These Tips Will Make Your Move Easier!

Make Moving Easier

People move a surprising amount of times. We may relocate for a job, to be closer to family, because we favor a different atmosphere or we merely want to try something different reason. Whatever the reason, moving is an involved and time consuming process. Any tips that can make moving easier should be considered and implemented. Here are several tips that you may want to keep in mind.

Begin Early

The sooner you can begin moving, the better. Coordinate with movers or friends and your new housing in order to create a concrete schedule that works for all involved. Spend time sorting through your possessions and sell, donate or dispose of any damaged items or belongings that you no longer use. This will help speed up the actual packing process because you will have less to do and you will not waste time or energy bringing items you do not truly love.

Organize Items

The packing and unpacking processes will go quicker if you create zones. Gather materials that go together. This could be in categories such as décor, specific rooms, items for storage, or things that go in closets. Keep your future home in mind. Are you planning on combining two rooms or are you going to have a new home office? If so, you should reorganize the items that would go in these sections. Then clearly label each box so that your Florida movers will be able to deliver boxes to their correct rooms. When you need to unpack, you will be able to focus on each zone at a time without being distracted by items that are going to be in a different room.

Use the Right Materials

Whether you are moving your belongings yourself or hiring a Gainesville moving company, you will want to acquire the correct materials that will keep your possessions safe. First, you will want to consider how far you are moving. If you are merely transferring your items down the street or across town, you will not need to secure items as securely as if you are moving across the country. Gather sturdy boxes, plastic bins, packing tape, permanent markers and bubble wrap.

Prepare Space

When you begin unpacking, it is similar to opening Pandora’s box; there is no stopping it and pandemonium can quickly ensue. Before you start, take advantage of the absence of obstacles and clean the area thoroughly. Check the floorplan, if available to determine where all furniture will be placed. If you do not have one, make one of your own by measuring walls, windows and doorways and then use graph paper to draw the layout. This will make organizing your new home much easier.

Hire a Moving Company in Gainesville, FL

Though you may feel stressed merely thinking about moving, it is a task that you can overcome. When in doubt, hire movers who can provide you with as much assistance as you need from packing your possessions to loading them in the truck.

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.

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.

Things To Do Before Moving Day

Confirm with your Gainesville Moving Company

Of course, the first thing you must do is contact someone such as UF Mover Guys 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.

Gainesville moving companies should 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to Pack and Move a China Cabinet

China cabinets are filled with expensive and fragile glass dishes and heirlooms. Image is from diningfurnituremart.com.

Homeowners take pride in their china cabinets. Surprisingly, however, they often handle their collection recklessly when moving.

China cabinets are among the items that require the most caution to move. These furniture sets are filled with expensive and fragile glass dishes and heirlooms.

Consequently, moving a china cabinet is one of the biggest challenges for movers. Pack incorrectly, and you can destroy several hundred dollars in collectibles.

Fortunately, UF Mover Guys has years of experience in this area. Here are some effective strategies we use to pack china cabinets.

Secure your investments by packing everything inside the china cabinet into boxes. This way you can at least ensure all of your actual china is safe.

Once the cabinet is empty, start wrapping and boxing the loose parts. Wrap glass shelves in bubble wrap. Then remove the brackets holding the shelves in place.

Anything you can disassemble by hand will fall off during transit. You need to remove and carefully box these parts to prevent damage.

See if you can fit smaller boxes into the lower cabinets while moving. Doing so will make them easier to find when you unpack.

Most china cabinets come in two parts. The easiest thing to do is separate the top section from the bottom section.

The bottom section usually contains draws and shelving made of finely crafted wood. Wrap the bottom in several thick blankets. Go around the blankets with packing tape to secure it in place.

The additional padding will ensure the cabinet is not scratched. When UF Mover Guys arrives, all we will have to do is carry the piece into the truck.

The top part of the cabinet contains the most glass. Thus, this part is the most fragile and requires the most caution.

Cut open some cardboard boxes. Begin wrapping the cardboard panels around the glass exterior of the cabinet.

Hold the panels in place with packing tape. Continue adding cardboard until the entire upper section is covered.

If you have plenty of extra cardboard, you can run a second layer over the piece. You never know whether the moving truck will hit a speed bump.

Once the cardboard is in place, wrap heavy duty blankets around it. Secure with more tape.

From here, UF Mover Guys can finish packing the cabinet into the truck. If you do not want to have to worry about scratching or damaging your glass cabinet, you could always hire us to pack for you as well.

Homeowners take pride in their china cabinets. Surprisingly, however, they often handle their collection recklessly when moving.

China cabinets are among the items that require the most caution to move. These furniture sets are filled with expensive and fragile glass dishes and heirlooms.

Consequently, moving a china cabinet is one of the biggest challenges for movers.  Pack incorrectly, and you can destroy several hundred dollars in collectibles.

Fortunately, UF Mover Guys has years of experience in this area. Here are some effective strategies we use to pack china cabinets.

Secure your investments by packing everything inside the china cabinet into boxes. This way you can at least ensure all of your actual china is safe.

Once the cabinet is empty, start wrapping and boxing the loose parts. Wrap glass shelves in bubble wrap. Then remove the brackets holding the shelves in place.

Anything you can disassemble by hand will fall off during transit. You need to remove and carefully box these parts to prevent damage.

