Tag: gainesville florida moving tips

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.

Places to Meet People After Moving to Gainesville

Sometimes, moving to a new place can be isolating and you may find yourself cooped up in your apartment by yourself on a Friday night. In addition to getting accustomed to navigating your way around a new city, and unpacking your plethora of boxes delivered by your Gainesville movers, you must also form new social connections. This may be particularly overwhelming if you do not know where to go.

School or Work

This may seem obvious but if you are a student you will regularly see the same people in your classes and if you work you spend the majority of your time at your job. Do not be afraid to be outgoing and strike up a conversation with someone you do not know. You will automatically have something in common to talk about and they may be interested in spending time together outside of that environment. Take advantage of that time together and do not let yourself be a hermit in those situations.

Volunteer

There are many places that require a lot of help. A great way to fill your time is by finding ways to make a difference in your community. There are many different places you can volunteer in Gainesville depending on your passions and what you might enjoy doing. While you are volunteering, you will interact with other people and it has the potential to be a great way to meet new friends.

Student Life

If you are a student, take advantage of organized events. Gator Nights is held every Friday night at the University of Florida. They show new movies that have been recently been released, and have free food, crafts and other activities you can participate in. The best part is it is all for free! Many UF students attend this event so it is a perfect way to socialize.

Joining one of UF’s 1,000 organized clubs is always another option. This is preferable because there are so many options, you are guaranteed to find one that corresponds with your interests. These smaller groups also facilitate the growth of friendships and they also look good on your resume.

Community Events

If you find yourself with free time on a weekend, do not spend it in your apartment curled up on couch. Instead, look up activities occurring in the community. For instance, in the summer, there are periodic festivals with musicians and artists that would make an entertaining outing. Downtown Gainesville offers a variety of coffee shops, restaurants and nightlife spots which are other great ways to meet people.

After your Gainesville moving company leaves, you are left with the task of making new friends. In general, the key to meeting people in a new area is to be friendly. If you initiate conversations with people you do not know, eventually you will find someone who is also looking for a friend. If you stay in your apartment, nothing will ever change and you will not meet anyone new. So, be brave and build lasting friendships; you never know who you will meet!

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.

Preparing for Movers Before Moving Day

Moving is something that many people dislike to even consider. This is especially true when there are several years of accumulation and everything must be removed prior to properly cleaning the property. People who move often, such as people in the military or large corporations, have found that careful preparation will help avoid personal and family stress. UF Mover Guys wants to help make you move go as smooth as possible, and it’s possible with these tips and tricks!

Things To Do Before Moving Day

Confirm with Gainesville Moving Company

Of course, the first thing you must do is contact someone such as the Gainesville Movers to determine the total cost of the move as well as any special considerations, such as insurance coverage to provide for any damage to the belongings being shipped. Such a company is more than willing to provide advice on packing, the type of boxes to use, how large a transport vehicle will be needed, length of the haul and other pertinent information.

 

Pack One Room at a Time

It is much easier to handle one room at a time. Look through it carefully, discard damaged or unusual items, and select things to go to a thrift store or other charitable institution. Always use good boxes, either furnished by the movers or purchased from another company. When a box is carefully packed, the box should be labeled so it is put in the right place upon arrival. This avoids having to go through a number of boxes to find something that is immediately needed.

 

Can’t Pack Yourself?  Hire Us To Do It

Many transport companies can supply packers who will expertly pack your belongings. In this case, they will usually furnish the boxes and any needed packing blankets. However, again, it is important to discard unwanted items ahead of time, as they will pack whatever is there, even an empty plastic butter tub.

 

Purge the Unnecessary Items and Donate to a Local Thrift Store

Moving entails other things besides packing and disposing of things no longer needed. It is extremely important to notify the post office of your new address and inform your landlord, if you have one, that you are leaving. You should also notify your bank, have utilities shut off, cancel any regular events you attend and so forth.

 

Companies such as Gainesville Moving will be able to provide a checklist that will help immensely in doing all the things that are necessary when one changes residence. A contract will be drawn up that states the cost of the move, the mileage and dates for pickup and delivery. Whether relocating across town or to another city, it is important to deal with someone who has the experience in the field and a good reputation for their customer’s concerns.

How to Move a Pool Table

Pool tables present one of the most unique challenges available in the entire moving industry. These entertaining pieces of furniture are the perfectly nightmarish combination of gargantuan and delicate. There are many crucial considerations to keep in mind specifically pertaining to their exceedingly fragile nature. While you might think it is wise to cut costs by moving the unit on your own with no extra assistance beyond a group of amateur acquaintances, the truth is that you probably need help.

