Moving is a stressful time for both you and your pets but it doesn't have to be. With a few helpful tips and some precautions, you can move across town or across country with a minimum of trouble and stress.
The first step to a good move is to take care of the details. What services are you going to need at your new home? You want utilities, of course, but if there is more than one provider you want to shop around for the best rates. Look at average utility usage in the area, season by season, and see what kind of costs you'll be looking at. You will want to do this several weeks in advance so that you can make any deposits necessary and have the utilities turned on by the time you arrive at your new home.
There are other creature comforts and necessities that you'll want to arrange before you move. If you enjoy a daily newspaper or just a Sunday edition, contact the publisher and arrange for delivery. Be sure to cancel the subscription at your old address too. File a change of address with the post office so that your mail will be forwarded, as well as notifying friends and relatives of the change. If you want a security system at your new home arrange for that, too, and don't forget to notify your current provider that you won't need their services in the future.
If you haven't done so already, find out where the library is in your new location. Track down recreational facilities, retail stores and grocery stores. If at all possible, use an internet mapping service to give you directions to the stores and services you'll be using the most. This will save a lot of time and aggravation in the first few weeks of living in your new home.
Now that you've done everything you can about the details, it's time to choose a mover. You can save money by packing your own things but remember that movers are professionals and avoid damage at all costs. They can often pack your treasures better than you can. They'll also provide boxes and packing materials. If you want to do your own packing, be sure you use sturdy boxes that you can get at no charge from most retail stores.
Be flexible with your pick up and delivery dates if possible. Giving the mover a few days leeway will save you money on the charges since the company can combine loads and save time and fuel. Are your possessions insured? Ask your insurance agent because moving companies rarely reimburse the true cost of an item and give you only a percentage of the replacement price.
If you have pets, don't forget their comfort, either. If you'll be driving a long distance, take food and water bowls and stop every couple of hours so you can all stretch your legs. Have all your pet's favorite bedding and toys ready when you reach your destination so that they won't feel insecure. Try to make your new place as homey as possible because you don't want your four-legged friends to think they are should try returning to the old house.
Nick Messe is president of Lead Frog LLC. When relocating your home or office in the Washington DC area, contact
Good Movers for the best
Washington DC movers. Friendly service. 50% off storage. Call 1-877-653-1265
