moving tips | Gainesville Movers and Moving Companies in Gainesville

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.

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.

Deduct Moving Services from Taxes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Short on Moving Supplies? UF Mover Guys Offers Boxes!

custom box — UF Mover Guys offers everything from boxes to storage to ensure you have a perfect move. Leave the job to the most trusted moving company in Gainesville, Fla.

Determining how many boxes you will need for packing up your household items can be quite a challenge. With a little effort and a thorough review of your possessions, you should have a general idea of exactly what you need in a very short time.

Professional movers use many methods of estimating how many boxes you will need for each area of your home. The truth of the matter is that only you know the extent and sizes of all of your possessions.

Some homeowners are minimalists and enjoy the simple spareness of uncluttered rooms. Others hoard their many possessions for years.

Some will have large amounts of computer and stereo equipment, which will require larger boxes. Others own bookshelves full of various sizes of books and knickknacks, which need medium and small cartons.

An effective method for homeowners who are getting ready to move is to go from room to room and eyeball what needs to be packed. Write down an estimate of small, medium and large boxes that you feel will be needed for each area.

A kitchen would need several small boxes to pack food items and dishes. A garage may need larger boxes to gather lawn supplies and athletic equipment that is stored there.

Most rooms will require a variety of box sizes. A bathroom, for example, would need just a few medium boxes for towels and larger supplies and smaller boxes for toiletry items and small beauty equipment.

Tour the entire house, and write down the estimates for each room. Don’t forget porches and yards where toys, outdoor games, barbecue tools and lawn equipment tend to be found.

Add a few extra boxes to each size category to cover any extra items that will pop up during your packing. Total the number of small, medium and large boxes you feel you will need.

Add other necessary items such as packing tape, box dividers, markers, bubble wrap and newspaper to your list of moving needs. Be aware that some items such as televisions and stereo equipment will need special care and special packaging materials

These items are delicate. You need to take the necessary precautions to ensure that they arrive in working order at your final destination.

Depend on Gainesville Moving to provide you with the know-how to have an incident free transfer of your possessions. Gainesville Movers can help you decide on any other special needs you may have before your moving day.

The more organized you are and the more assistance you hire from movers, the less stressful your experience will be.

UF Mover Guys Offers Partial Load Moving

No load is too big or too small. Image is from eclecticlivinghome.wordpress.com.

Maybe you decided to downsize to save some cash. Maybe you did it for some type of spiritual cleansing. Maybe you had no choice at all.

Whatever the case may be, partial load moving is one type of service that Gainesville Movers provides customers. This service is intended for someone who is moving to new house that might be smaller and only needs to move a partial load.

The key to partial load moving is organization. If you need this type of service, check out the following tips that will help make the process much easier for you.

Start by choosing what you are planning to take with you. You need to know so you can plan what type of packing paper, boxes and bubble wrap you may need.

Think about what items are most important to you. To help with the move, you may even want to rent a truck, van or a small moving trailer.

Next, you will want to get at least three quotes before you sign a contract. With several quotes, you will be able to choose the best price and service.

Keep in mind neither the highest nor the lowest price might not offer the best service or value. A good rule of thumb is to choose the quote that is the average of all the quotes provided.

It is also a good idea to learn more about the company you are interested in hiring. You will have more peace of mind knowing your belongings are in good hands as they are transported from one location to another.

Read reviews, get references and make sure the company is able to transport items out of state if you are moving out of the state.

Search on the Department of Transportation’s website to find this out. An “X” next to the “interstate” section will indicate this.

You will also want to make sure the company is registered with AMSA movers and listed on the Better Business Bureau.

Once you choose the company, you need to find out if you need to provide any packing material or boxes. You also need to know if you will need to rent moving trailers or a one-way van.

Additionally, make sure you understand all the conditions before signing with a company. Think about your fragile items and any special belongings like art pieces that will need extra care.

Moving is a big life change so take your time and choose a company wisely. Gainesville Moving can help.

