Moving with pets is a sensitive issue to address when relocating. Since moving can cause unneeded stress on your pets, it’s important to try and reduce these stress levels as much as possible. You also want to maintain your animals’ health and happiness when moving pets. With a few suggestions, moving with pets can be a positive experience for you and them.

There are a few things to accomplish before you begin moving with pets. Their health should be checked and certain precautions should be taken.

Moving with children doesn’t have to be stressful. Children love a good adventure and will most likely embrace the moving process if they are involved in all aspects along the way. By involving your kids directly in the move, moving with children can be fun, not infuriating.

We’ve come up with some easy ways to incorporate your kids into the moving process. Not only will this help you, but it will help the kids better adjust to relocating. Asking for their help, fun projects and small packing tasks can all help incorporate your kids in the move. Here are some tips for moving with children and getting your kids excited about your move.

Remember:

1. Tell your children about the move as soon as possible so they don’t overhear the news by accident
2. Talk with them, sharing the details you think they’ll understand – ask about and listen to their reactions
3. Children of different ages respond differently to a move. For example:
   • Younger children tend to miss familiar people like a favorite teacher, as well as safe and secure environments like church, school or even their bedrooms
   • Older children, especially teenagers, tend to miss their friends and others in the community with whom they have relationships
4. Involve your children in all aspects of your relocation, if possible, including house hunting, planning the move and tasks that are age appropriate
5. Have children help pack a special box with their most treasured possessions – they can even decorate the outside of the box so they can quickly identify it in your new home
6. Ask for their input on decorating or arranging things in their new rooms
7. Encourage your children to take the time to say good-bye to friends and maintain ties by exchanging contact information
8. Make plans to continue your child’s current activities (such as Scouts, sports, dance classes, etc.) in your new community – continuity will make adjusting to a new location much easier

In preparing large appliances for your move, it is important that they be clean and dry to avoid the build up of mildew and mold. Grease left on a stovetop will catch dust and dirt, and unfortunately, leave spots on anything that it touches. Dry out refrigerators and freezers, especially those that contain an ice maker.

Dishwasher

Clean and dry thoroughly. Disconnect and drain hoses. Leave the door open for a few days prior to the move. Wrap dry hoses in towels and packing paper and place inside the dishwasher.

Washing Machine

Clean and dry thoroughly. Disconnect and drain hoses.

1. Wrap metal connector ends of hoses in a towel and place inside washer.
2. Secure the tub following the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent swaying. Note: If you don’t have the manufacturers guidelines, you can purchase a washer kit with a manual that provides instructions on how to secure the tub by tightening down the tub using screws. If you prefer not to do it yourself, there are many third party service providers.
3. Upon arrival to your new home, have the washer installed by a qualified installer.

Clothes Dryer

Before cleaning, unplug or turn off the dryer from electrical power.

1. Clean the lint screen.
2. Prior to plugging in your electric dryer at your new residence, have your power supply checked for the correct electrical requirements. Tip: If you are moving a gas dryer, the appliance should be disconnected and the gas line capped off by a qualified technician. The driver and the crew members are not qualified to perform this service. Your professional estimator can make the arrangements for you.

Stove Top/Range/Oven

Clean thoroughly. Detach all removable parts and pack safely in a box, clearly marked with the contents.

1. If you are moving a gas range, it must be disconnected prior to moving day by a qualified service technician. The gas line must be properly secured also.
2. If you have an electric range, generally no servicing at your present residence is required.
3. When arriving at your new residence with your gas range, you will need a qualified gas installer to check your gas supply, connect the gas line, seal any openings, light the pilot and handle any other hook-up requirements.

Refrigerator

Dispose of all perishables.

1. Unplug the power cord and wash all removable parts and dry thoroughly.
2. Allow the parts, including the interior of the refrigerator and freezer, to dry thoroughly to allow all moisture to evaporate.
3. Pack all loose parts including bins and shelves in a secured, approved container.
4. Vacuum the condenser or compressor.
5. Empty and clean the evaporator pan; allow time for it to dry.
6. Before moving, turn off the water and disconnect the water line if you have a cold water dispenser or automatic icemaker.
7. The water reservoir should also be emptied.
8. If your refrigerator or freezer is an older model, you may have to have the compressor or motor bolted down.
9. Have ice maker and water dispenser connected to water line by a professional.
10. Copper tubing, a shut off valve and fittings may be required.

Microwave Oven

Any glass trays should be removed, wrapped and securely packed in a carton.

1. The microwave can either be placed in its original box, if available and still in good shape, or a well-cushioned carton.
2. If your microwave is large, ask your moving professional if it can be pad-wrapped on moving day.
3. Do not place cardboard in the door opening because it can spring the door during transit.
4. Take care not to block the exhaust vent when installing it at your new home.