Tag: gainesville moving tips

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!

How to Pack a Desktop Computer

Everyone has a computer and when you move, you need to take it with you. However, it is very easy for computers to get damaged during the process. The best way to protect your computer is to take it with you personally. That way, you will be more likely to save it from excessive movement. However, this is not always possible and when it is not, you need to know how pack it before you give it to your Gainesville movers.

Preparation

First, you need to get insurance for your computer. On the off chance that it does get damaged, you want to make sure that you will have the finances to repair it. Also, computers hold many important documents and pictures. Take the time to back it all up on an external hard drive so you will still have access to your important information if something happens to it. Next, you should remove the wires. If you are not sure you can put them back correctly later, it might be best to take a picture of them first or label the wires.

Placing it in the Box

In order to safely pack your desktop, you will need a large box, tape and bubble-wrap or packing paper. If possible, use the box your computer came in, but if you no longer have it, a normal box will do. Begin by reinforcing the edges of the box with tape in order to better stabilize it. Wrap your computer’s tower in bubble-wrap and place it on the bottom of the box. Then, tape bubble-wrap to the front and back of your monitor and position it on top of the tower. Fill remaining gaps with bubble-wrap and packing paper to prevent parts from moving too much. Fold the cords for your keyboard and mouse then cover them both with packing paper. Place both into the box and again, fill all empty spaces with paper. Then put the top of the box down and securely tape it.

Before you hand your desktop computer to your Gainesville moving company, make sure that it is packed properly. There is no guarantee, but the better you pack it the less likely the chances are that it will get damaged. Choose a company with movers Gainesville, FL, trusts.

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.

Unique Challenges Florida Movers Face

Moving Challenges Only Floridians Will Understand

If you are trying to move a large amount of furniture or office material in Gainesville, then you should understand some of the unique challenges that Florida movers face. If you do not plan on hiring a Gainesville moving company, then you should understand what kind of problems you will face without this professional assistance.

The weather in Florida is always unpredictable.

The number one reason that Gainesville moving is so hard is the weather. Even if the sun is shining brightly in the morning, you never know if you will run into mid day winds or a short rainstorm. Depending on what you are moving, you may have a problem getting a particular item into a new building safely without damaging it.

The traffic in Florida never lets up.

The great thing about hiring Gainesville movers is that they are also well versed in how to navigate Florida traffic. If you are going to a relatively remote place, then you may have to deal with the traffic conditions in the area. This can be frustrating and tiring. By the time that you get to your destination, you may not have the strength to actually unload and unpack all of your belongings. This can get incredibly frustrating if your truck rental has a time limit on it.

If you run into traffic, you may also spend more on gas money than you originally thought. Stop and go traffic is murder on gas mileage in Florida.

The Florida heat can sap your strength very quickly.

Even if you make it to your destination without a great deal of traffic, you still have to move all of that heavy furniture inside. The Florida sun can sap your strength more quickly than you might think. If you only have enough manpower to barely move your furniture and equipment, you may find yourself the victim of dehydration. Again, if you are on a schedule, this can cause you to incur late fees.

Moving Advice for Senior Citizens

Moving Tips for Seniors

After retirement, many senior citizens choose to move in an effort to downsize their living situation or to escape undesirable weather. Whether you’re moving to Florida from out of state, or are simply moving across town, the entire process can be a bit overwhelming. While moving to a new residence is a great way to enjoy a fresh start in a new environment, the moving process can pose a few challenges for seniors who may have more belongings than they ever dreamed or health issues that complicate moving day. As you plan your move, use these Gainesville moving tips to ensure your big move goes seamlessly from start to finish.

Get Help with Packing

Almost every move requires some purging, and you may already feel as though you are in over your head. Instead of throwing up your hands in frustration, consider getting help from professional Gainesville movers who can help you pack your belongings in an organized manner. This will allow you the time to sort through your items and decide which things you will donate to others and which you will keep. Consider donating items you rarely use or pass them on to relatives as heirlooms.

Avoid Moving Day Injuries

Sure, you might have once hoisted a mattress upstairs by yourself in your youth, but why risk doing that now. Moving day injuries are a common concern that can wreck your adjustment to your new residence. For this reason, you should enlist the help of a Gainesville moving company that has both the right equipment and know-how to safely lift and transport heavy furniture, boxes and other items.

Protect Heirlooms and Valuables

Over the years, you have likely accumulated more than a few treasures. Fine china, family heirlooms and valuable collectibles are all items that will require special treatment during your move. Unfortunately, these types of items are often the first to break when a person attempts to pack and move them themselves. However, a professional mover will know exactly how to move them in a way that decreases the chance of breakage.

