Some great tips for moving with pets!

Tips When Moving With Pets

• Make certain your household pet is wearing proper identification and any required license tags in case they get lost.

• Ask your veterinarian for a copy of your pet’s medical history to take with you, and be sure all shots are current.

• Shortly before the move, your pets may become nervous because of all the unusual activity. Keep a close eye on them; stress may cause them to misbehave or run off. Consider having them boarded during the most hectic days.

• When you move, take along a health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate. The health certificate, signed by your veterinarian, says your pet is in good condition. The rabies certificate states when and where your pet was vaccinated.

• If you move across state lines, call or write the state veterinarian or State Department of Animal Husbandry for laws on the entry of animals. Some states require up-to-date rabies vaccinations. For example, the state of Hawaii requires a 120-day quarantine for dogs and cats that have just moved from another state.

• After the move, give your pets time to adjust to the new neighborhood. Don’t let your pets roam freely until they learn where new “home” is now — otherwise they may get lost!

• If you pet has an ID implant, remember to have updated contact information.

Moving with electronics? We have some great tips!

Computer

This item represents a huge investment and is likely an important part of your daily life, so you want to pack it carefully. The central processing unit (CPU) should be handled with extreme care. This unit, which houses the motherboard and disk drive, is especially sensitive to jarring. Use the original carton if possible or another box large and sturdy enough to accommodate the CPU and plenty of packing materials on all sides. Packing peanuts should never be used when packing a computer because they have a tendency to carry a static electrical charge. Don’t forget to label cords and cables before unhooking them so you know where each cord goes after the move. When you arrive at your destination, allow the computer to reach room temperature before attempting to power it up.

Remember that your CD-ROMs are sensitive to heat and cold and should be moved with you rather than in a moving box. And be sure to back up all your computer files and your hard drive before disassembling the computer.

Printer

If you’re moving a laser or ink jet printer, be sure to remove the toner and any ink cartridges and carry them with you if your move occurs during hot weather. For other types of printers, the printer head should be secured to prevent shifting. Check the owner’s manual for preparations specific to your printer model.

Large-screen television

A large-screen TV must be custom-crated prior to moving day – which can be done arranged by a professional mover or a third-party service. Be sure to have any outside antennas disconnected and taken down if they are to be included in your shipment. Most large-screen TV owner’s manuals contain a statement that some adjustment or calibration may be necessary after transport, so make sure you refer to the manual to protect your TV in the best possible way.

Plasma and LCD televisions

Although there are significant differences in the technology of LCD televisions and plasma televisions, the manufacturers’ recommended handling procedures are similar. It is suggested that a qualified third-party service company be used to properly prepare the LCD/plasma televisions for transport. Even with the original packaging, crating for maximum protection is recommended. When your television arrives at its new destination, it is recommended that the televisions be allowed to “set” for a period of time (several hours) before being turned on.

Other electronics

• Determine which, if any, of these items you can live without for a few weeks and pack those first. That way, you’re not rushed and in the throes of packing the entire household and you can pay extra attention to packing these items properly.
• Whenever possible, pack electronics in their original cartons. If that’s not possible, use plenty of proper packing materials as padding. Comforters and blankets make great wraps for stereo and computer equipment, and pillows provide good cushioning.
• Clearly mark “fragile” on the outside of cartons with breakables or delicate electronics. Also mark “this side up” on items containing electronics.
• Use sturdy boxes and professional packing tape because masking tape isn’t strong enough to support fully-packed cartons. Start by padding the bottom of your box with a generous amount of packing material or padding, then wrap electronics with paper (or blankets, sheets) and place in the carton.
• If you have concerns about reassembling any of your electronics, take pictures of the fronts and backs of your current assembly so you’ve got a visual. Then mark which cords hook to which holes before taking them apart.

Top 10 Advice for Moving

10. Avoid problems. Plan ahead and be prepared.

9. No two moving companies are the same. Some are better than others. Choose carefully. If the move is from point to point within Oregon, only use a mover licensed by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Transportation Division. Ask the mover to provide its certificate number. It should be apparent on all advertising and paperwork.

8. Get a written, signed estimate, and keep it.

7. Be ready when the mover arrives.

6. Accompany the mover to make up an inventory.

5. Understand and agree with the bill of lading before you sign it.

4. Before your move, make the mover explain its limits of liability and your options for loss and damage protection.

3. Be at the destination at the time agreed upon for delivery.

2. Check the condition of your property before you sign a delivery receipt.

1. Be flexible!!!

Moving with kids? We have some advice!

Different children may react to moving in different ways. Some kids may become depressed and may keep crying for days because they feel they are in an alien climate. The key to making the move a success with kids is to GET THEM INVOLVED! Be upbeat from the start, and talk to your children as much as possible. Make them come up with ideas on how to make moving better and easier. Make your kids feel they are important members of the family moving team!

Worried About How Your Children Will React to Moving?

Here Are Some Helpful Moving Tips When Moving With Kids:

Expert Moving Advice for Kids of All Ages

1. Do not wait to inform your children about moving. Tell your kids about the move as soon as possible!

It is pretty natural to assume that the less time kids have to think about moving, the easier it will be for your children. However, experts say it is actually the opposite. Kids need time to get used to the idea of moving. Don’t put off telling them about moving.

2. Welcome your children’s questions about moving.

Open lines of communication will go a long way toward helping your children feel comfortable with moving. And it’s okay even if you can’t answer all their questions right now. Your kid’s questions can give you an idea of how they’re feeling about moving — whether they’re excited or uneasy. Some questions may also offer an ideal way to get them involved in the moving process, such as suggesting they get online to locate nearby libraries or parks.

3. Be positive and upbeat about the move.

Your attitude about the move will influence your children’s attitude as well. If you dread moving, then the move will seem dreadful to them too. Be enthusiastic, upbeat, and positive about the new experiences and opportunities in store, and your children will be more likely to feel the same way.

4. Let your children know they can help with the move.

This is a good time to emphasize that the move is a family event and that everyone will be part of the planning, packing, and perhaps even choosing the new home. Start your kids on thinking of things they can do and how to get ready for the move. Assure your kids that their contributions, however small, will be valued and greatly appreciated.

A Holiday For You, Is a Great Time to Move!

That’s right folks! A-Team Moving and Storage will be open and facilitating moves on Memorial Day this year! Wouldn’t it be nice to get all of your moving done on your day off? It’s a great way to ensure that the moving process does not interrupt your work plans! Book with us today for a discount on your holiday move rate!

Thank you,

A-Team

PS. Special rates for veterans!