After an exciting and monumental moment in your life, comes the harsh reality that you need to move out of your apartment. With all the excitement in place, you didn’t plan for packing every single possession you own or the cleaning you’d have to do afterwards. Unfortunately, moving can be very stressful, time consuming, and expensive. Here are a few tips to consider as a post grad moving somewhere new.
The first and most important thing to do is to go through all of your belongings and decipher what you do or don’t want to keep. This in itself is not only time consuming but also might send you off into a trail of nostalgia. No, those jeans don’t fit you anymore; yes, this dress still looks cute on you; and no, you’ll never look at those notes again. All that being said, it’s sometimes difficult to let go of items that hold sentimental value but, the reality is most of those things you’re unsure of keeping will never be used. A good method of using when deciding whether or not you will use something in the future is to consider how much you’ve used or even thought of this item in the last 6 months. If you’ve gone this long without remembering it, chances are you won’t use it again. A fresh new start to your new beginning can in fact be just as satisfying as holding on to items.
With this new chapter, comes a long list of expenses required to make your move happen. Consider asking your future employer if they offer any relocation compensation. If they do, often times you won’t receive it until after you’ve started regardless. This is important to keep in mind, as you will likely be fronting the costs of the move until you are compensated. If your employer does not offer any type of compensation for moving, you can always report the expenses when you do your taxes. Saving all the invoices throughout your move and having proof of starting a new job, that is close to a time in which you moved, is further than 50 miles from your previous job, and is full time for at least 39/52 weeks in a year can qualify you for a tax deduction the following year.
Keeping all of your costs low and planning in advance will guarantee a successful move in the long run. With a new job, and a new city, one of the last things you want to be concerned with is being able to pay for the move.
Despite the aggravation that comes with moving, it is an inevitable reality of life. Moving somewhere new can often be the start of a new chapter in your life. Whether it’s because of a new job, a new school, a new community, or simply a new adventure, a new home is a new beginning for your family with new opportunities. Still, it’s not an easy change for everyone and some of the most affected individuals throughout the process tend to be children. To children, specifically those below the age of 5, they often experience a fear of abandonment by their parents when trying to understand how the move will affect them. Those a little older tend to focus on how their everyday lives will be impacted, and teenagers mostly focus on leaving behind their already established social life. All of these fears and concerns will likely arise when moving with your kids and it’s up to you to ease the transition as best you can. Here are some ways in which you can make moving less stressful on your family.
Communicating with your children, as early as possible in the process is perhaps one of the best things you can do. Asking them about how they feel about it will not only allow you to understand their feelings but, it will also make your child feel important and considered throughout the whole process. If you have enough time, show your kids the neighborhoods you’re considering in the new area and show them places where they can play and take part in activities. In addition to this, get your kids excited over their new bedrooms by bouncing ideas back and forth. Nothing excites children more than having their whimsical ideas entertained. Another important thing to consider, is trying to maintain connected to your old community as much as possible if your children have friends and family there. Things like Skype, phone calls, or even mailing letters can help your child feel reassured that they’re not losing these people in their lives. Putting your children at ease will without a doubt put you at ease as well.
Your children will remember their moving experience for a long time and you want to make sure it is not marred with sad memories. Try and make sure you consider as many of these tips as you can in your moving process so that you can all begin this new adventure with as much positivity as possible!
Pets are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Given that animals do not comprehend that a move is about occur, the process of moving is very much confusing and emotionally tolling on an animal. While you are not able to verbally communicate to your animal the change that is about to occur, there are a few things you can do to indicate to your pet that the new environment they are entering is safe and comfortable for them. Try and be on the look out for areas where you know your dog can play and be walked easily. For cats, try to consider a place with a lot of vertical space as cats enjoy climbing and exploring higher grounds.
On the day of your move, ensure you have one room that’s designated for your pet. This room will ensure your pet is safe and away from all the chaos that comes with moving. If designating one room to your pets becomes too difficult maybe consider having your pets stay at a friend or family members home. You may also want to think about how you will prepare your pet for the drive if they are not used to being in a car and you have a long trip ahead. Creating a smaller more familiar environment within the car, like a crate, may prove to be less overwhelming for your pet. Placing things like treats, food, and a warm familiar blanket in the crate will help your pet feel more at home.
