Choosing a place to store your personal belongings is an important decision. You will want to make sure your prized possessions are safe and secure. Here are some hints on how to choose a storage facility: First, determine what kind of storage you need. Call a few facilities to ask about size, cost, climate-control, and access. Do some research online. You can try the Better Business Bureau and other online review sites. Contact the local police department to ask about the crime rate in the area where the facility is located. You may be able to find out if they’ve had any break-ins or reports of problems. Try to visit the facility in-person before you commit. This way you can tour the units and get answers to any questions you may have. ]]>
Moving Tips for Cat Owners
We all know moving is a stressful time, but for cats, it can be a bigger upheaval than for their human counterparts. Your home is your cat’s territory. By taking them out of their familiar environment and into a completely new one can be extremely overwhelming for them. However, there are a few things you can do to make the move a more comfortable process for your feline friend. Creature comforts – establish the carrier as a safe, comfortable place for your cat to be as soon as you can. Leave it out a few weeks before the move for your cat to become comfortable with its presence. Putting blankets and the occasional treat inside will help your cat warm up to the carrier more quickly. Try to stick to normal feeding routines as much as possible in the days leading up to and after the move to give your cat some semblance of normalcy throughout the environmental changes. During the move – consider keeping your cat in a separate room while the moving process is taking place. This ensures not only that they won’t slip out any open doors, but they also won’t be underfoot or become stressed by the chaos of moving. Place a sign on the door to let everyone know that the cat is in the room. You will want to leave a litter box, food, water and their carrier in the room with them. Pack this room last and put the cat in the carrier before you begin packing up this final room. Stay safe – when cats are nervous they seek out small spaces to comfort themselves. To prevent your cat from getting stuck monitor them in the kitchen and other rooms with small gaps. You will also want to ensure that all window screens are securely in place. If you have an outdoor cat wait two to four weeks before allowing them to roam outside. Be sure to update your cat’s tag and/or microchip with your new address and phone number. Comfort zone – set up a safe room in the new house for your cat to stay in for the first few weeks after the move. Being confined to a smaller section of the new house will put your cat more at ease. Place their favorite toys and bedding in the room with them as well as food, water, and a litterbox. If you want to keep the litter box in a different room have two litter boxes, one in the safe room and one in the room you would normally like it until your cat becomes comfortable with the rest of the house and new litter box location. Cats are creatures of habit and drastic changes like a move can cause them to become distressed. By taking a few preliminary steps throughout the moving process like slowly introducing them to their carrier and creating a comfort zone you can ensure your cat enjoys your new home just as much as you do!]]>
How to Help Your Adopted Dog Feel Welcome in Your Home
Have you ever been away on vacation or traveling for work and had a difficult time getting to sleep at the hotel? Have you ever moved and it took a while for your new house to start to feel like home? Dogs experience these feelings as well, especially older dogs who have gotten used to their environment at their old home. However, there are some things you can do to help your dog become acclimated to her new home. Whether you and your family already have a dog and are planning a move or if you’ve recently adopted a new canine friend here are some tips that will help them feel at ease and welcomed in their new home.
Adopted dogs
Adopting an older dog is a wonderful thing. When you adopt, you are supporting animal shelters that provide an indispensable service to our communities. You’re also giving a dog a second chance at a happy life, rather than being overlooked for a puppy. Adopted dogs require special care when moving to a new home. Not only is their environment new, but so is their company. Here are some tips for acclimating your adopted dog to her new home:- As soon as you get home, take the dog to where she will be doing her business to get her used to the area. Reward her when she urinates there
- While your dog gets used to her new home she may have accidents indoors, but with time she’ll learn where her bathroom is. Be patient.
- When your dog first gets inside her new home, let her explore it freely so she feels safe
- If you have small children, remind them to give the dog her space while she gets used to her new environment
- Establish training rules with your family. You should all be on the same page about what behavior is acceptable. Similarly, you should all be using the same commands (i.e., everyone should say either “come” or “here, girl,” not a combination of both)
- If the dog had a crate that she liked to stay in or a favorite toy make sure you let her have these items in the space that will be her bed
- Show your ne dog plently of love when she comes to you, but give her space when she needs it
Moving with Your Dog
If you and your pet are moving to a new home, many of the same techniques apply as adopting a dog. Your pet will be unfamiliar with their environment, but you’ll have the advantage of them being familiar with you. Here are some tips for moving to a new home with your pet.- Bring all of their favorite items into the new home before the dog sees it. Food bowls, crate, toys, leashes, etc. Having these familiar sights and smells in their new home will help them acclimate
- Bring your dog to their new neighborhood for a walk before the move if possible
- Stick to your dog’s old schedule as much as possible; breakfast and dinner times, walks, and when to go out to the bathroom should be the same as before the move
- Have your dog around often during the moving process. Remain calm so that your dog understands that everything is okay
Avoiding Moving Scams
If you’ve never heard of a moving scam, then consider yourself lucky. But many people across America are falling victim to these scams. Moving scammers have a multitude of ways that they can take advantage of you. The main scam seems to be packing all of your household items into their truck, and then adding on exorbitant additional fees in transit, effectively holding your items hostage until you pay up. Less popular scams involve unlicensed movers posing as legitimate companies, by-the-hour rates where you are charged even while no work is being done, and in the rare case, a sham company showing up, packing up all of your possessions, and driving away, never to be heard from again. To minimize your risk, follow a few simple guidelines.