Why A Moving Company Should Move Your Pool Table

Pool Tables are Massive

It is common knowledge that game room furniture is obscenely weighty, but no amount of anticipation can prepare you for the heaviness that is at hand. Lifting these tables intact is nigh impossible, and there is no safe way to rotate them. Even if a group of people can lift a pool table off of the ground, carrying it will be a nearly insurmountable task with hazardous obstacles to dodge everywhere.

Disassembly Takes Tons of Effort

So, once you realize that the only way to move a pool table is in pieces, it is time to start working with a screwdriver. The individual parts must be separated in an extremely careful manner. Proper technique is essential to preserving the integrity of a pool table’s craftsmanship. The slightest error can result in complete debilitation of all playing functions.

Safety goggles will also be useful during this step. This is because the staples holding the pocket straps need to be undone, and they have an unpredictable nature when released from their pressurized position. After these are secured, it is time to free the rails. The felt can only be lifted after the rails pop out of the locks. You must be equipped to handle glue or nails at this stage, and it is impossible to tell which will arise. After all of this, you can flip the table over to detach the legs.

Reassembly Takes More Effort

If you are lucky enough to get all the pieces apart without destroying the table, it is time to undo all your hard effort of dismantling. There were no guidelines beyond safety for the previous step, but organization is the key to success now. Instructions must be followed perfectly to ensure all architectural elements are restored.

Minor Damage is Actually Extreme

The mildest flaw can completely ruin a pool table. An unlevel playing field is useless, and recalibration is a likely necessity. Tiny stretches in the fabric will generate a permanent wrinkle, which means the whole surface might need a replacement. The designated spots for each staple must be remembered. If re-gluing is necessary, be careful to avoid lumps that counteract the intended evenness.

Injury Can Occur

A lot of the equipment involved is heavy duty and dangerous. Accidents can occur within the blink of an eye. Trips to the hospital can derail an entire move, and expenses can be horrendously huge. One single instance of faulty handling can lead to hospital bills that are even bigger than the pool table itself.

They Will Not Fit in Most Vehicles

On top of everything else, this factor must also be kept in mind. Gainesville moving companies have the trucks that large pool tables need for secure transit. On the other hand, you probably don’t. Good luck trying to fit that colossal beast into a sedan!

The bottom line is that moving pool tables will usually require extra assistance, but do not fret. Simply seek services from moving companies in Gainesville, such as UF Mover Guys, the most professional moving company in the state. They can do the work while you relax!

Using Social Media to Help Plan a Move

When you are preparing for a move and seeking out moving companies in Gainesville, you are no longer limited to traditional searches and local listings. Using social media is one way to find Gainesville movers that can help you to prepare regardless of whether you are moving to a new city, out-of-state or even internationally.

One method of searching for well-known and trusted companies using social media is to simply search for them and read real life testimonials and reviews. Asking family members, friends and even co-workers for referrals is also another way to ensure you are going with the right company wherever you are planning to use.

 

Why Use Social Media to Help Your Move?

Using social media is one of the quickest methods to learn more about various companies regardless of whether you are shopping for a new bed or seeking international movers who are willing to work with you. With social media, getting updates, responses and results is possible within a matter of minutes when reaching out to the proper channels. Using the official Facebook and Twitter page of various cleaning companies and other businesses near you is also a way to find more information about the business itself: hours of operation, days they are open and services provided are all listed.

If a user has a complaint, social media is often the preferred route to share their feelings, especially as others are likely to see it. Many companies who have active social media profiles respond to their customers and clients immediately, helping to offer additional guidance and support when moving or if in need of services. It is important to seek out companies who are actively involved in engaging with customers and providing support through the means of social media before choosing a mover near Gainesville you can trust and rely on for the day you plan to move to a new home.

Review Portfolios of Work

When you use an official social media page of a moving company who services Gainesville, it is possible to view albums of photos of properties and the type of work that is provided by the movers themselves. Showcasing staff, movers, homes, trucks and certificates of licensing and insurance can help to boost professionalism for anyone seeking the right movers. Using social media properly can have a drastic effect on the overall performance of of a website or a brand altogether. Ensuring you have a formal social media presence with branded and professional logos is essential, especially if you are a new company or looking to find new clients who are interested in your services.

Why Reading Reviews Matters

Official social media pages for companies, brands and businesses allow customers to leave comments, reviews and testimonials. If you find a company that is deleting reviews or posting highly-suspicious and fake views, it’s important to look elsewhere for a potential moving service. Reading real testimonials from past clients is also a way to gain insight into the work ethics, friendliness and professionalism from each company near Gainesville, regardless of the type of move you are planning.


