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.