Specialty Moves

Here are some guidelines for those moves within your move.

Kids:

Looking forward to your new home

• Talk about the neighborhood, the house, the schools, local areas of interest and the benefits of your new residence.
• Involve your children in plans to decorate their new bedrooms or play areas, including color choices, decoration and arrangement of furniture.
• Make new friends and become involved and active in your new community immediately. Your children will follow your example during this transition period.
• Encourage your children to keep in touch with old friends while making new friends.
• Let your kids tell the neighborhood that you're moving.
• Let them help plan for the care of plants and/or pets during the move.
• Help them collect addresses of their friends and neighbors.
• Involve them with a charity donation of toys, clothing, books etc.
• Consider having a good-bye party.

Pets:

Moving isn't just stressful for people, it’s equally stressful for pets. When it comes to moving with pets, pre-planning is crucial.  Pets, as with humans, are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings.  Moving companies will not move living things so if you plan to move with your pets, they are your responsibility.  There are numerous ways to help them adapt to their new environment.

• Unless traveling a very long distance, it is recommended that your pets accompany you in your car. It provides more of a sense of security for you and your pet.
• If your pet, especially your cat, isn't used to car travel, take it on short rides around the block beforehand and then gradually increase the distance. This will help condition your cat to your car and to the motion of the car.
• You may want to consult your veterinarian about medication or sedatives to reduce/eliminate motion sickness, agitation and/or crying.
• Make sure your pet has a proper collar with ID and rabies tag.Also store all health documents in one convenient place.
• If you're planning to stop at a hotel/motel along the way, call ahead to find out which ones permit pets. Have leashes on hand to move your pet from the car.
• Avoid feeding or giving your pets water for several hours before your drive.
• It is important that you are attentive to your pets' well-being. If they are uncomfortable in any way, make a stop.
• Plan on making frequent stops for feeding and resting. Plan on feeding your pets either once daily or a couple of small meals during rest stops.
• Never leave your pets in the car alone. It is against the law.

Coping With Moving Day

• While packing and unpacking are in progress, consider having a sitter or a friend watch your younger children.
• Don't let children distract the moving crew from their work and services.
• Prepare a "ready box" that can be first off the truck; stock it with things you will need immediately, such as snacks, kitchen items, bathroom toiletries, hand tools, etc.