Once you have located the official page of the Gainesville moving company you are interested in working with, it is also possible to review services, photos and in some cases even videos of showings of various homes they have represented in the past. Taking the time to review each company you are interested in hiring thoroughly is a way to reduce stress prior to the big moving day required. The more you trust your movers in Gainesville, the less worry you are likely to have once the big day arrives.

Things You Can Do Two Months Prior to a Move

Planning to move without prioritizing what needs to be done in a specific order can lead to a lot of stress and worry. Two months isn’t a long time to take care of what material possessions to keep, possibly leaving one job for another and business related areas that must be taken care of. Making an outline of everything that needs to be done can help ease those unnecessary worries. You most trusted Gainesville moving company is here to help you prepare for the moving day.

Eliminating Clutter From Your Life

Everyone has clutter surrounding the area they live in. Some of the items they value might be keepsakes, clothing, furniture, electronics and dinnerware. The best way to organize what is special and what can be tossed away is by making a list of everything that is packed. Once it has been boxed, the hardest part of packing is over. Anything that isn’t stored can be given away or sold.

Selling Is Easy

Many of the items you don’t want to haul can be sold in a yard sale or garage sale. One man’s junk can be another man’s treasure so always keep that in mind before you decide to trash anything. Organize and label all the items you want to sale with a price label and check off list so you can keep up with what is sold. You might decide to list a few items online at popular selling sites, like Craigslist.com, to make more money.

Deciding Who Will Be Helping You Move

The distance you will be moving will have a heavy impact on the cost and the people that you hire to do the move. Long distance requires the help of professionals that cost money. Short distance moves might require nothing but a large pickup and a few friends. For longer distances, you will have to shop around to find a local company that will give you the best rates.

Smaller Is Better

Having a few friends over to help you take items apart can make the process much easier. Tables, electronics and outdoor furniture are among some of the items that can be broken down to box. Moving boxes are easier than trying to move heavier items that can be bulky and awkward. Simply make sure that everyone keeps up with all the parts that go with each item. Gainesville movers would rather load nice packages over large items that needed separating.

Paper Or Plastic

You can use plastic shopping bags to store items that you feel are too delicate to store inside cardboard boxes. You can find enormous supplies of broken down cardboard boxing at dollar stores. They are notorious for having a large amount of them. Your best chance is checking these types of stores first since they won’t bale the cardboard with wiring.

Research Where You Plan To Live

This really should be the first thing that you do to see what kinds of opportunities are available where you plan to move. Things you might think about are the crime rate, population, school districts, recreation and public facilities. These are very important features that will mean the difference in your happiness in the new area.

Give Away What You Don’t Need

The very last thing you should do is make sure that everything packed is going to have a useful purpose once you do move. If you decide to leave a few extra items, you can always donate them to charity. After all, giving is a great thing to do to help those less fortunate.

What to Ask a Moving Company Upfront Before You Hire Them

Moving begins with shopping around for a moving company. Your first instinct may be to ask family, friends and colleagues about their experiences with moving companies.

However, you can and should speak with prospective moving companies about what they can do for you. Here are some specific questions you need to ask that only the company can answer.

  • How exactly is my moving fee calculated?
  • What if we are delayed for some unforeseen reason? Will there be extra charges? If so, what would those costs be?
  • What if we had to cancel our move for some reason? Are there fees that are not refundable?
  • What process do you use when hiring the actual movers? Are they bonded? Drug tested? Have you run background checks?
  • What sort of insurance policy does the Gainesville Moving company have? Do I receive a copy of proof of insurance?
  • What protections does your insurance coverage offer me in case of loss or damages?

Acquiring the company’s proof of insurance is a smart move and worth investigating. Sometimes answers to insurance coverage questions are not always clear prior to the move. It is best to obtain a company’s proof of insurance and call the insurance company directly. A few questions you will want answered include:

  • Is the policy current and in effect? Does the coverage extend to include your moving date, and are any further payments required prior to that time that will affect coverage? If so, on what date?
  • What happens in case there is a claim? Who will deal direct with the insurance company? What is their process?
  • Does the coverage require special riders for larger or heavier items? If so what are those fees?
  • Is the coverage based upon the declared value for each item, or a total lump sum?
  • Will I need to verify purchase prices of items lost or damage to prove value in order for coverage to be in effect?

Preparing to hire a Gainesville Moving company may seem a bit overwhelming with all the things you want to investigate prior to the move date. However, you will be glad you verified the above information in case of some unforeseen problem.  UF Mover Guys has proven time and time again to be the best in the business, and has an honest policy with all of their clients.

Sticking with a reputable and verifiably reliable Gainesville mover will alleviate stress and help the transition be a smooth one.