PACKING / MOVING

Packing Tips:
Before you decide to pack yourself there are things you should consider. It can be very difficult and take a lot of time and energy. However, it is a great way to save money even if you utilize a moving service. Consult your moving service to find out how much you will save by doing the packing yourself. If you feel the savings is worth it, then start packing!

Packing Guidelines:
If you do the packing, here are a few things you want to keep in mind:

  • Everything should be packed before the van arrives
  • Only leave out the items you need that night or the next day
  • Make sure all items are packed correctly or the moving service may not take them.
  • Seasonal or other items already in storage should be repacked for safety.

Supplies for Packing:
Use quality packing supplies to be sure your items will be safe:

  • Bubble wrap, foam peanuts, tissue or newspaper
  • Packing tape
  • Permanent markers
  • Scissors or box knife
  • Pen and paper to make a list of items and in which box

Guidelines for Packing:

  • Wrap items to protect them before putting them in a box. Bubble wrap tissue or newspaper work well. Be careful not to use newspaper with items that the ink will rub off on.
  • Use 1 – 3 sheets to pack each item
  • Line the bottom of the box with wadded paper for padding.
  • Place heavy items on the bottom
  • Do not overload the box.
  • Use wadded paper to cover items on top
  • Place plates and books vertical
  • Cushion everything well.
  • Each box should not exceed fifty pounds.
  • Each box should be marked as to the contents and room. It should also indicate “Fragile” on all sides and top.
  • Pack the items you do not use often first
  • Pack like items together.
  • Tape boxes tightly to ensure they stay closed during the move.

Eight weeks before the move:

  • Clean out the attic, basement, storage shed, and garage.
  • Contact your insurance companies to notify them of the move
  • Create a move file to keep all moving documentation in one location
  • Plan arrangements to have your children’s school records sent to their new school
  • Start shopping and comparing moving companies or if you plan to move yourself, shop for a moving van.
  • Get rid of anything you do not use. Give it away to charities, friends, family, or toss it. A garage sale is a good solution as well.
  • Verify when your landlord needs notice and make sure you give it in plenty of time.

Six weeks before the move:

  • Choose your moving service and make tentative move day plans or if doing it yourself, schedule your moving van.
  • Obtain or make arrangements for medical, attorney, and any other records if moving to a new city.
  • Schedule a physical exam for your pets and obtain their medical records
  • Take care of any club memberships that may need to be cancelled or transferred.
  • Clean out closets and any other small storage areas.

Four Weeks before the move:

  • Gather moving supplies and begin packing. Start with stuff that is seldom used.
  • Schedule disconnects and transfer dates with you utility companies.
  • Organize important documents such as birth certificates and financial information and keep it in a safe place.
  • Complete a change of address form and notify friends and family and the following of your new address:
  • Schools Banks
  • Income Tax Churches
  • Social Security Insurance
  • Credit Cards Attorney
  • Loans Accountant
  • Doctors/Dentists Phone Service

Two weeks before the Move:

  • Confirm moving date with moving service and/or your rental van company.
  • Schedule to set-up your new phone service.
  • Take care of any arrangements for your pets and children for the move day.
  • Contact banks to close out accounts and/or open accounts in your new community.
  • Discontinue or transfer newspaper subscriptions.
  • Confirm all utility transfers/disconnects.
  • Take care of change of address with Motor Vehicle Bureau.
  • Clean out refrigerator and try to use up all perishable items.
  • Do not forget about any safe deposit boxes you may have.
  • Get your car serviced if you will be driving it a distance.
  • Drain all gasoline and oil from lawnmowers and other power equipment.
  • Write out driving directions for the moving service.

Move Day:

  • Confirm move time with moving service or pick up time of your rental van.
  • Keep any valuables or family heirlooms with you.
  • Make sure to have your move file and keys handy.
  • Double check the entire house before the movers leave.
  • Lock all windows and doors and turn keys in if moving from an apartment.
  • Meet the movers promptly at your new home to supervise placement of boxes and furniture.

MOVING WITH KIDS

Children become quite accustomed to their surroundings and routines. It is generally easier to move with younger children than older ones. Older children have time to grow attached to their environment including socially and can be rebellious. However, sudden changes are difficult for younger children. It is a good idea to prepare them well in advance for a move. Try to be positive and keep with their routing. Communicate with them about the new home and community. If possible, take them by the new home and check out the neighborhood. Get you children involved in the moving process. Let them pack some of their own items.

