Moving Your Pets

Moving Your Pets

As you prepare for your move, you should plan on preliminary preparation for your pet so they too can be well prepared. There are many things you can to do make the move less stressful for your pet. This guide will help make your pet's transition into a new home much easier.


Get the Facts
•Once you've made the decision to move to a new home, you will need to do some research. Certain localities may have stringent requirements or restrictions regarding pet ownership. You may need permits or registrations.

•Don't forget to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your pet should have a check-up before moving. Be sure to attain your pet's veterinary records so that they can be forwarded to your new veterinarian.

A Short Move
•For local moves, it probably makes the most sense to transport your pet in the car with you on moving day.

•Remember to make sure that your pet is safe. Keep your pet in an unused room, or perhaps even outside. And of course, as always, your pet should have plenty of fresh water, and enough toys to occupy their time.   Moving Pets by Car •Many dogs and cats may find car travel extremely distressing. Some may even get car sick. You will have to be ready to make many stops along the way. Several small pets (such as birds, guinea pigs, birds, etc.) can be easily transported via automobile. A good, simple way of keeping them calm and quiet is to cover their cage with a cloth.

•Long distance moves may required an overnight stop. Remember to call hotels in advance to make sure that they will allow your pet to stay in the hotel.

Moving Fish
It's wise to visit your local Aquarium or Pet Shop and ask for special fish containers to safely transport your fish. They should be able to offer suggestions on what's best for different types of fish.

Creating A Pet Pack
If you're moving your pet by car, there are several things you should plan on taking with you on moving day:

•An old bed sheet or blanket will protect your car upholstery.

•A favorite toy or two, and an old T-shirt or rag with your scent on it.

•Two plastic containers - one should have fresh water, the other should have food and treats.

•Medications that your pet may need.

•A leash for when you make rest stops with your pet.

•Even if your pet doesn't typically get car sick, it is better to be safe than sorry…bring paper towels, a sponge, and plenty of plastic bags.

Pet Transport
Depending on the temperament and size of your pet, as well as the distance you're moving, it may be make sense to enlist the help of a pet transporter. Reputable pet transporters can organize every aspect of moving your pet from beginning to end. Services provided may include the following:

•Sensible advice on preparing your pet for the trip

•Specific details about requirements or restrictions on pet ownership in your new locality

•Collecting your pet at the airport

•Boarding your pet until you arrive

•Delivery of your pet to your new home.

If you will be transporting your dog or cat by air, you must have the following details in order:

•A recent health certificate provided by your veterinarian

•A pet carrier that complies with airline regulations

•Don't forget to confirm rules and regulations with your pet transporter so that you can purchase any pet products that may be needed.

Trip Tips
•Always take your dog for a long walk before the trip.

•Remember to advise your pet transporter of any specific requirements for your pet.

•You should keep your cat indoors for at least 24 hours at your new home.

•Never feed your pet too much before the trip.

•Unless it is absolutely necessary, it is best not to sedate your pet.

Other Bits and Pieces to Consider
•If your new home will be rented, prepare a pet resume for prospective landlords. Your vet may agree to write a referral letter.

•Always remember to get a new pet ID tag with your new address and contact phone numbers.   Source: "Moving Your Pets", 123Movers.com

Helping Your Kids Handle the Moving Process

Helping Your Kids Handle the Moving Process

Finding moving companies can be challenging enough, moving with a family can be even more difficult. There are a lot of changes going on for you and your family. That's why it is critical to spend some time helping your kids cope with the changes going on around them. The advice set out in this guide will help your move go more smoothly.


When to Move School Age Kids

When your kids are school age, you might be tempted to plan your move for the school holidays. In reality, this can actually make things harder for your kids. School is most likely the first place your kids can be assured of making friends. Thus, moving during the school holidays places your child in unfamiliar and new surroundings at a time when their chances of making friends are low.

•As school resumes, your child may feel even more left out. As the first day return to school is filled with the excitement and hustle and bustle that occurs after a holiday vacation, your child may feel like a stranger.

•When you schedule your move during the school year, it allows your kids to go from one social setting to another.

•The teacher and the other kids will be more willing to show your child some extra special attention when they are the only new person.

Does Age Make a Difference?


•Generally speaking, the younger the child, the better they will cope with the transition of moving to a new home.

•Very young children and infants may be confused. It is a good idea to try to explain to them what's happening and make it like an adventure.