Moving Tips — with Memes

Moving house can be a stressful affair, but it doesn’t have to be.

At Gainesville Moving we want to give you the tools and tips you need to take the stress out of transporting your home and have some fun doing it.

Whether you are re-locating for the first or the fourth time, Gainesville Movers will make moving so easy you’ll laugh out loud at the simplicity. Here’s some entertaining and useful tips from UF Mover Guys.

Plan WAY Ahead

Start thinking about what items you might need to sell before you move and get them well-listed in advance. Go through old storage and clothes to decide what you might want to donate or get rid of.

Schedule your movers weeks in advance — this will save you a headache later because the best movers are also usually consistently busy.

Think about changing your address two weeks ahead of time. Don’t forget to notify the bank, credit card company, Amazon, PayPal and magazine subscriptions along with the Postal Office and the utilities.

Enlist your friends to help with the move-in process, if you can. Also, think about hiring someone to watch your pets or children during the move.

Get UBER Organized

Packing and unpacking your house can be made easier if you use color coding for rooms and catalog your items by numbering each box. This will allow you to keep track of everything that you’ve packed, where it goes, and documents what you have in case a box goes missing.

Speaking of documentation- KEEP EVERYTHING. Make sure you hold on to the instructions to rebuild the desk, AND make sure you keep all your financial and health documents with you.

It’s better to keep all the important documentation with you, so that you don’t have to go looking for it later. If you are taking apart furniture at all, make sure you label all the pieces and tape them to their corresponding parts.

Pack Smarter

Make an essentials bag for each member of the family that has things like clothes for the next few days, toiletries and important electronics.

Pack an “OPEN FIRST” box. This should have things like a box cutter, toilet paper, eating utensils, trash bags, power strips, paper towels, some cookware, chargers, bath towels and cleaning supplies.

Use suitcases, laundry bins, baskets, etc. to your advantage by packing them with stuff. Also, you can use your dresser drawers as boxes with some stretch wrap to keep things from falling out.

You can even wrap your breakable dishes and glasses in clothing or socks to save on bubble wrap. A quick way to pack your closet is by using trash bags to take out whole sections of clothes.

Do A Little Every Day

If you can prepare for the move a little bit each day then your actual move-in day can be much less stressful. Pack AND un-pack by room to make things more manageable.

Clean each room as you pack it, and take pictures of the emptied room if you’re renting. Take a picture of the back of your TV and electronics so you can keep track of where everything plugs back in.

Make sure to defrost your refrigerator at least a day before the move to avoid leaking. Make your last grocery trip two weeks before the move date to avoid throwing out a lot of food.

Protect Your Stuff

Make sure you measure your furniture and determine whether you will need to take it apart to transport it. Stretch wrap your furniture and couches to prevent scuffs and scratches during the move.

Keep an inventory of your most valuable items and make sure you track them as they arrive at your new place. Pack your dinner plates vertically to avoid them breaking. Keep bottled toiletries in plastic bags to avoid a mess later.

Be Prepared

Try to clean the bathroom and the kitchen of your new place before you move in. Take pictures of your old place and your new place when they are empty for documentation, especially if you’re renting.

If you are transporting fragile valuables make sure they are properly packaged and give specific instructions on how they should be handled and packed.

How To Properly Wrap And Pad Furniture

The No. 1 rule to remember is that all of the items should be carefully wrapped and padded. Image is from customstoragesystem.com.

Few people look forward to the work, preparation and planning involved in moving. You can make the day less stressful if you approach it in a thoughtful and strategic way.

The first step is to hire a reputable company. UF Mover Guys is one of the most respected moving companies in Gainesville.

Our company is a full service company that will take care of all your needs. One service that we take pride in is offering tips and advice for our customers.

In this article, we will give you a short but thorough overview about how best to protect your furniture during your move. Furniture and heavy items should be properly padded and protected before being moved in a truck, trailer or automobile.

The No. 1 rule to remember is that all of the items should be carefully wrapped and padded. This is the best way to prevent injury or damage to the item as it is being moved from your old home to your new one.