As you plan your move, it is important to remember that help is always just a phone call away. While friends and family members may offer their assistance, it is important to remember that they can often be unreliable or unable to safely transport your belongings. By taking your time and utilizing professional help, you can make your next move an enjoyable experience.

Moving in the Spring

Spring moves are some of the least hassle and most enjoyable moves possible. Unlike moving in the winter when you’re bombarded with extreme temperatures and a high potential for rain, a spring move avoids most of the inclement weather that can put a damper on the moving process. In contrast, a summer move brings with it a full onslaught of heat that can make you feel more drained and exhausted than what you would experience with a spring move. Movers in Gainesville, such as UF Mover Guys, are primed to help people who want to move at the first sign of blooming flowers and warmer weather. However, you need to prepare for your venue change to ensure a problem-free move.

Why Move in the Spring?

Spring moving rates are generally lower than at other times of the year, since fewer people move in the spring. People tend to have other things to worry about like the start of school and recovering from winter. Rental companies generally charge the highest rates over the weekends. If you’re flexible, you can find some of the best rates for your spring move by working with a moving company to nail down a date where they have high availability.

Spring is by far one of the cheapest time to move during the year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 45 percent of all moves occur during the summer months. Lots of people moving means that you’re going to pay a higher price for your move.

 

Clearing the Clutter

Gainesville moving companies generally charge by the amount they have to move. You can reduce your cost by doing a bit of spring cleaning during the moving process. Throw away anything you don’t need, and consider getting a storage unit if you have infrequently used items that you want to keep. The more you can get out of your house ahead of time, the less time you have to spend on the actual moving day. Clearly mark each box that you pack. If you’re having a Gainesville moving company do the packing for you, arrange items in a way that makes it easy for the movers to pack your items quickly and efficiently.

Vacation Time

Another significant advantage to moving in the spring is that your children may be on spring vacation. If you’re embarking on a large move, this may work in your favor. Moving during the spring can reduce the impact on your child’s schoolwork and you may even have vacation time available from work you can use. It’s easier for kids to move around when they don’t have to worry about schoolwork. Since a move can be a huge drain on the entire family, keeping kids out of school during the move can make it less stressful for everyone involved. Housing deals and apartment rental offers are usually at their best rates during spring time as well.

 

Ways to Reduce Your Moving Costs

In addition to moving during the spring, you can also reduce your moving costs by selling items you don’t need. Spring is the perfect time to host a garage sale. Since the weather is usually pleasant and people are naturally in the mood to get out for a stroll, a garage sale can be lucrative for you. Anything you can sell you won’t have to move. This can significantly reduce your burden when it comes time to pack up what remains of your home. Most local delivery companies also provide free delivery of new furniture. If not, you can order your furniture in advance and have your moving company in Gainesville pick up the furniture on the way to your new home.

Why Hire UF Mover Guys to Move Your Office

When it comes to moving out of an office workspace, it can be a tiresome and tedious activity that one dreads and puts off until the last minute. However, it must be done and it must be done properly as you want to leave behind a good impression while also preparing for your new office and your new life ahead. Don’t fret, because UF Mover Guys can help you through the whole process and walk you through it with relative ease. You see, we have done this many, many times in the past and know exactly what we are doing and how to handle it with relative ease. No move is too big or too small for them.

Moving Your Office or Relocating a Work Space

Why Hire Gainesville Movers for Your Office Move

People know that UF Mover Guys are without a shadow of a doubt the best in the business and can handle anything that is thrown their way, especially in your office. They will help you move out quickly and efficiently and make sure the job gets done right the first time. It can be overwhelming and exhausting having to do all of this on your own, especially if you have a big workspace. That is why you need a group of men and women who know what they are doing and can help make this a smooth and easy transition with no problems whatsoever.

Talent and Experience with Moving

These are the best movers that money can buy and they have years upon years of experience in this field. You can never have too much experience or knowledge in this sort of field. It helps them know what to expect, how to handle it, and how to be prepared for anything that may come their way. That is the true beauty of these movers and why so many people are hiring them and so impressed with the work that they put into the job. It stands head and shoulders above the competition and is truly one of a kind.

You wouldn’t trust this job to just anyone and that is why it is so important to find the right ones who can get it done properly and without any hesitation or hassle. They also have the best customer service in the business and they are top notch workers who bust their butt and never take it easy or coast on the job. You are getting one hundred and ten percent commitment from them when hired for the job.

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!