Relocation Tips
Moving Suggestions:
Communication is key
when relocating your family. Be sure to communicate as openly as possible with ALL members of the family – even young children benefit from explanation of and involvement in what is happening. Be sure to keep your extended family informed as well.
When planning to move, it is beneficial to determine which items should make the journey with you. Identify those household furnishings, clothing, items in the garage, attic or basement that you no longer need/want. You may want to have a garage sale, donate to charity or discard those items. After all, you don’t want to ship those items you no longer want/need as the cost of moving is based on weight and mileage.
Gather Important Records, Valuables and Jewelry. DO NOT pack birth certificates, medical and tax records, passports, marriage certificates, etc. with your household goods. Instead, keep them in one spot with you or send them via air with a reputable company with tracking capabilities. Also keep jewelry with you or ship it by bonded carrier – fully insured. (This method will require an itemized inventory and likely appraisal certificates.)
Many movers will provide “welcome home” boxes and stickers for the big move. However, if you are moving by yourself you will want to keep the following tips in mind. Be sure to mark a couple of boxes as “Welcome Home” or “Last Packed/First Unpacked”that include items for immediate use upon arrival. For example:bed linens, shower curtains, towels, soap and other toiletries, a few kitchen utilities, basic tools, and a few privacy materials (i.e., curtains or shades).
Most moving companies will NOT ship houseplants. They cannot be responsible for the condition of the plants in the back of a moving truck that is not temperature controlled. If you have hardy plants and can pre-pack them in boxes, you may have a better change in moving them.
And of course, it is always a good idea to start early and try to avoid procrastination.
Moving Services:
You have found the perfect home, the children have chosen bedrooms and the dog has settled in by the fireplace it’s time to move your household furnishings. Who do you turn to? Let Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate lend you a helping hand….with Van Line Express™.
Van Line Express (VLE)
provides you with a FREE Personal Move Counselor to coordinate your entire move. VLE moving coaches possess over 100 years industry experience to assist you throughout your move. Additionally, the VLE Program is FREE of charge; some of the benefits you will enjoy are: Discounted national rates, a guaranteed van line estimate, a valuation up to $75,000, multiple estimates, and no peak season rate Increases. Call them Toll Free at 800.926.7356.
Van Line Partners: Allied, Atlas Van Lines, Bekins, Graebel, Mayflower, North American, United Van Lines, Stevens Worldwide, and Wheaton World Wide.
Pets and Travel:
When relocating your family, don’t forget the needs of the family pet. Most animals thrive on routine, and when boxes, tape and people begin to arrive at the home, the family pet may begin to feel stressed. Here are a few tips to help:
Try to keep your pet as close to normal routine as possible: feeding times, walks, play time, etc. In fact, more play time and attention may be required.
Summer is the most popular time for relocating, but the temperatures and can take a toll on your pet. If you plan to relocate your animal on an airplane you will need to remember:
Your pet must have current vaccinations (and proof of vaccination).
Have your family vet assess your pet’s general health and age to make sure it is safe for your animal to fly.
Airlines limit the number of animals allowed on the airplane, so call the airline to make advance reservations for your pet.
The cargo hold of a plane is NOT temperature or pressure controlled; It may be necessary to leave on the earliest flight when temperatures are coolest.
The van line cannot move your pet: fish, iguana, hamster, etc.
When driving with your pet try some of these:
Be sure to bring along a favorite toy, sleeping blanket, etc.
Many hotels now offer accommodations for pets, so be sure to check them out (try on-line search or your local bookstore).
Make frequent stops to let your pet out to stretch it’s legs – this is a great idea for you too!
Keep your pet (and yourself) well hydrated. When you arrive at your destination, allow your pet plenty of time to check out your new home before the furniture arrives, then again, once the furniture arrives.
Be sure to be patient and loving with your pet(s) as they have not the ability to reason and understand what just happened like you do!