Moving Day

The best thing to do on move day is have a friend or relative look after your children. If this is not possible, make sure to have a game plan for them on that day. Use a portable playpen with their favorite toys for younger children. It is dangerous to have them under foot. Something could be dropped on them or they could climb on the boxes and fall. Try to involve older children with the moving activities. Have them carry items that are not breakable to let them feel like they are being a part of the move.

New Home

Once in your new home, it is best to get your children settled into their new rooms as soon as possible. Let them help decorate their room by even picking out the paint color. Try to maintain their routine, including any rituals you have set like TV night. As a family, become acquainted with the new area and encourage your kids to make new friends. A neighborhood house warming party can help with this. Help your children become involved in sports, clubs, and school activities. Let them stay in touch with their old friends. Be patient with your children and allow them to adjust to the new environment. It may be rough at first, but by staying positive and keeping the communication lines open, it will help the process be as smooth as possible.

MOVING WITH PETS

Moving can be just as stressful on your pets as it is on you. Pets become very attached to their environment, especially cats. Advanced preparation can ease the move for the animals as well.

Regular Routine
In the hustle and bustle of preparing to move, it is very important to stick with the pet’s regular routine. Changes in their routine can cause behavioral problems and illness can result form stress. Try to stretch out your packing time over several weeks. This will help you to be prepared on the actual move day, which will make it less chaotic for you as well as your animals.

Veterinarian
Before the move, make sure your pet is up-to-date on their shots and schedule a physical exam with your veterinarian. If your pet is on medication, make sure you have plenty to get you through the move and settled into your new home. Get a copy of your pet’s medical records along with a rabies certificate. Ask the vet if a mild sedative would be advisable for your pet if you feel the move will be stressful on the animal.

Pet ID
Make sure to update the pet’s ID tags with your new address and phone number. Keep the collar with tags on your pet at all times during the move. It is also a good idea to have recent photos of your pet in case they get lost during the move. A cat leash is also a good investment at this time. You will need it for both car and airplane travel.

Moving Day
On moving day, it is best to isolate your pets in a quiet room. Provide them with food and water and their favorite bed and toys. For cats, move their litter box in as well. Make a sign for the door so friends and movers know not to open the door because the animals are in the room. Leave the pet’s carrier in the room so the pet can get acclimated to it if you plan to use it for the move. Check on them often to reassure them and try to be sensitive to the potential that they may become emotionally upset.

New Home

Cats
The moving process is usually much harder on cats because they become more attached to their environment. So with cats you must be prepared to give it plenty of attention and constantly reassure it with familiar items and scents so the move does not come as a shock. During the first days at the new home, keep the cat in one room along with its food, water, and litter box. Let the cat explore the new home one room at a time at it’s own pace. It might take a month until the cat feels comfortable in the new home and becomes familiar with the surroundings.

Dogs
Dogs are more attached to their owners rather than their environment so the move will be much easier for them. If possible, take your dog to the new home before the move so they can get use to the new scents. Take your dog on a walk around the neighborhood as soon as possible so he/she can get use to the new signs and sounds. Try to keep him/her on his/her regular feeding and walking schedule.

Travel by car
Try not to feed or water your pet for several hours before the drive. Be prepared to make frequent stops and feed the pet either once daily or a couple of small meals during rest stops. If you must leave the pet alone in the car, make sure it is for a very short time period and leave the windows open and doors locked.
Here are a few items you should bring with you:

  • Crate large enough for the pet and its water and food dishes along with a litter box for cats.
  • Pet’s medical records
  • Water and food dishes
  • Pet’s food and water from home. Changing water can upset a pet’s stomach.
  • Pet’s favorite toys and treats
  • Your Veterinarian’s phone number and one of a vet at your destination.
  • Plastic bags for picking up waste
  • Comb and brush
  • Paper towels and towels
  • Blanket or Bed
  • Recent photos of your pet

Travel by Plane
It is best to book a direct flight so that the animal will not be sitting outside the plane. Try to use an airline that provides counter-to-counter service so your pet will be carried on and off the plane by the airline employee.