Special Packing Techniques

When you are transferring between homes, it can be very tempting to want to leap in and do the work of packing on your own. However some, particularly weighty, objects can pose health risks. You probably do not possess all the appropriate packing material for them and those items also need to be loaded and unloaded with certain caution. Plus, even hefty objects are not always invincible.

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When packing a weighty object, it’s always advisable to pad it first. You can use items such as old newspapers, newsprint, even pieces from old boxes, etc., be sure that it’s not wadded as it will only add weight inside the box and, therefore, will not be protective. Next, place it in a box that will hold its size and weight to the maximum without breaking down. If you can hear slipping sounds to indicate that the item is sliding around, it’s the wrong box for that object as it puts the item at risk for damage. If this is unavoidable, it may be best to double-pad the packed item by slipping it into a second box.

With fragile materials, it is best to go through the same process and then mark that box “Fragile” and with some items such as vases, you will probably also need to add “this side up” to minimize the damage risk. Also, when you are getting yourself situated at your new home, it will also save you a lot of time if you label the contents and room on each box.

If you have any items that weigh 50 pounds or above and especially 80 pounds or above, a pallet (a floor-level platform that provides a stable structure) may need to be used but is best handled by professional movers such as those employed with our Gainesville moving company, UF Mover Guys.

It is also best to save technological items such as computers or landline phones for last because technological items are not only vulnerable to breakage but also to sustaining damage due to environmental temperatures. Both of these most likely have some of your personal contact information stored in them.

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Objects that necessitate distinct packing

For items, such as certain furniture pieces that cannot be put into boxes, our main motto as Gainesville movers is to “pad it and wrap it”. That is, cover them with transfer blankets as necessary and then wrap them in expansive plastic wrapping. Since you will probably not be using the transfer blankets, renting them will save you money.

If you’re moving art pieces that are pricey or special to you and/or your family, it is advisable to ask a professional mover about a special crating. If you have any that have glass in the frame, pad it with something sturdy like bubble wrap and put an “X” mark with tape on the wrapping to hold it together in case it breaks apart.

Also, it’s never advisable to mix items from different rooms into boxes. This may be tempting as it does make the packing process go much quicker. However, first some items put together pose too great a risk for damage and secondly, when you unpack at your new home, you will be running all over the place just to have everything placed in the right rooms.

Week Day vs. Weekend Moves

Moving is one of the most stressful situations a person can endure and for good reason. Uprooting your life, packing your belongings and starting a new home is exciting and full of unexpected decisions and situations. It can put a strain on your finances and requires you to plan well in advance to avoid the inconveniences associated with moving during normal work hours. While it might not make sense to move during the week and take a day off, many people do exactly that and end up finding that it saves them money, hassle and time. Gainesville movers like UF Mover Guys are here to help you make the decision by laying out the pros and cons of weekday and weekend moves.

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The Convenience of Weekend Moves

Moving over the weekend makes sense for people who simply can’t take time off work during the week. Over the weekend, more people are available to help you move, you don’t have to take time off work, your kids are home from school and it makes sense to schedule your move for the weekend. There is also the benefit of less traffic and the ability to take the entire weekend to unpack your belongings and prepare for the next work week. However, the reality of the situation is that moving over the weekend is not all roses and sunshine. Moving companies in Gainesville can help lighten your load, and make your life a lot easier.

Another consideration for people who are planning to move on the weekends is your new neighbors. If you’re moving into an apartment, you don’t want to ruin your chance to make a good first impression with a loud, noisy and unnecessary move during their day off. Nosy neighbors may peer through their blinds and watch you move in all the while making judgments about your furniture and family. Your kids may be home, but unless they are old enough to help you move, they are more likely going to get in the way. If you hire a babysitter to watch them while you move, you are just throwing additional money into the pile of moving costs.

 

Weekday Move Advantages

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Moving during the week generally has enough advantages to outweigh the inconveniences of a weekday move. It’s true that you might need to take off work, but you could end up saving by hiring UF Mover Guys. Movers tend to be more lenient since they want to fill up their empty schedules and weekday moves often come at a discount. Since most people work during the week, you won’t have to worry about meeting your neighbors when not at your best or bothering them on their day off. Additionally, that awkward moment when you’re trying to get your bed up the stairs and your new neighbor is trying to get out to enjoy their weekend is less likely to occur. Since the kids will be in school, it’s also unlikely that you will need to invest in a babysitter.

