Best Moving Tips for Senior Citizens

Moving can be a challenge. Whether you are moving to another part of town or the other side of the country, moving is a major event, no matter what your age. There are, however, steps that you can take to make the process easier. By following a few tips, you can make your move as a Senior citizen as simple as possible.

Moving Tips for Senior Citizens

Get a Quote

When you have identified a Gainesville moving company to handle your move, get a quote up front to give you an idea of the total cost. If you will need storage services at your new destination or packing assistance at your old home, ask your movers to include that in your quote. Review the details and make sure you are clear on deposits and payments.

Start Early

Most people have no idea how much stuff they have until they start packing. A few weeks before you intend to move, pack away any items that you will not be using before the move. Start with seasonal gear such as skis, golf clubs, patio accessories and bikes. You can also pack out of season clothing and basement items. As the moving day approaches, gradually pack everything until there is nothing left to pack on the day of the move. There are Gainesville moving companies that also offer packing services to make the move easier.

Create an Overlap

If you can move into your new home before moving out of the old one, you will have greater flexibility during your move. Start cleaning and organizing the new house before your moving day, so that everything will be set up when you get there. Allowing for overlap during your move will make the entire process less stressful.

Survey the New Home

One of the most overlooked details during moving is the size of the new home versus the size of the old one. If you are moving from a house into an apartment, space may be a real concern. Measure the doorways in your new home to make sure your furniture can fit. Measure the windows to make sure you can use your old window coverings. Take measurements for the appliances as well. You don’t want to get your prized furniture to your new home only to discover your couch can’t fit through the front door.

Create an Organizing System

If you are doing your own packing, label each box with a sticker that corresponds to a room of your home. Add a blue sticker to the kitchen box, for example, and a green sticker for the bathroom items. Take extra stickers and apply them to the doorways of each room in the new house. This way your movers can simply put the boxes in their respective rooms by following your color scheme.

Create a Moving Day Box

Designate one box that will be for items that you will need immediately. This box should include toiletries, medications, sheets and towels. Keep this box in a separate area of the house, away from the main moving area, or store it in your car. This way you will have adequate supplies at your new home without having to open all of the boxes.

Have a Yard Sale

You may have lived in your home for many years and accumulated quite a bit of belongings. If there are possessions that you can bear to part with, host a yard sale to get rid of a few things. This is especially important if you are moving from a large home to a smaller one.

When it comes to getting the best service for your move, UF Mover Guys are ready to lend a hand. Contact our Gainesville moving company today.

How to Pack Wine and Liquor

If you have an admirable collection of liquor or wine, it’s a bit silly to imagine trying to transport it all in the back seat of your vehicle, right? Due to the glass packaging of most alcoholic beverages, they are difficult to transport and are very susceptible to breaking and handling fluctuating temperatures poorly during a move. This is why a bit of extra gentle handling is required for these types of items.

Wine Bottles to Pack

Packing Your Wine and Liquor Before Your Move

Taking Inventory

Certain types of liquors and wines should be stored at various temperatures, and this is why it’s wise to develop a game plan ahead of the move. White wines should be transported in cooler temperatures, such as in a portable cooler, while reds should stay in the general area of 55 degrees. A Gainesville moving company, like UF Mover Guys, that provides temperature-controlled vehicles is your best bet for the red varieties.

When wine increases in temperature and becomes hot, it ages much more quickly and runs the risk of becoming flat. Exceptionally low temperatures can easily dry out the bottle’s cork, making it easy for oxygen to seep in. Dry ice is used commonly by movers that have wine collections.

Once you’re ready to begin taking inventory of your alcohol collection, start making a note of liquids that can be packed together. This can give you a better idea of the number of boxes you’ll likely need.

Arranging Packing Materials

One of the best ways to gather packing supplies for these types of items is to check with local bars, liquor stores, nightclubs, and lounges for spare liquor and wine boxes. These types of materials are designed to transport liquor and wine by use of dividers, and they tend to be extremely sturdy. If you must use basic packing boxes, they must be heavy duty. Consider either buying/renting durable plastic containers or checking with local offices for copy paper packing boxes.

It’s advisable to wrap liquor bottles in sturdy cloth. Anything, ranging from towels to t-shirts, can be used. Wine can be packed this way too, but it’s a good idea to remember that in the event of an unfortunate glass bust, the cloth wrapping the bottle will likely be ruined. For wine, you should always leave bubble wrap and shredded paper for ideal packing materials.

Packing Your Alcohol

If you have to use traditional cardboard boxes for transporting your wine or liquor, be sure to affix a layer of tape to the bottom of the box for added support. Liquor and wine boxes won’t require this step due to their sturdiness. Consider layer a towel or shredded paper along the bottom of the box to cushion the contents. You might also want to individually wrap each bottle either with a thin cloth or paper to prevent label scratching. Place the liquor/wine into the box, and use extra towels or rags to fill the empty space around them.

Wine box for moving

Unpacking Your Alcohol

One of the first things you should steer clear of once you arrive in your new home is opening a bottle of wine for enjoyment. Liquor will be okay to open directly after the move, but wine will likely respond poorly to the drastic temperature changes. It’s a good rule of thumb to allow time for the wine to settle for 2-3 weeks before opening it. Once wine has been removed from its packaging, set it on its side again immediately. It’s very important that wine always touches its cork. If the cork dries out from standing upright for too long, oxygen will eventually seep in and ruin the beverage.

