U don’t have to Haul your belongings to a new place.
Gainesville’s moving companies recognize how hectic the end of the summer is, and many can give advice to help students save money and reduce stress.
For example, All My Sons Moving and Storage offers hourly rates. Quote specialist Sam Mitchell said Gainesville students moving out of a dorm or one-bedroom apartment will pay about $90 per hour for two movers and a 26-foot box truck.
Mitchell recommended students confirm their moving company is licensed and insured.
“What if they’re carrying your plasma screen TV, and they break it?” Mitchell said. “Then you’re screwed.”
UF Mover Guys founder Jordan Speisman agreed the quality of the employees is important. Students should feel comfortable with them. For example, Speisman said he would let his movers watch his children.
He works with Trimark Properties and College Park, among others, to offer students discounts. UF Mover Guys is offering $25 off current rates, which begin at $175 per hour.
Speisman said planning ahead is usually cheaper, but sometimes waiting until the last minute can be beneficial. Like on Tuesday, when a client needed a carpet cleaned immediately. Speisman could charge less because the company’s schedule had an opening.
One way students can reduce moving costs, he said, is to pack most items themselves.
Small boxes should be packed with heavier objects like books, and lighter boxes should be filled with items like Christmas decorations.
2 College Brothers Inc. co-founder Bryan Weschler said his employees relate to clients because they’re students, too. His company is partnering with Student Maid to offer students two hours of moving and two hours of cleaning, which is normally worth about $400, for about $300.
Corey Banta, a relocation specialist at Gator Moving & Storage, said all moving companies expect to maximize profits during this time.
Gator Moving & Storage charges about $180 for small student moves, which includes the hourly labor plus the fees for the van and fuel. The company offers 10 percent off labor for UF students and faculty year round.
Banta’s advice for them is to place already- packed boxes close to the door.
“The less work movers have to do, the more money students save,” he said.