Upon arriving at your new home, try to give your pet some time to adjust by just placing their food, water, bed, and toys into one room and slowly introducing them to other rooms. Taking your pet on a nice walk shortly after arriving might help reduce their energy and also serve as an introduction for their new environment. Once you’re settled in make sure you also do some research on veterinarians and dog parks in your new area. Taking into consideration all of these tips will surely make it a much easier transition for your pet. Your furry friends deserve peace of mind throughout this process as well.
From cleaning to packing to loading and unloading, it suffices to say that moving is known to be challenging and stressful. That being said, organizing yourself and setting up small goals along the way will reduce the burden by miles. Making a checklist of everything that needs to be done and marking it off as you go can assist you immensely with organizing and setting up goals. Also, keep in mind that you should be removing items you don’t use or need anymore, so you’re not wasting time and space packing them. Having a garage sale in the weeks leading up to a move can help clear out some unneeded items as well as make you some extra money for future expenses. Another way to get rid of some items is to donate them to local drives and thrift shops. Doing this can benefit the local community and ease your moving experience simultaneously.
Some other things to consider doing weeks prior to your move are changing your address with your local post office, closing down bank accounts with local banks, having your utilities shut off right after moving, and draining gas and oil from any equipment you may own. On the day of your move be sure you’ve done all your laundry, emptied out your refrigerator and cleaned any dishes. All of these small things that need to be done will take up a great deal of your time if left for the day of your move. You want to make sure you’re as free as possible the day of your move to address any problems that may arise. To reduce costs of movers, ensure you are fully packed in time for their arrival, as you are paying them for their time there. Another thing to keep in mind are the limitations set in place by hiring movers. There are several items that movers cannot move like aerosol cans, hazardous material, and anything flammable. You may also want to make sure to leave plenty of time for the move to occur to account for any possible weather delays.
Remaining organized and planning ahead is without a doubt the best way to make the moving process run as smoothly as possible. Be sure to keep all these tips in mind and enjoy your new home!
Moving house can be a stressful affair, but it doesn’t have to be.
At Gainesville Moving we want to give you the tools and tips you need to take the stress out of transporting your home and have some fun doing it.
Whether you are re-locating for the first or the fourth time, Gainesville Movers will make moving so easy you’ll laugh out loud at the simplicity. Here’s some entertaining and useful tips from UF Mover Guys.
Plan WAY Ahead
Start thinking about what items you might need to sell before you move and get them well-listed in advance. Go through old storage and clothes to decide what you might want to donate or get rid of.
Schedule your movers weeks in advance — this will save you a headache later because the best movers are also usually consistently busy.
Think about changing your address two weeks ahead of time. Don’t forget to notify the bank, credit card company, Amazon, PayPal and magazine subscriptions along with the Postal Office and the utilities.
Enlist your friends to help with the move-in process, if you can. Also, think about hiring someone to watch your pets or children during the move.
Get UBER Organized
Packing and unpacking your house can be made easier if you use color coding for rooms and catalog your items by numbering each box. This will allow you to keep track of everything that you’ve packed, where it goes, and documents what you have in case a box goes missing.
Speaking of documentation- KEEP EVERYTHING. Make sure you hold on to the instructions to rebuild the desk, AND make sure you keep all your financial and health documents with you.
It’s better to keep all the important documentation with you, so that you don’t have to go looking for it later. If you are taking apart furniture at all, make sure you label all the pieces and tape them to their corresponding parts.
Pack Smarter
Make an essentials bag for each member of the family that has things like clothes for the next few days, toiletries and important electronics.
Pack an “OPEN FIRST” box. This should have things like a box cutter, toilet paper, eating utensils, trash bags, power strips, paper towels, some cookware, chargers, bath towels and cleaning supplies.
Use suitcases, laundry bins, baskets, etc. to your advantage by packing them with stuff. Also, you can use your dresser drawers as boxes with some stretch wrap to keep things from falling out.
You can even wrap your breakable dishes and glasses in clothing or socks to save on bubble wrap. A quick way to pack your closet is by using trash bags to take out whole sections of clothes.
Do A Little Every Day
If you can prepare for the move a little bit each day then your actual move-in day can be much less stressful. Pack AND un-pack by room to make things more manageable.
Clean each room as you pack it, and take pictures of the emptied room if you’re renting. Take a picture of the back of your TV and electronics so you can keep track of where everything plugs back in.