A typical move can be completed in one working day and then when the weekend comes you can calmly move in at your leisure without worrying about upsetting your neighbors. While we like to assume that neighbors are going to understand that you’re moving in and the noise and dust will settle once you’ve settled in, it’s still an inconvenience for them. If you’re worried about additional traffic, ask the moving company to recommend a good time to move. They want to avoid as much traffic as possible too, since traffic means more time moving. Usually, by scheduling a move in the morning, you can avoid most traffic.

Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of your situation when deciding to move. If there is only one day you can move, you don’t have much choice in your options. However, for those that can choose, a weekday move is generally less hectic.  And for the smoothest move, contact UF Mover Guys today.

 

Myths about Moving Companies

Whether you’re moving for work or personal purposes, you are probably already thinking about all of the moving tasks that need to be completed. Relocating is a big project, one that takes time, energy and a lot of effort. One of the major concerns that individuals have when it comes to the moving process is whether or not it is advantageous to hire a moving company. To help you make the right decision, below are some of the most common moving myths dispelled and why it is to your advantage to hire a moving company.

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The First Myth: Moving Companies are Careless

The first big myth about moving companies is that they are careless when it comes to ensuring that nothing happens to your belongings. Most individuals that go through the moving process are extremely hesitant to hire a moving company because they fear that the movers will somehow damage or break their possessions. While this may be true of some moving companies, not all moving companies operate with a disregard towards their customers. Many moving companies actually have guarantees in place to ensure that your belongings will be moved with the utmost care and consideration.

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The Second Myth: Moving Companies Complicate the Process

The second major myth regarding moving companies is that hiring a moving company to help you move will only complicate the process. In reality, the opposite is true. When you hire a moving company, you are doing so in order to make your move easier, less stressful, and quicker. There are moving companies out there that truly do fulfill their commitment to the customer by making the move easy and less stressful. To meet your expectations, some moving companies even work with you to come up with a comprehensive plan regarding the moving process to ensure that everything stays on schedule.

The Third Myth: Moving Companies are Not Reliable

The final moving myth is that moving companies are not reliable. The main reason that many individuals feel this way about moving companies is because they tend to hire companies that truly are not reliable. When you choose a moving company, you want to do your research about the company and read past reviews. If the moving company is reliable, then it is going to show through reviews and information on the company’s website.

In essence, when it comes to moving myths, most of them are due to people’s negative experiences with moving companies. These negative experiences arise out of choosing the wrong moving service. To prevent this in your case, you want to choose a moving company that has many years of professional experience, that has fantastic reviews, and that works with you to schedule and get the job done. For example, if you are in the Gainesville area, then do your research on moving companies in Gainesville before you hire.

The Advantages of Hiring a Gainesville Florida Moving Company

Now that the main myths about moving companies have been dispelled, it is time to address how hiring a moving company can be to your benefit. While there are many great reasons why you should hire a moving company, there are three particular reasons that stand out among all others. The first advantage is that a moving company really does make a move less stressful. During the move, you do not need to worry about loading and unloading boxes or finding a truck that is big enough for your possessions.

 

The second advantage of hiring a moving company is that the job is being done by professionals. If you aren’t a professional mover, then you probably do not have experience with the moving process. Professional moving companies are aware of how to conduct a move in a structured and speedy way. The final advantage is that moving companies work with you and your needs. Before the move begins, you’ll be able to discuss with the movers your big concerns, how you want your items moved, and so forth.

Overall, there are moving companies out there that you can rely on to help you get the job done. Choosing UF Mover Guys helps simplify the process, it makes your move go quicker, and it reduces the stress levels associated with a major move.

