Moving your Plants
Packing up your plants is a process that needs to be done right. You must begin approximately 5-7 days before you move. Place your plants in a plastic bag and make sure that there are no pests that can harm your plant trapped inside. 2 days before you move, place the plants in the cardboard box that you are planning to move them in (make sure that there are air holes in the cardboard box). It may also be necessary to put padding around the leaves, such as soft tissue paper. Don't water your plants to much, not only it may cause them to leak water in the moving van; it can also damage the plant itself. Make sure that the plants are the first thing that you unpack when you move, and don't overload them on light immediately. It may take a few days until you can safely fully expose the plant to light again. Remember to bring the necessary tools and plant food. And of course, as always, research your new place to make sure that the conditions can accommodate your plant.
Moving your Pets
If you plan on moving and have pets, you must be careful and make sure that the right preparation goes into successfully moving your pet to your new dwelling. Make sure your pet is healthy (have it checked up at the vet if necessary) and that you are aware of your buildings pet policies. This is extremely important, as you don't want to end up in a bad situation because of your lack of knowledge.
Before you leave, make sure you have food, water, toys and treats, your pet's I.D. tag with a phone number and/or address, and a leash for your pet with you. You are moving your pets a short distance, it is almost a given that you transport them in your car with you. Be prepared to make several stops along the way as some pets respond extremely erratically to moving. If you are moving your pets a farther distance, then make the necessary preparations. Are you going to stop anywhere? Is the trip overnight? Does the hotel you registered at have a pet friendly policy?
If your pet is large and/or hard to transfer, then you might consider using a pet moving service. They will give you good tips on how to successfully move your pet and what specific details you should watch out for.
Self-Packing is arguably the most tedious part of moving. However, there are several things that you can do to make it much less of a chore then it already is. Start as early as you possibly can, Make sure you have enough boxes, wrapping, and markers to label with. Begin by wrapping your items and make sure to create a comfort zone between each item with padding to avoid damages. More valuable items obviously need a thicker protection.
Throughout the entire process, make sure that you are labeling the boxes by room so that finding necessary items is easier; also mark the heavier boxes and boxes with more durable items (books, bedding and linens etc.) to be placed on the bottom. Always fully pack your boxes so after stacking them on top of each other they wouldn't collapse under their own weight.
Try to make sure that empty spaces (such as in drawers) are padded with soft material. Be careful with hazardous items such as knives, sharp tools, and especially gasoline and oil (which you need to empty out of all machinery) to prevent the chance of combustion.
A Checklist for Before and After You've Moved
Please take advantage of our moving tips and moving advice. Print this page and carry it with you before and several days after the move. Moving tips that may seem obvious can be easily over looked. Take our moving advice and utilize this checklist before and after you have moved.
Take Notes
Make a note of your shipment registration number and keep it with you in case you need to call your mover with questions about your shipment.
Get the Bed Ready
Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won't have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.
Don't forget about the Fridge
After you've thoroughly cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior smelling fresh.
Keep the Phone Book
Take your current phone book with you. You may need to make calls to residents or businesses back in your former hometown.
Pack Heavy - Pack Light
Pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
Give out your Number
Before the van foreman leaves for your destination residence, give him a phone number where you can be reached. It is also a good idea to provide him with an alternate contact in case you can't be reached.
Protect Your Memories
If it's irreplaceable, take it with you in the car (you don't want regrets later). But if you do decide to pack framed photos or art, place sheets or blankets between them for added protection
Know how to Pack Plates and Records
Plates and record albums should be packed on end vertically, rather than placed flat and stacked.
Remember the Bare Necessities
Toilet paper, telephone, toiletries, snacks, coffee (and pot), soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, and paper towels are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival at your new home. Pack a box with these types of items and ask your van foreman to load it last so that it will be unloaded first.
Unscrew Bulbs
Remove bulbs before packing your lamps.
Tag your Items
For your garage sale, tag all items and be prepared to wheel and deal. Garage sale gurus love to haggle.
Give the Kids an Exercise
Have children write their names and new address on the cartons from their rooms so they can become familiar with their new street and town.
Help your Pet Relax
Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house.
Be Nice to Your Plants
When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch.
Take a Break from the Computer
Upon arrival at your new home, let your computer "acclimate" itself to room temperature before plugging it in.
Enjoy the Help
Leave the rest to the professionals, sit back and relax, and look forward to the new opportunities, friends and experiences that are part of any move.