Make sure to defrost your refrigerator at least a day before the move to avoid leaking. Make your last grocery trip two weeks before the move date to avoid throwing out a lot of food.
Protect Your Stuff
Make sure you measure your furniture and determine whether you will need to take it apart to transport it. Stretch wrap your furniture and couches to prevent scuffs and scratches during the move.
Keep an inventory of your most valuable items and make sure you track them as they arrive at your new place. Pack your dinner plates vertically to avoid them breaking. Keep bottled toiletries in plastic bags to avoid a mess later.
Be Prepared
Try to clean the bathroom and the kitchen of your new place before you move in. Take pictures of your old place and your new place when they are empty for documentation, especially if you’re renting.
If you are transporting fragile valuables make sure they are properly packaged and give specific instructions on how they should be handled and packed.
Our community takes pride in being one of the most environmentally friendly cities in central Florida. Image is from 1stclasscleaningnyc.com.
Take a walk around Gainesville if you are new to the city. You will notice some things.
Hybrids ride through the streets. Recycling bins line the sidewalks. Posters advocating environmental awareness droop from building walls.
Our community takes pride in being one of the most environmentally friendly cities in central Florida. UF Mover Guys takes pride in the community.
We care about what our customers care about, which is why we include environmental initiatives in our mission.
We acknowledge moving can be harmful for the environment. As a result, we have worked to develop techniques to make moving a bit greener.
These approaches do not add to the time required to make the transition. In fact, many of the suggestions make moving cheaper and more efficient
Movers waste too much effort using unnecessary packing materials. Few of these materials are good for the environment once they are discarded.
Padding delicate items can be done using materials that you already have around the house. You are likely to be packing these materials.
For example, leftover newspaper, comforters, pillows and clothing make wonderful packing materials. They are effective at absorbing shocks throughout the move.
Common alternatives to these items like bubble wrap and Styrofoam can be expensive. Therefore, you will also save some money using them.
Moving can also be more efficient when you scrap the cardboard boxes and make use of plastic bins. These bins can be used for storage once you are in your new home.
Moving involves a considerable amount of cleaning either in your old home or the one you are going to. In order to keep the process green, dump all petroleum-based products.
Replace these products with natural products. Many green cleaning products have multiple cleaning applications, which will save you money.
Avoid using endless rolls of paper towels. Rags and old t-shirts are the ideal solution when it comes to avoiding waste when cleaning.
Moving is a good time to consider downsizing. Clear out closets, and get rid of as many old possessions as possible.
If you have items that you have not used in the last three years, then it is unlikely that you will use them in the future. Downsizing lessens the amount of work that comes with the move.
This opportunity is the ideal time to donate items to charity or have a yard sale. These activities will help with the cost.
When shopping for moving companies, choose a company that shares your desire to protect the environment. Choose UF Mover Guys.
Most professional movers recommend looking for a storage company eight weeks prior to moving. Image is from handydandymoving.com.
Moving is an excellent time to consider downsizing.
Downsizing makes moving easier because it decreases the amount of stuff you have to move. Having less junk gives you more space in your new home.
Having less also means having less to unload and reorganize into the house. Downsizing contributes to giving your home a less cluttered appearance.
You probably have items you do not need but cannot bear to part with. However, you may not have room for them if you are moving into a smaller space.
Never get rid of an item with significant sentimental value. Instead, get a storage unit.
You may question whether purchasing a storage unit is necessary if you have a spare room, basement or attic. Storage rooms need to be cool, dry and dark to avoid mold and insects.
Basements that are not insulated well suffer from drafts and water seepage during the winter and heavy rains. These conditions make your belongings vulnerable to mold and water damage.
Attics are slightly better than basements, especially if they are sealed and insulated. However, insects and small animals could sneak in and cause damage.
Storage units, on the other hand, offer guaranteed security for your items. Companies that specialize in storage have the experience and the equipment to protect your things. Most companies usually provide insurance for your belongings.
If you decide to use a storage service, you should begin contacting companies early. Most professional movers recommend looking for a storage company eight weeks prior to moving.
UF Mover Guys understands many people in Gainesville are relatively young or otherwise unaware of this fact. Our company now offers climate-controlled storage.
Climate-control is an important storage feature to have in Florida because of the humidity. The heat and moisture breed bacteria and can damage delicate items like fine wood and paper.
