This is the sixth
in a series of tips on relocation and moving:
When moving, you should pay special attention to the following: Pets Before moving your pet, schedule an examination by a veterinarian. The veterinarian may suggest a tranquilizer or some other precautionary measure for the duration of the trip. Obtain copies of your pet's health and rabies vaccination records and update identification tags. If you decide to ship your pet by air, contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services and to make reservations. If possible, it's probably best to book a weekday flight during slack periods when there's more room in the plane's cargo compartment. Also, try to book a direct flight to reduce the amount of time your pet will be confined. Select a portable air-transport kennel that's large enough for your pet to stand and move around a bit. Most airlines sell or rent these special carriers. Let your pet get accustomed to the kennel well in advance of the trip. Mark the container "Live Animal," and affix a label that includes your pet's name, your new address and phone number, and special handling instructions. If you'll be traveling to your new home by car, acquaint your pet with car travel by taking it for short drives around the neighborhood. Don't feed your pet for several hours prior to your trip. Do, however, pack a canteen of fresh, cool water and stop frequently for drinks and walks. If you plan an overnight stay in a hotel, determine in advance whether or not pets are welcome. Finally--and this is important for all pets at all times--never leave an animal in an enclosed, locked car. Even in moderately warm weather, the temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in just a few minutes. Conversely, in winter months, the temperature can drop well below freezing before you realize it. Birds and small pets such as hamsters can travel by car in their cages--provided the cage is stable, properly ventilated, and protected from drafts. Covering the cage will often help to keep your pet calm. Cars and Boats Moving companies can transport bulky items such as cars, mini-vans, pickup trucks, and boats on an auto transport carrier--or, depending on the size of the rest of your shipment, aboard the moving van. If you're moving a boat, drain all fuel and oil from the motor. Similarly, if you're moving an auto, drain the gas tank and check for any oil, battery acid, or radiator fluid leaks that might damage the other contents of your shipment. Don't forget to give your vehicle's keys to the driver. Plants Unless you simply cannot part with the plant that's lived forever in your living room, it's advisable not to transport plants in a moving van. Some jurisdictions have rules prohibiting the transport of certain plants across borders, so it's wise to consider giving plants to friends before you move. If you must take plants with you, remember that vans are not designed to transport them, and moving companies generally will not accept liability for their well-being. For short moves, plants are relatively safe inside a moving van--that is, of course, if the temperature outside is not extremely hot or cold. For moves over 150 miles, though, it's best to personally transport them in your car. Prepare your plant for a move by following these directions: - Provide it with extra sunlight for several weeks to let it store the extra energy that it will need for an extended trip. - Prune back overgrown leaves and branches about a month before moving, and curtail feeding to minimize growth. - Thoroughly water the plant the day before you move, and cover it with a plastic bag to retain moisture and warmth. Finally, place the plant in a sturdy carton to keep it from tipping over. For more suggestions on moving your plants, contact a local florist or greenhouse. Computers and Other Electronics The original carton and packing materials are always best for safeguarding any type of computer or home electronics equipment. However, if you're like most people and have long since thrown away the original packaging, you can wrap components (e.g., receiver, compact disc player, videocassette recorder) separately inside clean plastic garbage bags to protect them against dust and dirt, and then pad them with newsprint or bubble-wrap. For turntables, secure the tone arm, remove the needle, and tighten the turntable screws. Carefully pack the item in a sturdy carton that has been lined with newsprint or styrofoam "peanuts." Securely seal the carton, and mark the outside of the box to indicate that the item inside is "Extremely Fragile." Likewise, your personal computer (PC) and printer require special attention. Disconnect wires attached to movable hardware such as a modem or mouse. Detach paper holders/feeders from printers and wrap monitors and other hardware as you would other home electronics. It's a good idea to "back up" all files on your hard drive by copying them onto a floppy disk, and keep them in your possession en route to your new residence. Be sure not to pack disks or cassettes near magnets, such as those on your stereo speakers. Consult your PC user manual for any additional instructions relative to your particular equipment. Article One: Preparing Your Children For A Move Article Two: Packing Tips Article Three: Garage Sales Article Four: How Long Distance Moving Operates Article Five: Countdown To Moving Day Article Seven: Glossary of Moving Terms Article Eight: Quick Moving Tips
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