What to Pack Last When Moving

The Last Thing You Should Pack for a Move

Once you finally motivate yourself to being packing, you may just want to move from room to room until every box is filled. However, this method may lead to complications further down the line. Instead, before you begin packing, you need to consider which items you will need first and they should be stored separately.

Items You Need While Moving

Whether you are moving down the street or out of town, you will want to have access to several items during the Florida moving process. Most likely, you will find a few pieces that you have forgotten to pack. Therefore, you should be sure to bring an extra couple bags or boxes, tape and marker to store them. If you take any prescriptions or have allergies, pack your medications in a small bag so you can use them as needed. The Florida heat is particularly harsh so pack some snacks, water bottles and Gatorade to keep your movers refreshed. Other items you may need include phone chargers, paper towels, toilet paper and speakers for music.

Possessions You May Need Immediately

When you are packing boxes, be sure to load one box with essentials. Find this box immediately after your Gainesville movers bring it in so you will have access to various things you will require on your first night without needing to rummage through multiple boxes. In this box, you should include a change of clothing, towel, toiletries, bedding and clean sheets, basic cleaning supplies, flashlight, small tool kit and several kitchen utensils.

Pieces That Will Satisfy Your Office Needs

If you have a commercial property and are moving to a new location, you will need to box with items that you need immediately. Consider what files you will need to help current clients and do not place them with older paperwork. It may take a while for your computers and internet to be set up so you will want to find some work that your employees can work on without a computer. For your everyday office needs, pack some toilet paper, paper towels, paper, pens and of course the resources necessary to make everyone a round of coffee.

Moving Companies in Florida

A professional Gainesville moving company will make all the difference during your move. If you need assistance for a commercial or residential move, UF Mover Guys is here to help. We strive to make the process as simple as possible for you or your business. Contact us today for a free quote.

How to Move into an Apartment

Apartment Moving

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting process but it can also be an overwhelming task. There are a variety of moving parts that you must keep track of. In order to have a successful Gainesville moving experience, you will want to remain organized and consider these helpful tips.

Make a Schedule

Though you may not feel as if you have time to sit down and come up with a concrete schedule, it will save you much more time in the long run. When you attempt to “just wing it”, you may find that your Gainesville movers are only available certain hours of the day that does not coincide with the time you must leave your apartment. First communicate with the landlords in your old apartment and the one you are moving into to determine when you will have access. Then, relay this information to your moving company so they will be able to come at the correct time. If you do not live on the first floor, ask your landlord about your ability to book the elevator (if available) so you will be able to exclusively use it for a short period of time.

Label Boxes Clearly

Unorganized moving processes usually result in a chaotic mountain of boxes with no knowledge about where anything is. You can avoid this frustration by clearly labeling what is in each box as you pack it. Write what is inside on the top of the box as well as two of the sides so that you will not have to worry about rotating heavy boxes. Along with a description of the contents, also label which room they will go into. Then, when your Gainesville moving company is bringing in packages, they will be able to place them in convenient locations. You can even set up drop off zones within each room to ensure you will have enough room to place all of your boxes.

Leave Nothing Behind

Everyone has experienced that unexplainable feeling they are forgetting something when they are driving away from their house. You can avoid that by remembering these commonly forgotten items. Remember to check out of site areas such as the attic, your local storage unit, shed or garage. If you forget about these areas until you are packing up the moving truck, you will be greatly inconvenienced. Take time to consider local places that may have your items. Is your grandfather’s old watch at the shop getting repaired? Did you send your clothes to the dry cleaners? Make sure you grab these items before you leave. The same is true for friends. If you borrowed a movie from a friend or your neighbor has your favorite book, do not forget to give or retrieve them before you move.

Let the Movers Do the Heavy Lifting

When you are moving in or out of Gainesville, hire a Florida moving company that you can depend on. UF Mover Guys will offer a personalized moving plan for each customer that adheres to the regulations of your complex. Let our team at UF Mover Guys keep track of the moving process so you can worry about one less thing. Contact us today to get a free, no obligation estimate.

Moving Lights

Techniques for Effectively Packing Holiday Lights

Everyone knows the difficulty of taking boxes out that your Gainesville moving company brings in that contain decorative lighting and discovering all of the lights are tangled. When packing them up, it is important to store them correctly so you can remove them later without the hassle of untangling the lights. There are three different techniques that may be effective.

In a Circle

This is probably the most common approach to packing Christmas lights. Start by taking one end of the lights in one hand. Then use your other hand to grab the string of lights at a different spot. There should be about 1 foot of distance between your hands. Then create a v-shape by bringing your hands together. Then grab both points with your first hand. Continue doing this until reach the final bulb. Carefully place this circle on a flat surface. Use the remaining cord to tightly wrap around the circle and secure it until it forms a shape similar to a bow.

