience fun. Keep your family entertained in the car by playing word games or the license plate game. When you feel yourself getting tired, turn on a playlist of your favorite music and dance it out. If you have a long drive ahead of you, don’t hesitate to make stops along the way. Your Gainesville movers will take care of unloading the truck, so stop at that enticing ice cream shop or visit that park you always wanted to take your children but never had time to before.

Your Guide to Moving With a Pet

Help Your Pet Adjust to Your Move in Florida

Regardless of how much planning goes into your Gainesville moving process, this time can still be stressful. But during this hectic period, consider how frightening this situation must be for pets. They do not understand what is happening and their environment is quickly shifting around them. Here are a few ways you can help the transition occur a bit more smoothly.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Gainesville Vet

Before you begin your Florida moving process, meet with your local veterinarian. If you are flying to your new location, you will need to provide the airline with a health certification verifying they have been examined within the past 10 days. At this time, you will want to inform your vet that you are moving and ask for records of prescriptions and other medical forms that you can bring with you to your new vet’s office.

Crates Will Simplify the Moving Process

During the move itself, your goal should be to help your pets remain as calm as possible. Keep your pets in kennels or carriers to keep them safe while the movers Gainesville, Florida residents recommended are loading and unloading the moving truck. In order to help them feel secure in their crate, leave it open in your house for about a week with a couple of their favorite toys so they have time to adjust to it. While you are actually moving, attempt to maintain their daily routine as much as possible. Keep a bag with necessities such as water, food, a leash and grooming supplies. Make sure they are well fed and hydrated throughout the day and allow your pets to stretch their legs when you have downtime.

Help Pets Acclimate to New Surroundings

Once you arrive, leave your dog or cat in their crate. Even though you might be tempted to let them explore their new home, this sudden change might be too overwhelming. Instead, try to set up the major pieces of furniture in at least one room before you bring in your pet. Then, allow them to adjust to its new surroundings before you open up the rest of the house.

How to Assist Various Types of Pets

If you have a bird, be sure to transfer them in a cage. Even if they typically spend time outside of their cage, they may have difficulty behaving again until they adjust. If you have fish, you will want to take extra precautions to keep the bags stable. However, if you are moving a long distance, even with one of the best Florida moving companies, the journey may be too dangerous and it would be better to leave your fish with friends and buy new fish once you arrive.

Deducting Moving Expenses

If you are moving to a new house to be closer to a new workplace, you can deduct moving costs from your taxes. These apply whether you are self employed or an employee of another company. In order to take advantage of these tax breaks, it is important to learn about what expenses are eligible.

Requirements to Qualify for Deductions During Your Gainesville Move

In order for your moving expenses related to storage, Gainesville movers and travel to qualify as deductions, your new house must be a certain distance away from your old one and you must continue working at your new job for a set amount of time after your move.

Distance

For the costs of lodging and Gainesville moving companies to be subtracted, your new primary office must be at least 50 miles farther from your new house than your original home was. This will be determined by the distance of the shortest route from your job site to your house. For example, if your current house is 10 miles away from your job, your future workplace must be at least 60 miles away from that same house. If you did not work while you were living in that home, your new job must be 50 miles away from your house.

Time

To prove to the IRS that your move is related to your job site, you must continue to work full time in the area surrounding your new office for at least 39 weeks during the next year after your move. If you are self employed, not only will you need to work 39 weeks in the next year in the area, but you will also be required to work there for 78 weeks during the next two years. In order to understand exactly what costs are deductible, IRS Publication 521 has a thorough record of possible expenses and Form 3903 can help you calculate the total amount that you can subtract.

Deductions for Your Moving Process in Gainesville, FL

When you are selling or buying your house, your deductions are not limited to the cost of movers in Gainesville, FL, and lodging. You can make claims on the actual sale or purchase of the building on your tax return as well.

Selling Your House

When you are putting your house on the market, you will be able to retain up to $250,000 from your tax return. However, in order to qualify for this deduction, you must be the legal owner of the property and be considered your primary residence for a total of two years out of the last five years. If you are married, file separately and both meet the eligibility requirements, you can claim up to $500,000. For more information, review the IRS Publication 523 for details on deductions when selling your house.

Purchasing Your House

Frequently, those who own their homes benefit from itemizing their deductions on their tax returns. Itemized deductions are preferable when the total amount of your deductions is more than the standard deductions. Your itemized list will include costs such as donations to charities, tax payments and casualty losses. As a homeowner, money that you use to pay off your mortgage or property taxes qualify as well. Publication 530 has more information on deductions related to your house while Publication 17 will help you decide whether you should itemize your tax returns or not.

Efficient Gainesville Moving Companies

If you are searching for a moving company Gainesville residents rely on, choose UF Mover Guys. Our team strives to ensure that all of your belongings arrive intact and on time. Contact us today to learn about our moving services.

How to Help Your Children Cope with Moving

Moving to a new house, city or state is difficult for anyone. From the search for reliable moving companies in Gainesville, FL, to setting up new utilities, the checklist never seems to end. For children, it is a whole other battle. Frequently, your children may not understand the reason why they must leave their house and school so it is important to try to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Difficulties of the Gainesville Moving Process

When children have to switch schools, leave their friends and live in a new home, they often experience high levels of stress and isolation. This is especially true if the transition occurs in the middle of the school year, causing them to fall behind in academics and feel like an outsider amongst the other students. For younger children, they may just be learning how to developmentally become separate from you, as their parent, and the move may cause them to become much more dependent again. Teenagers may have difficulty moving because so much of their stage of life is related to their social ranking and group of friends. It is important to be aware of the common indications of depression such as irritability, loss of appetite, sudden drop in grades, and increase in sleep so you can seek professional help if necessary.

Tips for Making Your Gainesville Move Easier for Your Children

Though your Gainesville movers will make the moving process simple, helping your children adjust might be more difficult. Here are a few helpful tips to make it easier.

Communicate Clearly

The most important thing you can do as a parent is to open a dialogue with your children. Clearly and calmly explain to them why the move is necessary for the family and why it is important for everyone to be supportive. Be sure to invite them to ask any questions and express any feelings they may have. If a child or teenager understands why the move is beneficial and feels heard, he or she may be more willing to accept the change.

Make the New City Seem Attractive

When a child first hears that they will be moving, most likely they do not know much about the area they are moving. Instead, the new city simply represents the place they do not want to be. While you are looking for Florida moving companies, spend some time researching what the surrounding area has to offer in order to help them to be excited about the prospect of their new home. For example, it might be close to an amusement park or the home of their favorite sports team.

Help Your Children Get Connected

When your children are resistant to the moving process, it is most likely caused by their desire to remain with their friends. Therefore, the sooner they are able to develop new friendships, the quicker they will begin to feel at home. Help them find sports teams, organizations and religious communities they can become involved with depending on their interests. If they are older, encourage them to try out for school teams, join an after school club or get a part time job.

Gainesville Moving Companies

If you are looking for efficient and reliable movers in Gainesville, FL, call UF Mover Guys. Our team will be efficient, honest and respectful to you, your family and your property. Contact us today to see how we can simplify your next move!