Letting your moving company handle your storage has unique advantages. You do not have to pack your belongings and drive them to the storage facility yourself.
Instead, you can simply pack the items you plan to put in storage with the items you plan to move into your new home. The movers will take them to the facility for you.
Just be sure to separate the items going to storage from the items going with you. The last thing you want is a mix-up.
Next time you are planning a move, ask about UF Mover Guys storage as well!
China cabinets are filled with expensive and fragile glass dishes and heirlooms. Image is from diningfurnituremart.com.
Homeowners take pride in their china cabinets. Surprisingly, however, they often handle their collection recklessly when moving.
China cabinets are among the items that require the most caution to move. These furniture sets are filled with expensive and fragile glass dishes and heirlooms.
Consequently, moving a china cabinet is one of the biggest challenges for movers. Pack incorrectly, and you can destroy several hundred dollars in collectibles.
Fortunately, UF Mover Guys has years of experience in this area. Here are some effective strategies we use to pack china cabinets.
Secure your investments by packing everything inside the china cabinet into boxes. This way you can at least ensure all of your actual china is safe.
Once the cabinet is empty, start wrapping and boxing the loose parts. Wrap glass shelves in bubble wrap. Then remove the brackets holding the shelves in place.
Anything you can disassemble by hand will fall off during transit. You need to remove and carefully box these parts to prevent damage.
See if you can fit smaller boxes into the lower cabinets while moving. Doing so will make them easier to find when you unpack.
Most china cabinets come in two parts. The easiest thing to do is separate the top section from the bottom section.
The bottom section usually contains draws and shelving made of finely crafted wood. Wrap the bottom in several thick blankets. Go around the blankets with packing tape to secure it in place.
The additional padding will ensure the cabinet is not scratched. When UF Mover Guys arrives, all we will have to do is carry the piece into the truck.
The top part of the cabinet contains the most glass. Thus, this part is the most fragile and requires the most caution.
Cut open some cardboard boxes. Begin wrapping the cardboard panels around the glass exterior of the cabinet.
Hold the panels in place with packing tape. Continue adding cardboard until the entire upper section is covered.
If you have plenty of extra cardboard, you can run a second layer over the piece. You never know whether the moving truck will hit a speed bump.
Once the cardboard is in place, wrap heavy duty blankets around it. Secure with more tape.
From here, UF Mover Guys can finish packing the cabinet into the truck. If you do not want to have to worry about scratching or damaging your glass cabinet, you could always hire us to pack for you as well.
Homeowners take pride in their china cabinets. Surprisingly, however, they often handle their collection recklessly when moving.
China cabinets are among the items that require the most caution to move. These furniture sets are filled with expensive and fragile glass dishes and heirlooms.
Consequently, moving a china cabinet is one of the biggest challenges for movers. Pack incorrectly, and you can destroy several hundred dollars in collectibles.
Fortunately, UF Mover Guys has years of experience in this area. Here are some effective strategies we use to pack china cabinets.
Secure your investments by packing everything inside the china cabinet into boxes. This way you can at least ensure all of your actual china is safe.
Once the cabinet is empty, start wrapping and boxing the loose parts. Wrap glass shelves in bubble wrap. Then remove the brackets holding the shelves in place.
Anything you can disassemble by hand will fall off during transit. You need to remove and carefully box these parts to prevent damage.
See if you can fit smaller boxes into the lower cabinets while moving. Doing so will make them easier to find when you unpack.
Most china cabinets come in two parts. The easiest thing to do is separate the top section from the bottom section.
The bottom section usually contains draws and shelving made of finely crafted wood. Wrap the bottom in several thick blankets. Go around the blankets with packing tape to secure it in place.
The additional padding will ensure the cabinet is not scratched. When UF Mover Guys arrives, all we will have to do is carry the piece into the truck.
The top part of the cabinet contains the most glass. Thus, this part is the most fragile and requires the most caution.
Cut open some cardboard boxes. Begin wrapping the cardboard panels around the glass exterior of the cabinet.
Hold the panels in place with packing tape. Continue adding cardboard until the entire upper section is covered.
If you have plenty of extra cardboard, you can run a second layer over the piece. You never know whether the moving truck will hit a speed bump.
Once the cardboard is in place, wrap heavy duty blankets around it. Secure with more tape.
From here, UF Mover Guys can finish packing the cabinet into the truck. If you do not want to have to worry about scratching or damaging your glass cabinet, you could always hire us to pack for you as well.