Decluttering: What to Get Rid Of During A Move

Moving is almost always an exhausting feat, but a wise approach can dramatically simplify the ordeal. The easiest way to streamline a moving experience is by removing all excess. Anything that is non-essential can be discarded. This will make the entire job much easier, but you need to know which items to remove. To make relocation a happier time, the following guide explores belongings that can be donated or thrown away.

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What To Declutter Before You Move:

Magazines, Newspapers and Periodicals

Printed subscriptions are fun, but they can quickly accumulate a lot of extra weight for movers to handle. Furthermore, their tiny size makes it easy for disorganization to ensue. Avoid scattered messes by recycling old publications. This will make room for the next issues that will be arriving at your new address. Do not worry about losing any information, especially since most publishers back up their content online.

Books

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These may not be issued as regularly as the previous items, but they are just as digitally accessible. E-readers can contain an entire bookshelf, and the knowledge will be permanently stored in your pocket. The need to lug around boxes of books is over. Any release that has a digital backup can be given away before the big move. More drastic measures can be taken as well; in fact, a whole literature collection can be exchanged for a library card. Take the extra books there as a gift to the community.

Music

Songs are no longer solely stored on clunky hardware like records and CDs. Digital alternatives are everywhere. The Internet has copies of almost every track in existence, so rip the music and dump the discs! Obsolete media should be eliminated. Get rid of the cabinets full of cassettes and 8-tracks. Trade the cases of music for an MP3 player, or simply buy a hard-drive just for tunes. The movers will thank you when the time comes.

Furniture

Relocation offers the perfect chance to measure the worth of your furniture. A discerning eye will help you figure out what items belong in your new home. If your new place is furnished, then your old furniture can be moved to the dumpster. Gainesville movers will help you decide what is worth bringing along for the ride. They will carry anything you want them to, but it is smart to give bigger accessories a second-thought. Huge pieces are nothing more than baggage in the long run.

Antiques

Avoid the risk of damaging fragile goods by selling them beforehand. While moving companies in Gainesville are adept at handling sensitive items, it may not be worth the extra stress and hassle. There are huge markets for old goods, and the sales can help you recoup some of the losses incurred by moving, which is never free.

Artwork

In a similar vein, artwork collections should also be narrowed down. They can be quite valuable, so there is no reason to risk possible damage. As a general rule, visual pieces serve no conventional function besides entertainment, so they should be considered expendable unless sentimentality overrules judgment. This rule especially applies to large canvases, gigantic sculptures and installation pieces. It is very easy to find receptive audiences for creative works, and the extra room will be incredibly refreshing.

Electronics

These days, people acquire gadgets at a rapid pace. Upgrades are continuously released, and new models often lead to older ones being retired. Most of these obsolete devices simply linger around purposelessly. This culminates in quite a mess; therefore, the best route is to eliminate all electronics that aren’t current.

 

For any more tips, or help with your move go more smoothly, contact UF Mover Guys today!

declutter garage

Moving Tips: Before, During, and After

Moving day can be exhilarating. You are beginning a new journey and putting your origins down in a different abode. You have been daydreaming about the new home you have attained and it is entertaining to see how renewed and diverse your fixtures and portraits appear when they are positioned in a brand new setting.

But moving day can likewise be hectic. There is a great deal to get done and you, no doubt, want it to go efficiently. Below are several useful moving tips to follow prior to the UF Mover Guys arriving.

Countdown to Moving Day

Weeks Before the Big Move

  • Hold a yard sale. This way you will not have to find a place for them in your new home.
  • Get prepared, and do not delay until a few hours prior to the Gainesville movers coming. Put together a list of tasks you must complete and when they must be finished.

Days Before the Big Move

  • Make certain you are prepared for the movers. Do not overlook washing the laundry, running the dishwasher, packing your luggage, and disconnecting computer plugs, and additional electronics. This will save you a lot of much needed time.
  • Reserve items that you will be taking with you on your trip and visibly mark them as Do Not Pack; such as snacks, cell phones, and other items you may need that day.
  • Put in order to have your accounts closed out at your local bank and start up accounts in your new city. It is best to have this done before moving to your new town to save you time. It also gives you one less thing you have to arrange in your new town.
  • Attain a change-of-address kit from your post office, or you can visit usps.com. This will ensure that you do not miss any important documents that may come through the mail.
  • Pump out the gas and oil from all of your power equipment, such as your lawnmower, edger, etc., to avoid any messy spills.
  • Schedule house cleaning and additional home services for the day subsequent to loading. This is especially important if you were renting as it ensures you will receive a part or all of your deposit.