•The biggest worry that school age children endure is whether they will make new friends and fit in easily at their new school.

•Because teenagers' friends provide them with a sense of identity, it is more difficult for teens to feel comfortable with the idea of moving to a new home.

Before the Move

•As you start making plans for your move, remember to focus on what your kids can look forward to.

•After all, if you see your move as an exciting adventure, your kids will also be very enthusiastic.

•Right from the start, you might want to take them with you on house-hunting adventures. In cases where it might not be practical to have them tagging along, don't forget to bring back pictures of hot prospects you're considering.

•After you've found the new home, be sure to take pictures of local places of interest.

Communication is the Key

•Don't forget to keep the channels of communication open. Before and during your move, encourage your kids to tell you about their uncertainties.

•Most likely, you're probably feeling a little nervous about moving too (no matter how promising your new situation is likely to be).

•After your move, spend time together with your family. Listen to each other's stories so that you can be sure how everyone is coping with the change.

Getting the Kids Involved

It's only natural that your kids will want to be involved with what's going on. Some examples of ways to get your kids involved are:

•Asking them to help plan for and organize your garage sale. They could make colorful posters to stick up around the neighborhood.

•Allowing them to choose a small number of toys or other items to keep with them on moving day.

•Empowering them by letting them pack and label a few of their own boxes

•Making sure they have a special job to take care of on moving day. This will help them feel as if they're making a valuable contribution.

•Allowing them to decide how their new rooms should decorated and arranged.

What About Childcare?

•Undoubtedly you will be offered a lot of conflicting advice whether you should keep your kids with you on moving day or arrange childcare.

•Keep in mind that you are the best judge of what's right for your kids.

Saying Goodbye

•It is critical that your children have the enough time to say good-bye to the family members and friends they're leaving behind.

•You should encourage them to exchange contact information. Fortunately, for most of us today, our friends are only a few keystrokes away via e-mail.

Settling In

Understand that it is like that there may be a grieving period for children…it may last a few weeks, perhaps even a few months. Here are a few easy things you can do to make moving easier for your kids.

•Investigate and explore your new neighborhood together. Look for new and exciting things.

•Go to your new child's school with them beforehand…walk around the new school together to help them find their bearings.

•Accompany your kids on their route to school until they are comfortable traveling by themselves.

•Seek out after-school activities where your children can make new friends with similar interests.

•Don't forget to encourage them to keep in touch with old friends.

Keeping an Eye Out for Early Warning Signs

•A major change is always difficult for a child. Even the most well adjusted child can have difficulty coping with moving.

•Be watchful, it's important to pick up on early warning signs that your child may need extra help adjusting.

Here are some things to watch out for:

•Withdrawn behavior

•Loss of appetite

•Problems sleeping, or regular nightmares

•Outbursts of anger or tears

•Reluctance to stray far from the house or family

•Difficulty making new friends

Additional Hints for Moving Kids

•There are children's books that help kids come to terms and understand an upcoming move, and cope with some of the feelings they may be experiencing.

•If you've got young children, it's important to remove dangerous situations and to child proof your home.

•The sooner you teach your kids your new address and phone number, the better.   Source: "Helping Your Kids Handle the Moving Process", 123 Movers.com    

Moving: Packing Tips

Moving: How to pack your home

* Wear shoes with good arch support and full-foot coverage. If weather permits, also wear long sleeves, jeans, and socks to help avoid injuries.

* Gather supplies: boxes (small, medium, and large), packing tape, roll of bubble wrap for fragile pieces, permanent black markers, band-aids, ice packs, pain reliever, trash bags, a wardrobe box for each person in the house, a good sense of humor, and anything else you’ll need.

*When acquiring boxes, make a stop at your local liquor or wine store to grab a few boxes with divided inserts. These boxes are perfect for safely transporting alcohol and other kitchen liquids like vinegar and olive oil. (If moving across state lines, check regulations for transporting alcohol and make certain to abide by these laws.)

*Make a hotel reservation for the night you arrive at your new place. Your goal will be to get the best night’s sleep possible so you can start refreshed for your first day of unpacking. You’ll also want a shower after moving stuff all day, and it’s best to not have to worry about making sure these things can easily happen.