Students are typically eager to leave the dorm and move into their apartments. Image is from jumpoff.tv.
Every University of Florida student probably knows someone who lives in off-campus housing. Gainesville caters to students with a wide variety of hip and affordable housing options.
Students are typically eager to leave the dorm and move into their apartments. They view it as a part of gaining independence and becoming an adult.
As with any move, students often run into pitfalls. These pitfalls can sometimes be more than they bargained for.
Complications can be categorized into locating a property to rent, issues with the property owner and moving belongings.
Gainesville has a competitive renting market because of the abundance of students who choose to live off-campus. Students search for housing as early as the first few weeks of the semester before they move.
To compete, you have to find roommates and living quarters before the semester is over to ensure you have a place to live. Too many students wait too late.
Do not let the pressure interfere with caution, however. Thoroughly inspect the property in question before signing a lease.
Look for damaged or broken elements in the house. These elements include peeling paint, broken appliances, non-working light switches and health hazards.
Document any of these issues at the beginning. If you do not, your landlord might try to deduct them from the security deposit at the end of the lease.
Landlords oftentimes attempt to reduce the money returned from the security deposit for natural wear-and-tear. Do your shopping and try to pick a landlord that will treat you with respect and consideration.
Another big dilemma is actually moving your stuff into your new apartment. This part is where UF Mover Guys comes in.
Our company aims to take the stress off your shoulders. We will pack everything into our truck and transport it for you. The only thing you need to worry about moving is yourself.
You can drive to your new place with the assurance that your things are in good hands. We are careful to pack all of your things away quickly and without any breakage.
You might not think using a moving company is necessary. You may also think hiring a moving company is too expensive.
While it is true hiring a moving company is not necessary, being able to move with comfort and ease is well worth the price. And our prices are set with the goal of being cost-efficient for a college budget.
Despite some of the challenges presented in this article, one should not hesitate to move off-campus. Moving into an unsupervised, off-campus residence is a great adventure for any student.
The personal responsibility living off-campus teaches is excellent for any adult and the freedom it grants contributes greatly to personal growth and cultivates new relationships.
Whether this is your first or fifth time moving, living outside the dorm and in the community can be a rewarding experience.
Reading the fine print can sometimes be as daunting as trying to read Arabic. Image is from wikipedia.org.
You have to read the fine print before you hire moving professionals. Unfortunately, reading the fine print can sometimes be as daunting as trying to read Arabic.
UF Mover Guys understands how confusing the terminology can be to people unaware of the moving industry as a whole. Never sign anything unless you know what each term means.
Here are a few definitions for you to be aware of the next time you hire movers to tackle your transportation project.
Accessorial services, also known as additional services, include extra offerings beyond the actual move that you can request.
From packing and unpacking to shuttle services, you will pay extra for these in addition to the standard fees for transportation.
High value articles are rated higher than $100 per pound. Tell your movers about any artwork or expensive furniture to ensure they are properly protected with bubble wrap and other casings.
Inventory is a detailed listing of all the goods to be transported from your existing home to the next. The condition of each object should be noted and matched with a corresponding number.
You as the consumer can request this service at an additional charge.
Advanced charges include fees for services that are performed by people other than the mover. You will pay extra so look for these services on your bill of lading as a separate fee.
The bill of lading is the receipt you receive as the contract for your transportation charges. The bill should outline all line items that contribute to your overall amount owed.
Keep a copy in a safe place. If you disagree with anything listed on the bill of lading, request clarification from the mover. Do not sign it unless you understand every element.
Order for service shows your authorization for the mover to provide transportation services for all your belongings.
Transportation charges cover all costs incurred for the actual process of transporting your belongings from one place to another. These charges are in addition to the accessorial charges mentioned above.
A moving broker coordinates moves between two parties. A broker can take the legwork out of finding a reputable mover for you.
On the other hand, many brokers do not know the local landscape. The mover they book for you may not have the licensing and reputation you are looking for.
Storage-in-transit refers to the temporary storage of your belongings in between transport. If you must be out of your home at a certain date, many mover companies offer a storage option until you are ready.
These charges are extra and depend on how long your items are in storage. Final delivery charges may be tacked on at the end.
Learning the lingo when it comes to movers will help ensure a smooth transition from one home to the next.