See if you can fit smaller boxes into the lower cabinets while moving. Doing so will make them easier to find when you unpack.

Most china cabinets come in two parts. The easiest thing to do is separate the top section from the bottom section.

The bottom section usually contains draws and shelving made of finely crafted wood. Wrap the bottom in several thick blankets. Go around the blankets with packing tape to secure it in place.

The additional padding will ensure the cabinet is not scratched. When UF Mover Guys arrives, all we will have to do is carry the piece into the truck.

The top part of the cabinet contains the most glass. Thus, this part is the most fragile and requires the most caution.

Cut open some cardboard boxes. Begin wrapping the cardboard panels around the glass exterior of the cabinet.

Hold the panels in place with packing tape. Continue adding cardboard until the entire upper section is covered.

If you have plenty of extra cardboard, you can run a second layer over the piece. You never know whether the moving truck will hit a speed bump.

Once the cardboard is in place, wrap heavy duty blankets around it. Secure with more tape.

From here, UF Mover Guys can finish packing the cabinet into the truck. If you do not want to have to worry about scratching or damaging your glass cabinet, you could always hire us to pack for you as well.

Moving Terminology

Reading the fine print can sometimes be as daunting as trying to read Arabic. Image is from wikipedia.org.

You have to read the fine print before you hire moving professionals. Unfortunately, reading the fine print can sometimes be as daunting as trying to read Arabic.

UF Mover Guys understands how confusing the terminology can be to people unaware of the moving industry as a whole. Never sign anything unless you know what each term means.

Here are a few definitions for you to be aware of the next time you hire movers to tackle your transportation project.

Accessorial services, also known as additional services, include extra offerings beyond the actual move that you can request.

From packing and unpacking to shuttle services, you will pay extra for these in addition to the standard fees for transportation.

High value articles are rated higher than $100 per pound. Tell your movers about any artwork or expensive furniture to ensure they are properly protected with bubble wrap and other casings.

Inventory is a detailed listing of all the goods to be transported from your existing home to the next. The condition of each object should be noted and matched with a corresponding number.

You as the consumer can request this service at an additional charge.

Advanced charges include fees for services that are performed by people other than the mover. You will pay extra so look for these services on your bill of lading as a separate fee.

The bill of lading is the receipt you receive as the contract for your transportation charges. The bill should outline all line items that contribute to your overall amount owed.

Keep a copy in a safe place. If you disagree with anything listed on the bill of lading, request clarification from the mover. Do not sign it unless you understand every element.

Order for service shows your authorization for the mover to provide transportation services for all your belongings.

Transportation charges cover all costs incurred for the actual process of transporting your belongings from one place to another. These charges are in addition to the accessorial charges mentioned above.

A moving broker coordinates moves between two parties. A broker can take the legwork out of finding a reputable mover for you.

On the other hand, many brokers do not know the local landscape. The mover they book for you may not have the licensing and reputation you are looking for.

Storage-in-transit refers to the temporary storage of your belongings in between transport. If you must be out of your home at a certain date, many mover companies offer a storage option until you are ready.

These charges are extra and depend on how long your items are in storage. Final delivery charges may be tacked on at the end.

Learning the lingo when it comes to movers will help ensure a smooth transition from one home to the next.

How to Pack Heavy Items

Heavy Items Image
Too many people move items when packing with improper lifting technique. Image is from katerawlings.com.

One of the most difficult parts of moving is handling heavy objects. Inappropriate packing techniques can cause insurmountable damage to your belongings.

UF Mover Guys has about a decade of experience packing hefty items like TVs and furniture. We recommend taking advantage of our training and handing the responsibility of packing to us.

However, if you are determined to pack on your own, here are our tips for handling your heavy items.

The key to packing heavy objects is to secure your belongings.

Choose small but sturdy cardboard boxes to hold heavy items. Large items take up most of the space inside small containers and are less likely to shift within them. Small boxes also limit how much stuff you can put in them, which prevents them from becoming too heavy when the time comes to move them.

Heavy objects should be bundled tightly inside of boxes. Items should be wrapped in a compact layer of newspaper, packing paper or bubble wrap.

The material you use depends on how heavy the item you are wrapping is. The heavier the object, the thicker the wrapping should be.

No empty space should be inside your boxes. Fill the space with cardboard, bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Crumpled paper is not strong enough to work in this case.

Heavy items should be packed in the center of the box with the surrounding area filled as described above. If the weight lies more on one side of the box, it will create problems when lifted by tilting.

In addition, unequal weight distribution and poorly secured objects can cause the box to tip over in the back of the moving truck when being delivered to your new home. This could result in damage to the object and surrounding objects.

Heavy items should be further secured using a thick and strong tape, such as duct tape, to seal the box. Scotch, moving and masking tape obviously will not work for these types of items.

Gathering the proper packing supplies for heavy objects can be costly and time-consuming. In some cases, it may be more cost efficient to hire a moving company to pack for you. UF Mover Guys has the equipment to save you money and get the job done.

Additionally, your safety is a priority to us. Too many people move items when packing with improper lifting technique. The consequences range from sore muscles to torn ligaments to accidents that lead to broken bones and in extreme cases, even death.

You should consider the safety of your stuff as well, and consider how to prepare. Packing heavy items is a tricky process, and one misstep can destroy not only hundreds of dollars in belongings but also years of cherished memories.