- Use a local, reputable business.
- Never do business with a broker. Always do business with the actual moving company.
- Always be sure that the company is licensed to do the work they are to be performing. This includes getting the business’s full name and address, motor carrier (MC) and Department of Transportation (DOT) license numbers, phone numbers and an e-mail address. If a company cannot provide you access to these things, then move on.
- Be sure to use a company with actual employees, and not day laborers. If they use day laborers, there is a chance that they may not have the proper insurance in place.
How to Pick a Storage Company
Choosing a place to store your personal belongings is an important decision. You will want to make sure your prized possessions are safe and secure. Here are some hints on how to choose a storage facility: First, determine what kind of storage you need. Call a few facilities to ask about size, cost, climate-control, and access. Do some research online. You can try the Better Business Bureau and other online review sites. Contact the local police department to ask about the crime rate in the area where the facility is located. You may be able to find out if they’ve had any break-ins or reports of problems. Try to visit the facility in-person before you commit. This way you can tour the units and get answers to any questions you may have. ]]>
How to Help Your Child with a Move
There are so many details that go into moving we often forget the emotional aspect of transitioning to a new home. For children this can be especially difficult. Often for children, the house and neighborhood they currently live in may be the only home they have ever known. Moving can be a particularly stressful event for a child. Here are some tips to help ease the transition: 1. Have a family meeting After you have made your plans to move, hold a family meeting to talk with your children. Share your feelings about the move and encourage your children to do the same. Expressing the positive aspects of the move can be helpful, also share that you may be feeling a little nervous too. 2. Make room plans Take your children to visit their new home or at least show them pictures. This may help ease their concerns. Let them be involved in their new home by picking out the paint colors or the furniture layout of their new space. Children will often be more receptive if they feel included in the process. 3. Make a map of local points of interest Your new home most likely has some fun things for children nearby. Go online or draw a map showing your new home and places that your children may enjoy like the library, soccer field, playground and other fun places. This will help your child feel excited and help them learn more about their new neighborhood. 4. Visit the new school If possible take your children to visit their new school before their first day. It will be helpful to meet the teachers and see the school’s surroundings beforehand. 5. Throw a “See You Soon” party One of the most difficult things about moving is saying goodbye. Hosting a “See You Soon” party helps your children understand that goodbye is not forever. Make sure to get all of their friend’s phone numbers and email addresses so they can keep in touch. Remember to take a lot of pictures at the party as well. Sending the photos to the friends they have left behind is another way of keeping in touch. Most of all you should try to keep things as normal as possible. You may need to hug a little more and check in with older children to help ease the anxiety. Soon they will have new friends and new things to look forward to. ]]>
Moving Can Be Stressful
60 Days Before You Move
- Sort and Purge-Go through every room, decide what needs to come with you and what can go. Make piles of things to throw away and things to donate.
- Plan a Yard Sale-Start planning a yard sale to reduce the amount of stuff you need to move. Some extra money for the move will also come in handy.
- Hire a Mover-Contact at least three moving companies. On-site estimates are better than over the phone or internet estimates. Get each estimate in writing, and make sure it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on it.
- Create a Moving Binder-Store all of your move-related paperwork (checklists, contracts, receipts) in a binder. You may also want to inventory all of your items with photos or lists.
- Get Packing Supplies-Determine how many packing supplies you’ll need and designate a room where you can begin to store and organize.
- Take Measurements-If possible get room dimensions of your new home. Make sure large pieces of furniture will fit. Don’t forget to take measurements for appliances too.
- Confirm with Mover-Check with your mover the details of your move.
- Start Packing-Begin packing out-of-season clothes and unnecessary items.
- Label-Make sure to label boxes with what rooms the boxes will go in at your new home.
- Start/Stop Utilities-Make arrangements to connect and disconnect your cable, internet and utilities.
- Change your Address- Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at http://www.usps.com.
- Make Notifications- Change your address to the following: registry of motor vehicles, banks, schools, friends & family, insurance companies, doctors and specialists, cell phone providers, credit card companies and magazine and newspapers.
- Contact Service Providers—Notify landscapers, cleaning services that you are moving, and look for new ones in your new hometown.
- Call Locksmith- Have your new home’s locks changed on moving day or before.
- Arrange Services- Have a cleaning company prepare the new home before you arrive and tidy the old home after you leave. Arrange for carpet cleaning too.
- Pack the bulk of your items.
- Start Cleaning-Begin cleaning any rooms in your house that have been emptied, such as closets, basements or attics.
- Pack Suitcases- Finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.
- Gather Keys- Organize all keys, alarm codes and garage door openers so that you can be prepared to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.
