Strong packing boxes
Bubble wrap for packing fragile items
Tissue and ink-free packing paper
Scissors
Knife for opening boxes
Several broad-tip markers to label boxes
Rolls of packing tape
Get more boxes than you think you will need.
Get smaller boxes for books. Use bigger boxes for lighter items.
Pack room-by-room, keeping similar items together.
Reinforce the bottom of boxes with at least one strip of packing tape.
Pack boxes firmly to prevent the contents from shifting during your move.
Use crumpled paper for padding. Seal boxes tightly with wide packing tape.
Pack records and CDs vertically in boxes. Don't stack them flat.
Place heavier items in the bottom of the box and lighter items on top.
Separate items with paper to prevent scratches caused by rubbing.
Remove lids from jars and ceramics. Wrap each separately.
Seal any opened boxes and bottles before packing them to avoid spills
and leakage.
Use towels, linens, curtains, etc. to pad boxes of fragile items.
Clearly mark these boxes "FRAGILE."
Use a jumbo box for lampshades and cushion them well.
When disassembling furniture, beds, lamps, etc. put the hardware into a plastic
bag along with any assembly tips and tape it onto the item itself.
If possible ask your mover if you can leave clothes in dresser drawers.
Find out from your movers how they want hanging clothes packed.
Make a master list of all household items and your belongings.
Number boxes when they are packed and sealed.
Clearly indicate on the box its room destination.
Write on the master list the contents of the numbered boxes.
Make a box of essentials and label it "Open Me First."
Put this box to the side to be loaded last (so it´s unloaded first) or move it
yourself.
Your Essential box will include: Basic tools such as flashlights, pocket
knife, hammer, screwdrivers, nails, masking tape, tape measure, and light bulbs.
Bathroom essentials such as hand towel, soap, toilet paper, shampoo, and
shower curtains.
Kitchen goodies such as paper towels, coffeemaker and filters, paper plates
and cups, plastic utensils, dish detergent, a sponge, pet foods, dishes, and
trash bags.
Pack rugs last so they can be the first items unloaded and placed at your new
location.
Moving can be a stressful step for a family, especially for children. They have to leave their friends, face new kids in a new school, and adjust to a new curriculum and a new community.
In general, the older the child, the more difficulty he or she will have with the move because of the increasing importance of the peer group. Pre-teens and teenagers may repeatedly protest the move, or ask to stay in their hometown with a friend's family. Some youngsters may not talk about their distress, so parents should be aware of the warning signs of depression, including changes in appetite, withdrawal, a drop in grades, irritability, sleep disturbances or other dramatic changes in behavior.
The parents' attention before, during and after moving process is crucial and can make a big difference in their children's adjustment to the new location.
Encourage your children to express their feelings, and be honest about your own feelings. Encourage older children to make list of phone numbers and addresses of friends, relatives, and other important people in their lives. It will reassure them to know that they can stay in touch with these important people. Take your children to see the new location before you move and take a walk in the new neighborhood together.
Involve your children in the packing. Try to stick to your routines. Have family dinners as usual. Let your kids take with them in their own bags things that they don't want to pack, such as blankets or special toys.
Don't rush to unpack immediately. Spend some time with your kids and help them get acquainted with the new home and the neighborhood. Get involved. Ask your kids how they are doing in school and encourage them to talk about the difficulties.
Moving can be very stressful for your pets too. When it comes to moving with pets, you'll have to plan ahead. Pets, just like us, are very sensitive to changes. Moving companies will not move your pets so if you plan to move with your pets, they will be your responsibility. Here are some tips to make the relocation easier, both for you and your pets:
Regular Routines
Keep your pets' routines (feeding, exercise, and play-time) as regular as possible. During the move itself, you may want to leave your pet at a friend's house. That way you won't have to worry about the pet getting in your way, or worse, running away.
Veterinarian
Before the move, take your pet to the veterinarian for a thorough physical exam. If your pet is on any medication, be sure that you have enough for the first period of settling in your new home. Don't forget to take with you copies of your pets' records; it'll make things much easier for the new veterinarian at the new location. To find a new veterinarian near your new home you can call the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301.
State Laws
Since the laws and regulations regarding the importation of animals defer from one another, check with a veterinarian in the new area to be sure your pet complies. Make sure to check with a veterinarian few weeks in advance since the process involves paperwork.
Moving by Plane
Try to book a direct flight to minimize the time the animal may be sitting outside the plane in inclement weather conditions. Some airlines provide counter-to-counter service so your pet will be carried on and off the plane by an airline employee. This service costs a little more, but it may be worth it for your pet's health and your peace of mind.
In the Car
Avoid feeding or giving your pets water for several hours before your drive. Try to be attentive to your pets' well-being. Make a stop if you see that the pet is uncomfortable. Be ready to make frequent stops for feeding and resting. Plan on feeding your pets either once daily or a couple of small meals during rest stops.
Never leave your pets in the car alone. It is against the law. but if you must, remember to open the windows and to lock the doors. Do not leave your pet alone in the car for too long.
Moving with Cats
Since cats tend to become more attached to their environment rather than to people, the moving process will be harder on them. When relocating with a cat, you must prepare in advance. Show your cat plenty of attention and constantly reassure it with familiar items and scents so the move does not come as a shock.
Since cats are not familiar with traveling in cars as dogs are try to take your cat on short trips around the neighborhood and then slowly increase the distance.
If your cat is present during the move, confine it in its favorite room along with its favorite bed and toys. That way you reduce the chance of your cat running away or getting lost in one of the boxes.
At the new home, provide your cat with a comfortable living space. Limit the cats' explorations to just the new house and then gradually accompany it on tours outside. Confining the cat may seem a bit cruel, but cats are more likely to run back to the old house, no matter the distance. It might take a month till the cat feels comfortable in the new home and becomes familiar with its scents and noises.
Moving with Dogs
Unlike cats who prefer the routine, dogs may welcome a change in the environment. In addition, dogs become more attached to their owners as opposed to their environment. Therefore moving with a dog is much easier than moving with a cat. Most likely, your dog has become accustomed to riding in a car and being on a leash. But it is recommended that you further condition your dog for longer car rides. Drive with him around the neighborhood a few times.
Since dogs, just like cats, may become a bit upset on moving day when they see all of the unusual activity, you should confine the dog in its favorite room along with its favorite blanket and toys.
After the move, take your dog for a walk immediately. Help your dog become familiar with the new neighborhood. Let it sniff around and mark its territory. Because dogs develop strong relationships with their owners, they're less likely to run away. In the new home - Provide a comfortable sleeping area for the dog and try to keep a familiar routine of walks and meals. Dogs must go outside everyday. Teach them their limits as far as streets and traffic are concerned. If you are moving from suburbs to the city, be prepared for a transition in housebreaking, your dog will have to get used to relieving itself on the pavement and near fire hydrants and poles.