Small Bundles

This method involves starting on the end of the string of lights that does not contain the plug. Hold the string by pinching the second light between your first and second finger while the first light hangs along the bottom of your palm. Fold the two sides together so the first and third lights are side by side. Then put the fourth light at the top and continue to pinch and fold the string until the entire length has been used and you have a small bundle in your hand. Now, take the rest of the cord and wrap it around the cluster tightly and plug it into the other side. This version not only keeps your lights securely in place, but it also consolidates them so you will be able to fit more of them in your box for your Gainesville movers.

Cardboard Wraps

Another option is to cut a rectangle out of cardboard. Then cut two slits on opposite sides. Begin by securing one end of your Christmas lights into one of the cuts and begin wrapping it around the cardboard. Once you run out of string, secure the other end into the slit on the opposite side. You can now easily place them in a box that can readily be moved by your Florida moving company.

How to Unpack Efficiently

The Efficient Way to Unpack

Unpacking your belongings can be one of the most exhaustive aspects to the moving process. It also has the potential to leave you with unpacked boxes months later. Therefore, it is critical to begin as quickly as possible and in an efficient manner once your Gainesville moving company has departed.

Label Boxes

If you write the correct room name onto each box, your Gainesville movers will be able to put each box into their corresponding room. This will save you time sorting time later. Similarly, tell your movers where to put each piece of large furniture because it will save you time and energy in the future.

Begin with Commonly Used Items

Before you move, place all of your essential items into a box that you will be able to easily access. This may include items such as a shower curtain, toiletries, towels, toilet paper, pillow, blanket, bed sheets and a change of clothing.

Plan Your Projects

It is important to plan out your projects to fit your schedule. This is especially true if you still need to work. Weekends are perfect for larger projects that take more time like setting up your media center. You can complete small tasks in the evenings after work so you can still make progress without tiring yourself out.

Unpack One Room at a Time

Finish each room before you move on to the next one. This will help you feel as if you are making progress. It may be helpful to begin with the kitchen so you can minimize the amount of meals you will need to get from restaurants. It is also vital to unpack your bedroom. This way, you will be able to put your bed together so you have somewhere to sleep. You can also unpack clothing that you will need to wear immediately.

Prioritize

Focus on the essential variables in each room. For instance, in your bedroom, you do not need to unpack winter clothing if you move in during the summer. Also, wait to decorate until after everything is unpacked. This way you will have access to your belongings quicker.

Make Unpacking Fun

Though your task may seem to be a bit daunting once your Florida moving company leaves, it does not have to be. You can find ways to make the process and time more enjoyable. Put on some music and invite friends over while you are unpacking. It also might be helpful to find rewards for tasks you complete. Go out for ice cream after you complete a large task or take a break and explore your new city.

Questions a Moving Company Might Ask You

When choosing a Florida moving company, there are many questions you will need to ask to find the correct one. However, there are also questions they will need to ask you. In order to properly prepare for your move there are several things they will need to know ahead of time.

Are you packing your things by yourself?

Movers will need to know the extent of the service you need. Some Gainesville moving companies offer to pack your items for you before they move them. This will help relieve you of the stress of boxing up your things while you are also organizing other variables of your moving process. If you are packing for yourself, it is important to make sure you secure all loose items before your movers arrive.

What volume of possessions do you have to be moved?

Your Florida moving company will need to know how much needs to be moved in order to help them figure out the level of difficulty associated with the job so they can factor it into their schedule and price.

What level of insurance do you require?

Moving companies will need to know what insurance you already have. If you have renters insurance, some of your possessions are already covered. Your Gainesville movers will also be able to provide you with a policy. If you do require insurance, your moving company will help provide you with a policy that works best for you. They will ask about any valuables you might be transporting in order to get a more accurate idea of how much coverage you will need. This way, if something does happen, your insurance will be able to cover the costs associated with that prized possession.

What is the basic timeline of your move?

Your moving company will need to know your expectations for when they will pick up your things from your old place and when they are free to deliver them to your new home. This will help them to know when they will have access to your items and will also allow them to figure out if your plans fits into their schedule in advance. At this time, they will also ask for exact locations and addresses of your two residences.

Will there be enough room for the moving truck to park?

If you live in an apartment or have a small driveway, there may not be enough room for the moving van. Therefore, they will be required to carry your furniture and packages farther. Movers will need to factor this into both their plan and their price for the service.

Does either location have stairs or an elevator?

You will need to let your movers know if you live on a floor other than the first one. This would be another factor that would influence the moving process. Stairs may require more movers or increase the cost of the moving process.

What is the distance between the two locations?

