When it comes time to relocate the family, be sure to take your four legged family members into account!  Many individuals do not properly plan out moving with their pets and experience a great deal of frustration with the process.  The first step when moving is to decide if your pet will make the move with you.

That question may seem cold, but the truth of the matter is that you may be moving to a place without the adequate space for your beloved pet.  If the move is international, you may be forced to leave your pet behind with a new family, since laws prohibit the importation of animals or require a lengthy quarantine process.  Whatever the case, discuss your options with the entire family and make a decision that will best affect your pet and its well being.

Before you make the decision whether or not to move your pet, look carefully at your new area.  Be sure to know of any laws or regulations that restrict animals or certain breeds of animals from moving within the city limits.  If you own an exotic pet, such as reptiles, ferrets, hedgehogs, or any other animal considered to be an exotic, you may find your pet is not welcome in your new location.  Furthermore, animals considered livestock, including rabbits, fowl, chickens, or larger animals such as cows or horses may be prohibited in your new area.

Several dog breeds, most notably Pit Bulls, have been banned from living within city and county limits.  Many dog owners see these banned breeds as incredibly unfair, but until the bans are rescinded your pooch must stay put.  City hall will best be able to inform you of the rules and regulations regarding pets.  Also, be aware of any time your pet will need to spend in quarantine.  This only affects animals that are being transported internationally or to the state of Hawaii, but it may affect your pet if you find yourself relocating to such an area.

If you are able to bring your beloved pet to your new home, take special precaution.  Often pets are nervous, afraid, or unsure of their new surroundings and may attempt to run away in an effort to return to their old residence.  Keep a careful eye of your pets and be sure to keep cats indoors and dogs on leashes until they have adjusted to their new environment.  Moving day is often hectic, and many animals run away or get lost while you and your family are busy packing or unpacking.  Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to watch your pet for that time so that you can devote your full attention to the moving process.

Once you know your new address, immediately update your pet’s identification tag.  Many pets that become lost or run away are found, but their information is not current, making their owners a great deal more difficult to find.  Immediately updating your pet’s identification tag is an excellent way to ensure your beloved animal is safe.

Consider how you will transport your pet to your new home.  If you are taking a bus or train to your new location, be aware your pet will not be able to accompany you on the journey.  Furthermore, you should never send your pet along with a moving or freight company who is transporting your household goods.  Additionally, if you are renting a moving vehicle and completing the move yourself, do not allow your pets to ride in the storage compartment.  These compartments are not ventilated and can cause pets of overheat quickly.  If you are flying to your new location, most airlines will accept pets.  Smaller pets, such as cats or small dogs can be brought directly aboard the aircraft in an approved carrier that is of a size to be stored beneath your seat.  Larger pets will need an FAA approved carrier and will be loaded onto the plane in an appropriate cabin.  These cabins are pressurized and heated, to ensure your pet arrives safely.

For larger animals, such as horses or other livestock, consider renting a hauler to carry animals to their new home.  There is probably a company in your area that will transport these large animals for you, so check out all your options.  If your pet does not travel well or experiences a great deal of anxiety while traveling, ask your veterinarian to prescribe a sedative that will last the duration of the trip.

When you arrive at your new home with your pet, immediately contact a veterinarian’s office.  Your pets may need updated or new vaccinations in order to comply with city, county, or state laws.  Most cities or counties require all animals to wear a rabies badge noting the date of their last vaccination.  If your pet’s vaccinations are not up to date, take this time to do so.

If properly planned, moving with your pets can be a walk in the park!  Ensure you are aware of all potential laws or regulations that affect you or your pet before the move and know what steps to take after the move.

Moving day is an exciting, hectic, and dreadfully tiring experience that is a necessary part to relocating.  Many individuals find this day especially taxing, as it culminates the many days and months of planning the entire relocation.  Whether you are moving across town or across the globe, these simple moving tips will help your tremendously when the big day rolls around.  Tackling the entire moving process in a positive, upbeat light will make everyone’s day go by smoother-especially yours!

If you have children, consider making arrangements for them on the day of your move.  Your children may want to help with the moving process, but are likely to become a distraction that can make moving day slow and tedious.  Furthermore, the great excitement regarding the move can take its toll on children of all ages, especially if this is their first move.

So you want to include your children in moving tasks before moving day.  Help them pack up things in their rooms before you tackle the rest of your home.  Allow them to pack a small bag with some of their favorite toys, and then send them over to the house of a friend, family member, or neighbor on the day of the move.  Including them in the packing of their most important items-usually their toys-will allow your child to feel apart of the moving process without having to be a physical part on moving day.

The more your can do before moving day, the better!  Use your move as an excuse to clean out closets, cabinets, drawers, garages, cellars, attics, or basements.  Give unwanted or excess items to a friend, family member, coworker, neighbor, or charitable organization.  If you have many large items, such as furniture or appliances in good condition, many charitable organizations will pick up these oversized items directly from your home.  Also throw away any old or broken items unable to be given away or donated.  This cleaning will ensure you only move items you deem necessary, thus saving your time, money, and effort from moving things you no longer want, need, or use.

Take time to organize your things before moving day.  Rearrange cabinets so that they include all items of one kind or purpose.  Pass through your closets to ensure all related items are together, such as sheet or towel sets.  Also, if your items are going to be stored for any length of time before you unpack your goods, take this time to save some necessary items you will need for the duration of the storage.  Separate clothes, linens, kitchen utensils, and other items that you will need while your things are indisposed and put them in a separate place from the rest of your goods.

If a professional moving company is to pack and move your things, the only things you will need to do is supervise the packers and movers.  Have all your household goods ready to pack and be sure to notify packers if certain items are to be left unpacked.  This will enable the packers to complete the job as quickly as possible without having to ask you about each item they pack.

Also, if items are not being moved, take great care to physically separate these items from your other household goods.  This way, you will not have any surprises when you open your boxes again.  Also, be sure to have any keys, wallets, personal papers, or any other critical items that should not be moved out of the way so packers do not accidentally box up these items by mistake.  Many packers have unpacked boxes to find missing keys or wallets before, so save you both time and effort by properly storing them.

If you are moving yourself and do not have the luxury of professional packers, spread the project out over a period of time.  Begin by packing seldom used or seasonal items that you will not need between now and your moving date.  A great idea to recruit help is to throw a moving party.  Supply your friends and family members with all necessary packing supplies and boxes and provide music and food.

This type of event is fun for all and helps you with your task of moving.  Whoever does your packing, be sure you invest in the necessary items for safely packing your household goods.  Your local moving rental store will provide you with boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and newsprint suitable to carefully wrapping your fragile items.

When it comes to boxing up your household goods, carefully consider what goes in each box.  Pack your items in boxes depending on their use and the frequency of this use.  For example, you do not want to pack your Christmas decorations that are only used once a year with your can opener, which you use daily.  Also, be careful not to pack your boxes too full or make them too heavy.  Heavy boxes are more likely to be dropped during the move, putting your cherished items in danger.