Moving Antiques And Extra Large Items

Can you imagine moving without even lifting a finger? It may be hard to imagine such a scenario, but with the right Gainesville moving company, it is very much possible.

UF Mover Guys knows how to make a move go as quickly and smoothly for you.
UF Mover Guys knows how to make a move go as quickly and smoothly for you.

Who would not enjoy moving when all the planning is already done for you? There is no need for you to worry about collecting boxes for packing. You don’t even have to think about how the unpacking will be done once your belongings reach the destination. Not only will you find all your belongings in place, but even the electrical appliances will be plugged in and ready to use. Let this be the ultimate moving experience you have always wished for, which lets you be the in-charge but does not require you to do a thing.

 

Moving Antique Pieces

 

You can make use of our made-to-order crates and climate-controlled storage spaces to keep your belongings in mint condition. Our expertise in helping people move gives them the peace of mind that even the most valuable and delicate of their stuff will arrive safely at the promised time, and here is how we do it:

  • We detail and photograph each of your vintage pieces before packing them securely.
  • Our crates are made according to the dimensions of every item in order to safeguard them from any damage.
  • Completely secure personalized storage spaces are available for keeping the antiques safe in a temperature and moisture controlled environment.
  • Our skilled movers are also equipped to arrange and carry huge items like pianofortes.

 

Transporting the wine bottles from your collection

Moving Wine in Florida

We consider our company like fine, aged wine. As we grow in experience, so does the quality of our work. When it comes to transferring your carefully picked wine collection from one location to another, we know exactly the way it should be done. Our knowledgeable staff will take every step possible to ensure that your prized collection of excellent wines is relocated just how you want it. This is why our range of services includes features like especially crafted crates and refrigeration for the entire course of transportation.

 

  • Just like with every item we pack and move, our company’s expert workers will take down details of all wine bottles in your collection and take pictures of them as well.
  • We can also provide you exclusive moving trucks that keep your wines under optimum temperatures during the entire moving process.
  • If need be, you can keep your wine collection in our specially designed storage facility with temperature controls.
  • We go to painstaking lengths in order to ensure safe transfer and unpacking of your wine collection at your new address.

 

Transporting Pianos

 

With years of skill and professional experience under our belt, we are proud to say that our Gainesville movers and packers are the best when it comes to moving pianos from one place to another. We understand the value of this beloved possession of yours and will take extra care to bring it to your new home safely.

 

  • Our dedicated team of experts is fully trained to dismantle, move and reassemble pianos, no matter what type. Whether you own a grand piano, an upright, a parlor or a baby grand.
  • We understand the fine art of handling pianos and taking good care of them, so you can be assured that your musical instruments are in safe hands.
  • With the use of state-of-the-art machinery and reliable workforce, we also offer to hoist extra large objects through windows, whenever required. We can also get it in touch with an expert to make your piano ready to play right before you arrive.
  • If and when needed, you can also choose make use of our temperature-regulated storage compartments.

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.

uf movers

 

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.

moving and packing

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

uf movers

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.

moving Gainesville Florida

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.

Moving boxes on Curb

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.

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!

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.

How To Check a USDOT Number

When moving, you can come across some stressful times.

What can you do to make life simpler? You could hire a company called Gainesville moving company.

UF Mover Guys will make sure that everything gets done and in a timely fashion. They take care of the heavy lifting, so you can concentrate on other things.

If you decide to hire a moving company, you should check their USDOT number.

The FMCSA requires relocation companies to be registered. When a moving company registers, the organization administers them a USDOT number.

If you see the word marked “out of service” when to search for the number, you need to pick a new number. This label means the company is not operational or cannot be operational for a certain period of time.

The word you need look for is “active” or “authorized for”. When you see the words “authorized for,” you must check to see what the company is authorized to move.

This number also includes all of the contact information for the relocation company you are choosing to go with. The number also includes the MCI fields.

These fields also give authorization for the move to happen. This information is supplied by the Interstate Commerce Commission.

You can also find it by checking out the ICC site. All you have to do is put in your number. The information should pop up.

Something else to look into with this number are the power units. Power units refer to the amount of trucks or vehicles it will take to transport cargo to the new location.

These vehicles are usually leased. The number of vehicles used depends on the time of the year.

For example, more vehicles are used in the summer because more people move during this season. Moving traffic is high in the summer because hazardous road and weather conditions are minimal.

An important item to pay attention to with the USDOT number is the number of accidents or crashes the vehicle has had. After all, would you like to be handled by a relocation company that has had quite a few accidents?

Look into this before you go with the moving company. If the moving company and the vehicles it uses has a history of accidents, then you might want to go with someone else.

Be sure that safety ratings are up. Stay away from moving companies that have lower ratings.

To find out more, you can always check out a few place online. You can check things out with the BBB and the AMSA.

Talk to neighbors and friends to see who they went with. It’s the baby steps that make all the difference. These baby steps will add up to a more relaxed and stress-free move.

Environmentally Friendly Moving Tips

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.