Ocala Unboxed the Ultimate Moving Guide

Before you move, be certain you know all the utilities you are responsible for and make the transfers. The further in advance you can make the call the better, as sometimes certain utility companies will not be able to come out the next day to make the switch.

Change of Address

• USPS Change of Address Form: MyAddressChanger.com
• File early to receive retailer coupons from Lowes and Best Buy
• Requires credit card with current billing address for online verification
• Can be completed in person at any post office

Utility Services for Aurora St. Leon Apartments

Electric:

• Provider: City Of Ocala Electric Utilites
• Website: www.ocalafl.gov

Water:

• Individual Meter billed to your resident account monthly
• Payable to Aurora St. Leon Apartments

Cable/Internet Options:

• Mereo Networks – each home is equipped, and Aurora will provide you with a password at move in.

Free Box Sources:

1. Craigslist Free Section
2. Liquor stores (boxes with lids)
3. Bookstores
4. Grocery stores (apple boxes)
5. Starbucks
6. U-Haul Box Exchange
7. Freecycle (freecycle.org)
8. Free Cardboard Boxes site (freecardboardboxes.com)
9. Military/Veterans program (email customerservice@cheapmovingboxes.com)

Tips for Box Collection:

• Contact furniture stores for many sizes and save a lot of $$$$$$
• Call ahead at least a week before packing
• Check with friends who recently moved
• Look for boxes at your workplace

U-Haul Box Exchange Program:

• Post leftover boxes
• Find available boxes
• Use "Take a Box, Leave a Box" bins
• Trade with other movers

Packing Supplies Tips:

• Invest in heavy-duty packing tape
• Consider Uline for new boxes
• Rent hand trucks and furniture dollies
• Get a quality box cutter

Use Autodesk Home Styler (free web app) for:

• Room layout planning
• Furniture placement
• Move-in day organization
• Complete apartment planning

Considerations for Truck Rental:

• Calculate mileage needs and costs
• Check insurance coverage options
• Look for online specials
• Ask about student discounts
• Book early, especially for weekend moves

Money-Saving Tips:

• Compare included mileage offers
• Check retailmenot.com and Coupons.com
• Consider one-way rentals for long distances
• Book online for better rates

Organizing Moving Help:

• Schedule friends in shifts
• Limit to 4-5 helpers at once
• Offer food and future help
• Split between morning and afternoon crews

• Set aside essentials in a carry-on suitcase
• Include clothing and toiletries
• Live out of suitcase during final week
• Keep necessities easily accessible

• Consider mixing rooms for efficiency
• Use soft items as padding
• Create a dedicated miscellaneous category
• Label clearly for unpacking

• Use trash bags for closet items
• Wrap spillables with plastic wrap
• Use Press'n Seal for drawers
• Photograph electronics connections

• Use mobile inventory apps
• Consider QR code labeling
• Mark boxes by weight
• Include orientation instructions

Moving can be just as stressful for pets as it is for humans. Planning ahead ensures their comfort and safety.

Arrange to Board Your Pet

• Schedule boarding 2 days before moving
• Book early for weekend moves
• Pick up after truck is loaded
• Consider a quiet room if not boarding

Pet Supply Stores:

• PetSmart 2800 SW 35th St, Ocala, FL 34474
  (352) 840-1414

• Petco 3051 SW 34th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
  (352) 547-2471

Veterinary Offices:

• Caring Hands Animal Hospital 2652 SW 32nd Pl, Ocala, FL 34471
  (352) 861-8600

• Paddle Paws Veterinary Hospital 1520 NW 10th St, Ocala, FL 34475
  (352) 622-4640

Groomers:

• Pawsitively Posh Pooch 612 SE 24th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
  (352) 304-5980

• Bubbles and Bows Pet Grooming 1804 NE 10th St, Ocala, FL 34470
  (352) 624-1112

Two Men and a Truck Ocala
(352) 369-6683

• Local & long-distance moves
• Packing services available

Ocala Moving & Storage
(352) 622-6688

• Climate-controlled storage
• Full-service packing

All My Sons Moving & Storage
(352) 321-0964

• Residential & commercial moves
• Free furniture padding

Electric: City Of Ocala Utilities
(352) 629-2489

• www.ocalafl.org/utilities
• Online account setup available or visit in office

Water/Sewer: City of Ocala Utilities
(352) 629-2489

• Aurora sets up an account for you, first billing you 30-45 days (about 1 and a half months) after the lease begins date.

City of Ocala – Compactor on site
(352) 351-6697

Pickup schedule: Monday - Saturday

Recycling: Waste Pro Recycling
3621 NW 10^th St, Ocala FL 34475
(352)624-3100

• Keep all hardware in labeled Ziploc bags
• Contact manufacturer for missing instructions
• Assemble items in their final location

• Wipe furniture before bringing inside
• Clean rooms before placing furniture
• Dust thoroughly after placement
• Plan for rain, have a mat at entrance door to dry feet

Popular Delivery Options:

• La Cuisine French Restaurant Authentic French dishes and pastries
• Cuban Café Traditional Cuban sandwiches
• The Braised Onion American fare and comfort food
• Mark's Prime Steakhouse & Seafood Quality steak and seafood
• Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant Classic Italian dishes and pizzas
• The Hummus House Mediterranean dishes and salads
• Blue Highway Pizzeria Gourmet pizzas
• El Toreador Traditional Mexican dishes

• Start with essentials
• Set up kitchen early
• Take breaks as needed
• Organize room by room

• Take walks to explore
• Meet your neighbors
• Find local amenities
• Join community events