If you are moving a farther distance the Gainesville moving company will need to charge you more. Depending on whether you are moving to another city or to another street, you will pay different amounts.

How to Pack a Desktop Computer

Everyone has a computer and when you move, you need to take it with you. However, it is very easy for computers to get damaged during the process. The best way to protect your computer is to take it with you personally. That way, you will be more likely to save it from excessive movement. However, this is not always possible and when it is not, you need to know how pack it before you give it to your Gainesville movers.

Preparation

First, you need to get insurance for your computer. On the off chance that it does get damaged, you want to make sure that you will have the finances to repair it. Also, computers hold many important documents and pictures. Take the time to back it all up on an external hard drive so you will still have access to your important information if something happens to it. Next, you should remove the wires. If you are not sure you can put them back correctly later, it might be best to take a picture of them first or label the wires.

Placing it in the Box

In order to safely pack your desktop, you will need a large box, tape and bubble-wrap or packing paper. If possible, use the box your computer came in, but if you no longer have it, a normal box will do. Begin by reinforcing the edges of the box with tape in order to better stabilize it. Wrap your computer’s tower in bubble-wrap and place it on the bottom of the box. Then, tape bubble-wrap to the front and back of your monitor and position it on top of the tower. Fill remaining gaps with bubble-wrap and packing paper to prevent parts from moving too much. Fold the cords for your keyboard and mouse then cover them both with packing paper. Place both into the box and again, fill all empty spaces with paper. Then put the top of the box down and securely tape it.

Before you hand your desktop computer to your Gainesville moving company, make sure that it is packed properly. There is no guarantee, but the better you pack it the less likely the chances are that it will get damaged. Choose a company with movers Gainesville, FL, trusts.

Five Things to Find When Moving to a New Place

Moving to a new place is both exciting and stressful for the same reason: you do not know where everything is yet. This means there is a whole new city for you to explore! At the same time, it means that when you need something, you may not know where to find it. Gainesville movers have helped you with the hard part; now It is important to take the time to locate different places that will meet your various needs before you move there.

1. DMV

Everyone knows it takes forever to stand in line for assistance at the DMV, but it is necessary. If you are moving to another state, you will need to get a new driver’s license and license plate. While it may not be the most exciting adventure, it is better to get it over with.

2. New Health Services

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it is important to find the different businesses you might need. This includes the nearest hospital, a dentist and a general doctor. Hopefully, you can find great service close to your home. It might help to ask for recommendations from other people if you know anyone in this new city yet.

3. Stores You’ll Visit Weekly

You will need to go to these places very frequently so it is crucial that you find them quickly. This list may consist of grocery stores, drug stores, or any other place you go often. Learn the quickest routes and shortcuts in order to make these trips as convenient as possible.

4. Different Social Scenes

When you know everyone in a small town like Gainesville moving to a new city can be somewhat isolating. You have left all of your friends behind and you may not know anyone else yet. Most likely, your mind has also been consumed with the stress from the move. Take some time to look for different social groups to join. Consider your interests and then look online for options. Perhaps you want to go to a regular trivia night, or maybe you want to take pottery classes. Whatever you choose, take advantage of the time and try to meet people who share similar interests.

5. Local Restaurants

Now that your Gainesville moving company has helped you move everything into your new home, leave the stress behind. Spend time eating at places you have never heard of; who knows what new favorite place you might discover? Perhaps even ride your bike or walk to really enjoy the atmosphere. Fall in love with your new home and establish regular eateries.

How to Move Items from Your Garage & Shed

Moving Tips: How To Pack Up Your Garage & Shed

A garage or shed is a convenient place to store dangerous or messy items, but it is often the most difficult room to tackle when packing for a move. Typically, these rooms are filled with objects that are heavy, mechanical, oddly shaped, sharp, or filled with combustible or toxic fluids. The sort of items should be handled delicately and with special care. Sometimes the services of dependable Gainesville movers are needed to handle the job properly.

How to Pack Tools & Machinery

The first recommended step is taking a basic inventory. Take note of items that can not or should not be transported or shipped. This includes gasoline, paint thinner, pesticides, charcoal, fertilizer, motor oil, and other messy or hazardous materials. Discard these items before packing or calling your Gainesville moving company.

It may also be helpful to take stock of objects that need to be disassembled. Power tools, for example, often come with attachments that should be packed separately. Any oil or gasoline within them should also be drained to prevent leakage. Being mindful of removable parts will reduce the risk of damage during transport.

Another benefit to disassembling items is convenience. Bicycles, for example, are large and difficult to move when fully assembled. By taking such items apart, they can be stored in smaller containers and easily fit with the rest of your packed belongings.