The Day of the Big Move

  • Prior to the moving truck departing for your destination, give the driver a phone number where you can be reached. It is likewise an agreeable notion to get the driver’s cell phone number.
  • Be conscious of the following items and warn your Gainesville movers if you need them moved:
    • Flammable objects
    • Combustible objects
    • Spray cans
    • Dangerous supplies
    • Gasoline
    • Vegetation
    • Paints
    • Bullets and explosives
    • Jewelry
    • Legal papers, such as wills, fiscal documents, insurance records, etc.

The Day After the Big Move

  • Have your utilities turned off the day after packing. Make sure it is not before so that it will not be too hot or cold while you are packing and moving.
  • Make your travel preparations for the day following moving day. In the event of weather postponements or other unexpected complications, you would not want to miss a flight or other travel associated schedules.
  • Prior to the moving truck departing for your destination, give the driver a phone number where you can be reached. It is likewise an agreeable notion to get the driver’s cell phone number.

Planning with your Gainesville moving company and if you adhere to these simple moving tips, your household move should be simple and stress free!

Deduct Moving Services from Taxes

Would it not be nice to subtract your moving expenses from your taxes?

You potentially could if you are moving because of work. These deductions include the cost of hiring a professional moving company.

Obviously you cannot subtract the entire expense of your move from your taxes. You need to research what you may be eligible for.

UF Mover Guys has provided a checklist of where to begin your search. Following our advice can help you deduct heavy moving costs from your taxes to help you reduce the amount you have to pay and increase the amount you get back.

The two factors that determine whether you can subtract moving expenses from your taxes are time and distance.

You need to have worked for a minimum of 39 weeks after you have changed locations to be eligible. You are only eligible for a deduction if the move is solely for the purpose of business relocation.

Moving to deal with the death of a family member or to be closer to a family member due to medical issues does not warrant  a tax deduction. Also, divorce and other forms of involuntary separation do not count either.

The second criteria is the new workplace needs to be at least 50 miles from where you previously lived in order for it to count. You cannot merely pack up your possessions  and buy a house a few blocks down the road.

As long as you pass these two tests, you should be good to go. If you have satisfied these two requirements then you have several types of deductions you can make for the move.

These deductions include the cost of you and your family’s trip to your new residence. The trip counts as a moving expense because  you are investigating where to buy a house and the neighborhood.

The cost of moving your belongings from a storage unit and the cost to connect or disconnect utilities is also covered by the deductions. These deductions apply to both your current and new homes.

You can also subtract the cost of shipping a boat or vehicle. You likely can deduct the cost of moving other business material as well as the cost of packing and unpacking.

In most cases, you have 30 days to deduct the cost of using a storage unit or locker. If you miss the 30-day mark, however, you will have to pay for it yourself.

Tips to Help You Choose the Best Gainesville Moving Companies

Getting ready to move? If you will be moving to another area of the city, or even to an area outside of Gainesville, you want a professional company that can help you do it. The right company to help with the move can make things much easier on you.

 

Where to Look for Companies

You can look for these companies in a number of different places, including through referrals and online. Even if you have referrals from friends or family, do your own research into the company’s history. Know how long they’ve been in business, for example.

 

What Type of Service Does the Company Offer?

Do you need a company to help move your home or are you changing locations for your office? Are you moving out of state? Look for companies that can offer the types of services you need for your move. Some companies can handle any type of move. They may also offer packing service or even storage service if you have items that you will not be taking into your new home. Consider the types of service you need so you can get an accurate quote.

 

The Reputation

What type of reputation does the company have? It should be easy to find information about Gainesville moving companies online. Look for any issues or complaints customers might have had with the company. Did they damage items? Were they too slow? Did they show up late? Look for positive feedback and testimonials from the company as well. Know the good and bad about a company before you choose them.