*Clear floorspace in your home in four different locations and mark each area: Packed Boxes to Move, Charity Donations, Giveaway/Return, and Sell. These areas are where you will put these items until you’re finished packing your things. You will likely need at least a 10′ X 10′ area to hold the Packed Boxes to Move. Also, the area holding items you intend to sell should be easily accessible from the front door or in your garage so that potential buyers can see the product without having to climb over boxes and mess in your home.

*If you have children under the age of five, see if a grandparent, friend, or babysitter can keep your child occupied while you work.

*Your first act of packing should be a suitcase with two weeks of clothing and supplies. Be sure to include your toothbrush and toothpaste, a couple bath towels, soap, shampoo, hair dryer and anything else that is part of your daily hygiene routine.

*Your second act of packing should be an essentials kit — but don’t tape it up! These will be the last items you take out of your current house and the first items you unpack in your new place. These will be things like cleaning supplies, two or more rolls of toilet paper, a frying pan, a few paper plates and plastic utensils, sheets for all the beds, and anything else you will need the first couple days in your new place.

*Make large print signs for your new home with room names: Living Room, Family Room, Master Bedroom, Sally’s Room, Sally’s Bathroom, etc. These signs will make it easier on you and anyone helping you move boxes into your new place. Bring a roll of painter’s tape with you in your essentials kit and plan to hang the signs immediately upon getting access to your new place.
As you move throughout your home packing boxes, I recommend starting with the heaviest items that will form the base of your Packed Boxes to Move area. Books are almost always a good item for this. Use small boxes, and group similar types together (cookbooks with cookbooks, children’s books with children’s books).

*Label the top and all four sides of a box with a short explanation of what is in the box (Toys) and what room the box should be placed in at the new house (Bobby’s Room). You want to label the top and sides so that the box can be facing in any direction and you can still know what is inside it and where to take it.

*Try your best not to mix different types of things in boxes (your shoes shouldn’t be with your coffee mugs). If this is unavoidable, at the very least do not mix items that belong in different rooms. Only pack kitchen things with other kitchen things, bathroom things with other bathroom things, etc.

*Sort and clean everything before packing it. If you never plan to use eight vases, put some of the vases in the Donate to Charity pile. The key is to not pack to move ANYTHING you don’t want in your new home. Clear the clutter now so you don’t have to spend time and energy moving it.

*Only use trash bags for trash. This will keep you from accidentally throwing something valuable away. If you want to use trash bags for transporting charity items, use differently colored bags (black for trash, white for charity) and write DONATION in big letters on the bag. Be sure to let the ink dry before using the bag.

*Set packing goals the same way you set other goals in your life. Be as specific as possible: Pack the living room on Monday, the garage on Tuesday, or whatever systematic method works best for you.

*Take breaks at least once an hour for five or ten minutes. Your sanity depends on it.

 Source: "Moving: How to pack your home", Unclutterer.com

5 Legal Tasks to Do When You Move

The Internet is full of checklists and resources to use if you are planning to move. There are packing timelines. There are lists of packing supplies. There are even directions on how to pack boxes.


But moving is much more than purging and organizing your personal affects. There are legal tasks you need to take care of too.

Here are 5 legal tasks to complete when you move:

1. Read your leases: Review your current lease to make sure you will not get into trouble for leaving. You are responsible for paying rent for the entire lease term, even if you have vacated the premises. If you need to move before the lease term is expired, read the lease to see if you can sublet or assign to a new tenant. Check your new lease for these terms before you sign it. And make sure you complete these tasks to protect your rights as a tenant.

2. Protect yourself with insurance: Thoroughly read any contract with a moving company before you sign it for delivery times and insurance coverage. Moving companies are required to provide some moving insurance. But you may wish to purchase more.

You should also consider renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance.
3. Notify your creditors: Update your address with all of your creditors to ensure you do not miss a payment. And be sure to complete a change of address with the United States Postal Service and request that your mail be forwarded to your new address.
4. Keep receipts if you are relocating for a job: You may be able to write off your expenses if you are required to relocate more than 50 miles due to a job change. Review the Internal Revenue Service’s requirements to qualify for this tax break.

5. Update your estate plan: State laws governing wills and estate plans differ. If you move to a different state, update your estate plan.

For more information, visit Findlaw.com.

Source: "5 Legal Tasks to Do When You Move", by Jennifer K. Halford, Esq., RISMedia

Checklist of Final Tasks Before Moving Out

Checklist of Final Tasks Before Moving Out

Have You Forgotten Anything?