All furniture should be wrapped with blankets and plastic stretch wrap. Bubble wrap, pads and blankets provide the best protection.

Moving blankets are expensive, which tempts some people to use regular home blankets and towels. While these are better than nothing, ordinary home towels much less protection than moving blankets.

Professional quality blankets can be rented, and they are worth the money. You want to make sure that you have enough blankets to fully cover and wrap all of your furniture.

The number of blankets obviously depends upon the number and size of the items. At Gainesville Moving, we have found that the typical customer usually requires 30 to 100 blankets.

As a general rule of thumb, 30 blankets are usually sufficient for a small one-bedroom apartment. Most items require two to five blankets for full coverage.

The first step in padding and wrapping furniture is to secure any movable parts such as drawers, doors and the legs if they move back and forth. We suggest that you should always stop at the top of the furniture item and work downwards when covering it with furniture pads.

The pads should completely cover the furniture. Make sure that no part of the furniture is exposed. Any exposed area is at risk during the moving process.

Coverage also makes loading the furniture quicker and more efficient for the movers. They do not have to worry about nicks, scratches or other injuries to the furniture as they carry and load it onto the truck or trailer.

Wrapping the covered furniture with stretch wrap provides additional security and protection. The plastic should be tight as you wrap it. Avoid leaving any space between the wrap and the item you are wrapping.

Inspect all the items once they are wrapped. Make sure that all the surface areas are covered and protected.

Take your time and do not rush. Properly covering and wrapping all of the furniture takes a little additional time to, but you can move it with much more security and confidence.

If you have any additional questions about heavy furniture contact us. UF Mover Guys will be happy to answer all your questions.

How to Load Your Rental Truck

If you will be using a rental truck and loading it on your own, you must know how to load it the right way. Loading a truck incorrectly is inefficient, and you may be wasting valuable space without realizing it. An improperly loaded truck could be dangerous as well. You need a truck that’s the right size first. Determining the size you need is not easy. Getting a truck that’s a bit larger than you need is better than getting one that’s too small. The staff at the rental company may be able to assist you in choosing the right sized rental.

Start Big and Work Your Way Down

The smartest way to load the rental truck is with the largest items first. If you plan to move appliances, such as a refrigerator, washer, and dryer, they should be the first items into the truck. Balance the load by placing heavy items on opposite sites. For example, one side might contain your refrigerator. The other side should have the washer and dryer.

Once the appliances are in the truck, other heavy items will follow. These include sofas, tabletops, headboards, and mattresses. Tie the larger items in place so they do not shift as much. Then put in the dressers, bookcases, chairs, and other bulky items. To make the dresser lighter, remove the drawers while carrying it to the truck. Put the drawers in place after the body of the dresser is loaded. When you have these items in the truck, there is a chance they could shift against one another. This could cause scratching. A good way to avoid this is with moving blankets. They provide that added bit of protection you need.

Next, you can start bringing in all of the boxes. Utilize the space properly. If there are gaps beneath chairs, coffee tables, or nightstands, place boxes beneath them. It’s a smart way to use the space. The heaviest boxes should go onto the truck first. Place the heavy boxes on the bottom and go lighter with the boxes as you pile them higher. Fragile items should be on top so nothing happens to them.

A moving dolly can help with heavy items. They also make it easy to move several boxes at once. You can often rent them from the same place you rent the truck.

Why This Order?

Placing all of the heavy items into the truck first offers a couple of benefits. First, it means you get the hard and heavy work out of the way. Second, when the truck brakes, the items may shift forward. If the heavy items were put in last, they could crush your boxes and other items. When you take the time to pack properly, your items are sure to be safe during transit.

Make the move even easier by having professional movers come and help. They know how to load a truck and they can probably do it in less time than you and your friends!

Tips for Making Moving with Pets Less Stressful

Moving is stressful for everyone involved, but humans have the advantage of knowing what they are getting into. Your furry friends will have no idea what is going on, and uprooting them from the home they have known and putting them somewhere new can be extremely difficult, making many pets prone to anxiety and behavior issues in reaction to the stress. To make sure that your pets have the most comfortable experience possible, here are some tips that will make the move much easier.