 

Licensed and Insured

Always check to see that the movers you hire are licensed and insured. The company should have this information on their website and in any literature that they offer. This will protect you as well as the company during the move.

 

How Much Does It Cost?

You always need to know how much the service will cost. Get a quote from at least three different companies. Make sure you understand what the quote encompasses as well. Check to see if they include tax and other service charges. Choose the one with the best price, the best reputation, and the services that you need.

 

Get in Touch

Once you choose your company, it’s important to get in touch and set a date for the move as soon as possible. Even if the move is more than a month away, set the date early. This ensures they have enough trucks and workers to be there for you. Contact the company the day before the move to make sure that everything is still on schedule. When scheduling your move with Gainesville moving companies, make sure you read your agreement completely. Read the fine print and make sure you agree with everything on the contract before you sign.

 

When you work with a great company, a move does not have to be overwhelming. Just put in the research and choose the best.

Buying a House when Moving to Florida

Moving to Florida

Buying a home and moving from your old place can be exciting, but it’s also very stressful. You will suddenly be responsible for a very large mortgage payment every month. At the same time, though, you will have a place of your own. If you are planning on a move to Florida, then there are several things you need to do before you sign any paperwork.

Get Your Finances in Order

You need to have your finances all sorted out well before you start looking for a new house. If you have been previously renting, then the cost could be dramatically different. Additionally, if you are moving from out of state, you have to factor in a change for the cost of living. Take the time to consider every expense that will be involved in your new home purchase to determine how much you can afford to spend. Keep in mind that there is much more to it than just the mortgage payment itself. The new expenses include:

  • The mortgage (there are calculators online that will help you determine the payment you can afford).
  • Homeowners’ insurance
  • Home upkeep and maintenance
  • PMI (private mortgage insurance may be required depending on the lender and the loan).
  • Utilities (they will be more expensive than in an apartment)
  • Homeowners’ association fees

Remember that when you close on the loan, you will be committed to paying for that house. Before you even begin packing boxes and preparing for a move, you need to be absolutely sure you are financially prepared to buy a house.

Finding the Right Neighborhood

Whether you have children or not, you will want to choose the right neighborhood to move into. By narrowing down your options, you will find it easier to shop for the different houses for sale. You can do so much research online, but if you have a particular area in mind, then you can write to the chamber of commerce and ask for welcome packets. Keep in mind that even if you need to do business in the city, you could choose to live in smaller outlying areas. For example, if you wish to move to Gainesville, you could live in the metro area or choose from many of the small towns nearby depending on the convenience and way of life you prefer.

Find a Realtor

If you are moving to Florida from out of state, then you won’t be able to spend time touring houses and hunting down options you like. You need someone working for you who is familiar with the area. A realtor will be able to find properties that fit your parameters so that you don’t have to sift through the hundreds that are available.

Moving to Florida can be a fun; exciting experience and you will definitely want to find the right property to call your new home. Make sure you spend some time determining what type of house you could afford to buy and then research your different options to choose a property you will love.

Gainesville Florida Moving Company, UF Mover Guys Launches Their New Blog

UF Mover Guys, a Gainesville Florida Moving company, is pleased to announce the official launch of their company blog.  Inside you will find insightful articles on how to prepare for moving day when it comes.  Over the years we have been asked by customers for our tricks of the trade, and now we are bringing it to the internet.  We look forward to providing all of our customers, and internet visitors with the same high quality moving resources that we have been come to known for.

Our goal is to educate any and all persons interested in learning more about the moving services industry.  Some topics that will be discussed are how to prepare for moving to Gainesville, and the state of Florida.  How to avoid some of the most common moving pitfalls.  The proper way to pack boxes for a professional moving company.  Expect to learn a bunch while visiting our site.  Also we will discuss some related topics such as how to get everything setup in your new apartment, home or office.  Corporate relocation, and high value moving items and how to protect yourself during move day.

Many of the topics that UF Mover Guys blog will discuss are directly related to the Gainesville moving services industry, but we will also discuss some local favorites such as University of Florida Football.  Local Alachua County News.  How to get to and from Florida in the most efficient manner and many others.