Many items in your garage or shed my have blades or sharp edges. If improperly packed, these can tear through boxes or damage other items. It is also a safety hazard when handling. Be sure to carefully wrap them with soft material such as old towels or rags.

Moving Items from Garage/Shed Storage

Some of your most fragile belongings may be found in the garage. This includes things like old toys, pottery, glassware and holiday decorations. Be very liberal with cushioning material when packing these items. Materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and tissue paper will prevent delicate items from breaking. A common rule of thumb is to take the worst case scenario and plan accordingly. If your box and its contents can survive a fall down the stairs, it is safely packed.

Items that are sensitive to dust and moisture, such as electronics, should be sealed and protected from the elements. Polyurethane bags, or “poly bags”, are a cheap and effective solution.

Of course, the best tip for packing your garage for Gainesville moving is to leave it in the hands of professionals. Our movers specialize in carefully handling dangerous and fragile materials. To ensure that your belongings safely arrive to their destination, with nothing left to chance, give our company a call.

Weird But Useful Packing Tips for Moving

Lifehacks for Packing You Never Knew Existed

There is no denying that moving can be stressful, especially if you have a large number of items to pack. While our Gainesville moving company can always help you pack your items safely, there are certain items that you may want to pack yourself. Even though packing up your entire home can feel like a big job, there are several weird but useful tricks of the trade that can make packing easier.

Be Creative When it Comes to Packing Delicate Items

Part of the frustration with packing is that packing materials can be expensive and you’ll most likely be tossing the materials once your move is complete. Instead of pouring money down the drain, get creative when it comes to protecting your fragile items. Socks make great packing materials for fragile glasses and stemware. Sheets can be wrapped around your furniture to prevent nicks and scratches, and can be used to pack around plates, vases and any decorative items that could break in transit. This is also a great way to cut down on the amount of moving supplies you’ll need and saves bubble wrap.

Get Colorful

Everyone knows that labeling your boxes will make unpacking a little bit easier. However, adding a splash of color can also make the unpacking process go much smoother. By color coding your boxes, your Gainesville movers will know exactly where to take your boxes when they unload them from the truck. This way, you won’t have to searching through all of your boxes to find your work clothing or a set of dishes to use as you unpack.

Use Sandwich Bags for Your Small Items

Taking apart large pieces of furniture can make moving houses a little bit easier. However, there’s also a chance that you can lose the hardware that you need to put your furniture back together again. To avoid this, putting your screws and nails in zip-lock bags can help you keep all of your pieces together. For extra security, you can tape your hardware baggies directly to a piece of the furniture or use a permanent marker to write on the baggie itself.

Plastic Bins Make Day-to-Day Life Easier

When it comes to moving, there is no set method that Gainesville moving companies require. Although boxes are usually preferred, you can use clear plastic bins to help you move the stuff that you’ll need right away. Using clear bins allow you to see what’s inside, so finding things like trash bags, power strips, phone chargers and even toilet paper will be a breeze. This way, you’ll have all the items that you need to make your first night in your new home as comfortable as possible.

Using Social Media to Plan a Move & Find a Moving Company

Plan Your Move With Social Media

If you are like 65 percent of Americans, you use social media often. It is easier than ever to find out the latest sports scores, check in on a friend’s vacation, and shop without leaving your couch. As you prepare to move to a new place of residence, look to your favorite websites to help you along the way.

Look for Suggestions

Log on to Pinterest to look for a variety of helpful suggestions as you start packing. Type in keywords such as “moving lists”, “moving tips”, and “moving hacks” to find all kinds of moving advice. You will find many tricks such as using foam plates between your breakable plates during transport or ways to keep cables from becoming a tangled, confusing mess. Print the lists that will help you and leave the decorating ideas until you are settled in your new home.

Sell What You Don’t Need

Use your move as a time to clean out your house. Before packing, go through closets and drawers and remove items you no longer use. Use a social selling site such as Varagesale or Facebook yard sale groups to post your ads. Meet up in a public place to complete the sale. If you have lots of items for sale use a title such as “moving sale” to get more attention.

See What Your Neighbors Suggest

Open up a review website such as Yelp to see what Gainesville moving company is recommended. Look at specific reviews to see what kind of service you can expect from Gainesville movers. Don’t forget to find a couple good places to eat near your new home. Plan on eating a few meals out until you can stock back up on groceries and get your kitchen unpacked.

Ask Your Friends

Now that you have suggestions from people you don’t know, turn to Facebook to help you make up your mind. Ask your friends for their suggestions about Gainesville moving companies. If you belong to any local groups you can post an ad looking for moving boxes. Often people will happily give those boxes away when they are done.

With these simple tips for planning your move using social media, you can expect a less frustrating process all around!