Keep the Pets Secluded

There will be a great deal of chaos during the move, and it can be extremely frightening for pets. Additionally, when people are walking in and out of the house, it could be very easy for a dog or cat to slip out the door and run away.

The best thing to do is choose one, secluded location away from the activity that your pet can stay in during the whole process. Make sure the space is as quiet as possible, well-ventilated, and filled with familiar smells. A bathroom is a good option, but make sure you put a sign on the door instructing people and movers to stay out and leave the furry friends alone.

Get the New Home Ready

Pets will be anxious when placed in a new place with new and unfamiliar smells. It’s a good idea to create a safe haven space in the new home before you bring your companions in. Pick one room, like a bathroom or extra bedroom that you can turn into a temporary space for your pets.

Make sure to put their toys, bed, and other belongings in the room, but you may also wish to place a few items of your clothing so that the pets will recognize your smell. Don’t put any of the moving supplies in the room because they could pose a hazard to your cat or dog.

Have the Proper Records

To start with, you need to ensure your pet has proper identification tags at all times. Their collar or harness should include a tag that has your name and phone number on it. While you don’t want your pet to get lost, during the chaos of a move, you need to be prepared for anything.

Additionally, you need proper veterinary records with you in case of an emergency. Just make a call to your veterinarian and ask for copies. They will be glad to provide them to you so that you have everything ready before moving.

Long distance moving is stressful, but any type of relocation can be hard on your pets, whether it is hundreds of miles away or across the road. Be sure to use these tips so that your pet and you will have the best experience possible.

Dogs and cats are susceptible to anxiety whenever anything changes in their daily lives. The more quiet and calm you can provide your furry friends during a move, the better they will be able to handle the whole process.

You Need to Be Aware of These Hidden Moving Costs

Moving is not as simple as packing a few boxes and loading them onto a truck. There is so much more to the process that can cause headaches, stress, and extra expense. It isn’t cheap to relocate as it is, but if you face hundreds of dollars in hidden fees and costs, then the move could become a serious issue.

Whether you are trying to keep the costs down or you just don’t want to be surprised with a big hit to the checkbook, here are hidden expenses that you need to watch out for and avoid.

Extra Costs with the Moving Truck

If you decide to take on the move on your own, then the rental truck can be a source of unexpected expenses. The cost of the rental is just the beginning. If your credit card company or auto insurance company doesn’t cover rental expenses, then you will need to buy the insurance policy available from the truck rental service.

Additionally, few people remember to factor in gas. However, those trucks don’t exactly get good gas mileage and you will need to return it with a full tank. Before you even begin the rental, you need to get a good idea of how much gas will cost for the whole move.

When you sign a truck rental agreement, you need to take a look at the mileage caps. Usually, your one-time cost will only cover a certain number and if you go over that mileage, then you will have to pay more.

Rental Cleaning and Damage

If you are moving out of a rental, then there are certain expenses that you must be aware of. You will be required to clean the place and that can mean cleaning it yourself or hiring a professional. If you don’t do this, then you could forfeit your security deposit or be charged with a cleaning fee that can be quite steep.

Additionally, if you damage the property in any way during the move (and this goes for a property you are selling as well), it will be your responsibility to pay for repairs in most cases. To avoid this, be careful not to scratch floors or scrape paint when getting the furniture out.

Boxes

You never will be able to get enough boxes for the move. That is a fact of life. It’s a good idea to get an estimate of box count needed from your movers and then choose to pay for the high end in the first place. If you try to get by with less, you will find yourself having to pay for more boxes at the last minute. Other moving supplies can add to the cost as well, so be sure to factor them in from the start.

Hidden expenses during a move can add up quickly, and before you know it, you may find yourself in a bad financial situation at the worst possible time. Be sure to watch out for these hidden moving expenses and either avoid them or prepare for them in the first place.