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide

Before you lock the door for the very last time, make sure you haven't forgotten anything and that you're ready to say goodbye. There's nothing worse than leaving your old home only to remember that you forgot to turn off the lawn sprinkler or that you've taken the garage door opener with you.

Before Leaving the Keys Behind, Make Sure You...

1.Check all the water taps to make sure they're turned off. This is particularly important if the new residents aren't moving in on the same day you're moving out. A lot of water could be wasted if a tap is left on or is left dripping.

2.Lock all doors and windows, including garage and storage shed. Check every lock and recheck the windows to make sure the house is secure.

3.Check the washer/dryer, fridge and freezer for anything you might have left behind. I left a full load of laundry in the dryer once and had to return to retrieve it.

4.Check the outside of your home for any stray tools, toys or garden hoses that you may have forgot to pack. Also, make sure you don't leave your Christmas lights behind or any other outdoor decorations.

5.Turn off the heat, air conditioner and unplug the appliances. Unless you've been given other instructions, turn off the heat, the air conditioner and make sure any appliance that you're leaving behind are unplugged.

6.Switch off the lights. Unless the real estate agent or landlord has told you to leave lights on for safety reasons, turn off all lights including any outdoor lights.

7.Retrieve any keys that you may have hidden around the property. It's easy to leave keys behind, so make sure you collect them all, including keys that you gave a neighbor or friend. Also, gather all the keys from every member of your family, and make sure you leave keys for every door of the house, garage and storage shed.

8.Go through each room one last time. Go through your home room by room to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Check all closets, cupboards, and cubbyholes. Check the attic, too. Often times it's the storage areas that are forgotten. Check the fridge, the stove, the fireplace, the kitchen cupboards and back patios for forgotten items.

While you're traveling through your home for the last time, say goodbye and take a moment to remember the good times, and the bad, and know that you're moving on to new experiences and a new chapter of your life.

Source: About.com

Neighbors - How to Introduce Yourself to New Neighbors

Neighbors - How to Introduce Yourself to New Neighbors

Approach a New Neighbor with Confidence

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide



Just because you have an opportunity to meet your new neighbors after you move into the neighborhood, doesn't necessarily make it easier to do. Some of us are shy, while others of us are more concerned about privacy - both ours and our neighbors.

Careful Observation

Check out your neighborhood, noting those who seem to have kids (toys out front, loud screams from the backyard and parents frantically trying to get small people into a van along with sports equipment), those who are elderly, those who seem to be always in the garden or even those who only seem to come out at night (although they're more difficult to meet, unless you are also a night owl).


If you can find some common ground - you both have kids, your mother is elderly or a friend talks about her garden a lot even though you yourself don't possess a green thumb - this will make it much easier to approach the person.


The key in careful observation is to not be obvious about it nor act stalker-ish. Some people may feel a little strange if you seem to know too much about them.

Make Your Move

We all have busy lives, so make sure you only approach your neighbor when it seems like it might be a good time. Avoid dinner, breakfast and early mornings (unless they're already up and outside) and when they're getting in their car. Usually, if someone is leaving or coming home, they have an agenda and plan and don't necessarily appreciate the interruption.
What to Say


If you go back to what you've observed about your neighbor you can start there. Just make sure that it's pretty casual sounding and that if it's at all detailed, that you explain how you uncovered this phenomena. For example, if you see your neighbor scrambling into her van with two girls in tow, one with a baseball glove and the other in a tutu, then you could approach your neighbor and asked about community softball for your own child or where your child might take ballet lessons.

What if We Have Nothing in Common?

No problem. There's absolutely nothing wrong with just walking up to the front door, and introducing yourself. Let them know that you just moved in and where you moved from. If that still feels uncomfortable, then ask about garbage pick up or recycling centers in the neighborhood. Remember, while you think you might not have anything in common, you do: you live on the same street, in the same neighborhood. That's enough to start any conversation.

Be Friendly, But Not Invasive

I had a neighbor once who introduced himself, then misconstrued my friendliness to be a sign that I wanted an extended conversation. I didn't and I tried to avoid him from then on simply because I was always afraid of "getting caught" in a lengthy discussion. My rule is always to keep the talk short, unless it's naturally progressing, and to allow the neighbor to make the move for an extended visit. If they're interested, they'll say so or even invite you in. Leave it in their hands.

Source: About.com