There are certain circumstances that make moving even more difficult and stressful than it already is. Things like moving with pets, delicate plants or any kind of physical limitation can turn a standard relocation into a nightmare. In this guide, we'll address some of these concerns.
Moving with Pets
Moving is stressful not just for humans but for pets as well. It's a major change to the routine that the furry little buddies don't know how to process.
6 Tips to Make the Move Easier for Pets
1. Get Them Used to Carriers
Acclimate your pet to their carrier before move day. Put treats inside the carrier to make it more welcoming and leave the door open a few days before the move. Bring your pet on short car rides to get your pets used to travel.
2. Create a Pet Essentials Kit
Having a go bag is a great idea. It should be packed with essentials such as any medications your pet might need, snacks and treats, their favourite toys, water and bowls, blankets, and vet records.
3. Keep Them Separated from from the Chaos
Make sure your pet stays in a quiet room away from the action on moving day. Open doors, heavy items, and strangers going in and out create hazards and stress. Consider having them stay at a kennel.
4. Inspect Before Releasing
You'll want to check your new home before your pet arrives to make sure there are no potential escape routes, dangerous hiding spots that can trap them, or anything dangerous or hazardous left by the previous occupant.
5. Update Their Information
Once you're settled, make sure to get a new pet license and looking into microchip registration in your area. You should also locate the closest vet.
6. Consult Your Vet
Before moving, ask your vet if they have any recommendations regarding the move. Ask how to best manage your pet's stress. Tell the vet about any recent behaviour changes. They know best!
Special Considerations for Special Pets
Standard dogs and cats are one thing but if you've got an exotic animal, there are likely special steps to be taken ahead of and during the move. Check with a vet who understands your animal and go from there.
Moving with Plants
It's easy to forget about your plants during a move because for the longest time they just sit there. You only realize how delicate they can be when it's time to pick them up and put them on a truck. Because they are tricky to move and often don't survive cold conditions, many moving companies won't move plants. Check in advance.
Can Movers Move Plants? 4 Key Considerations
1. Provincial Regulations
Depending on what province you're heading to, rules can vary about bringing in plants so it's always important to check for restrictions. Some require certificates of inspection.
2. Temperature Control
Plants survive in the temperature range of 30°F to 100°F. Bear that in mind for long distance moves where plants would be subjected to extreme conditions for long periods of time. Some moving companies have temperature trucks. Ask in advance.
3. Keeping Plants Moist
Most plants can survive a day or two without being watered but you should still do some math and figure how long your plants will be dry during the move. You don't want to water the plant too much before the move either as that can be damaging as well.
4. Transfer to Plastic Pots
Consider transferring your plants to plastic pots to avoid damage to your ceramic pot during the move. Do this a couple of weeks before the move.
More Plant Tips
Check for any disease on your current plants. It's best to leave that behind. Consider labeling your plants with care instructions as well. And if moving plants is too difficult, maybe just give them to friends.
What to Expect from a Move when You're Expecting
No heavy lifting!
It's widely accepted in the medical community that pregnant women should not be doing any heavy lifting as it poses risk to the mother and unborn child. Back injuries, premature labour, and low birth weight are all potential risks among others.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Movers
When you're expecting, hiring professional movers can provide physical support for heavy items, save your back, and cut down on packing stress when optional packing services are chosen.
Real Experience
We recently helped a mom named Jade who was six months pregnant. She said that having the movers take care of the heavy lifting and packing let her concentrate on where items should go and other organizational tasks. After that, she said she would only ever move using professional services.
Couples' Move
Moving in together is a major life transition that can strain even strong relationships. Conflict is normal—preparation helps smooth the process.
6 Steps to Move Together Without Going Crazy
1. Make a Pre-Move Checklist Together
Make an inventory of the belongings you collectively own. Figure out what you want to keep, what you want to donate and what's destined for the trash. Take measurements of larger pieces of furniture to see if it will fit in your new home. If you can't agree on a certain item, ask a neutral party like a friend to mediate.
2. Address Your Anxieties
If there's something you're stressed about, there's a good chance your partner is also stressed about the same thing. Take time for communication and to lay out your respective anxieties. Talking helps!
3. Identify Strengths and Assign Roles
Everyone has their strength and going into a move as a couple, it's worth establishing who's the best at organizing, scheduling, decluttering, problem-solving, and staying patient under pressure. Make that person the lead mover and do your best to help them.
4. Turn Your List into Action
Schedules and game plans are great to keep your move organized. Make a timeline with specific tasks assigned to each person. Make sure the essentials are taken care of first and that both parties are carrying their weight. This will help to reduce indecison and stress.
5. Don't Stop Living Normally
Don't let moving define how you live your life. Make sure you still have normal meals and take time to rest. Trying to move on an empty stomach or while exhausted doesn't really help anyone. Don't get burnt out.
6. Give the Hard Stuff to the Pros
You can be as prepared as possible for your move and still struggle with some items. That's when it's time to call in the pro movers. They can help not only with the move itself but with packing up your stuff if you don't have time and they will coordinate your move if it's over a long distance.
Make Your Move Memorable for the Right Reasons
There's lots of factors that can complicate a move but if you're prepared, nothing can stop you. Whether it's a pet, pregnancy or complex relationship that slowing things down, just take time to breath and think everything through and the move will go great.
