Planning and Managing Your Move
Be present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your goods will be made, and it is important to resolve any disagreements prior to signing the inventory. Make sure all copies are legible and all items are numbered. Have valuable items listed separately. Some appliances may require servicing prior to the move. Your mover can schedule these services for you.

There are several options for insuring your goods. All household-goods shipments move under limited liability; however, you may purchase additional liability coverage from your mover.

Your mover may ask you to select several consecutive days during which your goods can be loaded and a second series of dates during which your goods can be delivered to your new home. A spread of days gives you and your mover the flexibility needed to keep your move on schedule. Remember that summer months are the busiest, and some movers offer lower prices between the months of October and April.

Moving Day
  • Be on hand when the movers arrive.
  • Discuss the delivery arrangements fully with your mover.
  • Have beds stripped and ready to be packed.
  • Save your energy; let the moving crew disassemble goods.
  • Read the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
  • Tell your mover how to reach you at your destination.
  • Keep in contact with the mover’s agent at your destination while you are in transit.

Traveling With Pets
Travel carriers are useful when your pet is traveling by car; they are mandatory when your pet is traveling by air. Your pet’s carrier should be durable and smooth-edged with opaque sides, a grille door and several ventilation holes on each side. Choose a carrier with a secure door and door latch. If you are traveling by air, your carrier should have food and water dishes. Pet carriers may be purchased from pet-supply stores or bought directly from domestic airlines.

Select a carrier that has enough room to permit your animal to sit and lie down but is not large enough to allow your pet to be tossed about during travel. You can make the carrier more comfortable by lining the interior with shredded newspaper or a towel.

It’s wise to acclimate your pet to the carrier in the months or weeks preceding your trip. Permit your pet to explore the carrier. Place your pet’s food dish inside the carrier and confine him or her to the carrier for brief periods.

To introduce your pet to car travel in the carrier, confine him or her in the carrier and take short drives around the neighborhood. If properly introduced to car travel, most dogs and cats quickly will adjust to and even enjoy car trips.

— Careful Preparation Is Key
When packing, don’t forget your pet’s food, water dishes, bedding, litter box, leash, collar, tags, grooming supplies, first-aid kit and any necessary medications. Always have a container of drinking water with you.

Your pet should wear a sturdy collar with ID tags throughout the trip. The tags should have both your permanent address and telephone number and an address and telephone number where you or a contact can be reached during your travels.

Traveling can be upsetting to your pet’s stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water. You should keep feeding to a minimum during travel. (Provide a light meal for your pet two to three hours before you leave if traveling by car or four to six hours before departure if traveling by air.) Allow small amounts of water periodically in the hours before the trip.

Carry a current photograph of your pet with you. If your pet is lost during a trip, a photograph will make it easier for others (airline employees, the police, shelter workers) to help you find your pet.
Source: Humane Society of the United States (www.humnesociety.org)

Delivery
Generally, your belongings will be transported in a van along with those of other families in the same general direction. This helps to keep your costs down. Delivery is made on any of the several consecutive days agreed upon before the move began. Make sure the mover knows how to contact you to schedule actual delivery. If you cannot be reached at your destination, the mover may place your shipment in storage to avoid delaying other shipments. This can mean additional charges for storage and handling.

   
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