- Defrost the Freezer- Empty, clean and defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before moving day.
- Make Payment Plans- You will need to make sure you have made arrangements to pay the mover and have a tip (usually 10%-15%).
- List Contact Info- Write out a list for your movers of things they’ll need: phone numbers, exact moving address and maps.
- Take Inventory- Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.
- Walk-Through- Do a walk-through of your new home with your real estate agent.
- Layout New Home- Tape names to doors to assist movers in placing furniture and boxes.
- Have Director- Arrange for someone to direct the movers at your new home.
Do You Need Moving Insurance?
You pack all of your belongings in a truck and hope for the best but even with the most careful movers, accidents can happen. Did you know that typical moving insurance barely covers your prized possessions in cause of a problem. Typical moving insurance pays about 60 cents per pound for damaged goods. So if you have a $1,000 item that only weighs 10 pounds you will get a whopping $60 back. To make up the gap you should consider purchasing moving insurance. There are several options for you to choose from: Full value insurance Full value insurance is the most expensive insurance because it covers your whole shipment. If anything is lost, damaged or destroyed, the movers can either offer to repair the item, reimburse you with cash or replace it with a similar item. Check the policy to see if there are coverage limits on certain items. Released value insurance Released value insurance is the most typical type of insurance. It usually covers goods for 60 cents per pound. Released value insurance is usually offered at little to no cost to you. make sure to check your moving contract, some exclude coverage if you pack your own boxes. Third-party insurance If you choose the mover’s released value option, you may want to opt for additional insurance from a third-party. Under this type of coverage your mover would be liable for 60 cents per pound of damaged goods and the insurance company would pay any of the remaining costs. As with any contract make sure to read the coverage thoroughly so you can make an educated decision about what type of coverage you will have for your move.]]>
Moving out of state?
If you happen to find yourself moving to another state in the near future, you’ve got your work cut out for you. On top of having to deal with the stress of relocating your family in an unfamiliar place, you’ll have a lot of paperwork and research to consider before the big day. Here are four things that you’ll need to have covered if you hope to have a seamless transition into a new residence. Keep in mind that the more bases you’ve got covered, the easier it will be for you and your family to get accustomed to a new state. 1. Cost of living. – The cost of living can vary dramatically from state to state. If you’re moving for a new job, then make sure to research the cost of living close to your new place of employment. If you lived in a metropolitan area before, then it may serve you better to move to a town surrounding the city and pull a commute than to take a gamble at throwing yourself into a new city that may upset your current lifestyle. Alternately, you may find that the state you are moving to has a fairly low cost of living in the metropolitan areas compared to what you are used to paying. Every state is different in this regard. Doing the research now will save you major headaches. 2. Moving companies. – Unless you are packing up all of your belongings yourself, odds are that you will be relying on a long-distance moving company to handle most of the work. Prices of this service can very dramatically from company to company, so be sure to get at least three quotes from reputable moving companies as to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Also, make room in your budget for an insurance plan that you are comfortable paying for. The last thing you’ll want to deal with during your move is the worry of your possessions being damaged with no recourse. 3. Taxes. – You may not think that taxes are an important thing to consider this early in the game, but if you live in a state that doesn’t collect an income tax, moving to a state that does can impact your cost of living. Meet with a tax specialist and review any hidden taxes and expenses you may incur as a result of your move so you aren’t surprised later on down the road. 4. Neighborhoods and local culture. – This may be one of the most important steps that a lot of people overlook. Just because you do a virtual walk through of a home and like what you see, doesn’t mean you’ll like where you’re moving. Do some detective work before you sign papers. Look into crime statistics, school ratings, reviews of the city and neighborhood you’re considering moving to, and local taxes and ordinances. You can find all of this information online relatively easy. If you can manage it, then plan a visit to your potential new home to see everything your new town will have to offer. Look at the commute to your new place of employment, the sights and sounds of the local culture, and keep an eye out for anything you don’t particularly like about a place. You can make your transition a lot smoother by connecting with a reputable real estate agent who has a healthy knowledge of the area.]]>
Money Saving Tips on Moving
Moving can be an expensive endeavor. Even if you decide to rent a truck and move your belongings yourself there are lots of other expenses that can add up. Luckily, there are a few simple ways consumers can save money hauling their belongings from their current home to the next one. Purge your things. Instead of moving things that you don’t use sell or donate them. If you decide to donate items to charity, you could save lots of time and even get a tax deduction. Move on a less popular day. The most popular time to move is at the end of the month. Since most closings happen and leases are up at the end of the month there’s more competition for the trucks and moving crews. Moving at the end of the month will also cost you more. Choose your moving date midweek, closer to the middle of the month. Packing materials like bubble wrap and foam peanuts are costly. If you are packing your own items use things you have around the house like bed linens, towels and clothing to pad your items. You can also use newspapers and tissue paper from gift bags. Be careful when using newspaper as the newsprint will smudge on dishes and other items. Don’t buy moving boxes check Freecycle and Craigslist for free ones first. Ask around, your friends may have boxes suitable for moving.]]>