Special Moving Situations

Everyone's move is unique, and yours may involve some special circumstances, such as:

Moving with Children Moving with Pets Moving Electronics Moving Large Items Moving Antiques and Collectibles Moving Wine Collections

Tip Obtain a children's book on moving and read it to your kids before the move. This gives them a chance to relate to and talk about the feelings they are experiencing.

Moving with Children

Moving can be very stressful for children. They're saying goodbye to routines, friends and familiar places, as well as their home. Their new home and community are uncertain places. And they're not in control-in their minds, they're not moving, but being moved. Here are some ways you can help them:

• Reassure younger children that their items won't be left behind.
• Let them ask all their questions (what they ask may surprise you!) and take time to answer them truthfully.
• Get them to help with packing their things so they know their items are moving with them. Make it fun by letting them decorate their boxes. And, at the new home, let them help unpack and set up their rooms.
• Allow younger children to pack a few favourite items in a bag or backpack that they can keep with them at all times.
• To keep them occupied while you move in, have books, games, puzzles and colouring supplies available to them. Consider unpacking and setting up the TV and DVD or VCR for them.
• Last but hardly least, have lots of snacks and drinks available for them until you can get settled and go grocery shopping.

Also keep in mind that your children may feel scared the first few nights in the new home. Walk with them several times from their room to the master bedroom so they know where you'll be if they need you. Stick with your familiar bedtime routine, with perhaps an "extra" like popcorn or an added story during story time, or, leaving them a special "welcome" note just from you.

See Dealing with the Stress of Moving for more tips on helping children cope.

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Moving with Pets

• If you're moving to a new community, obtain your pet's veterinary records prior to the move.
• If your pet is uneasy in the car, ask for your vet's advice on how to keep him or her calm.
• Consider an animal carrier if you're moving a long distance. Place your pet in the carrier at night for several days before the move so he or she can become accustomed to it.
• During move-out and move-in, confine your pet to a room-ideally one cleared of boxes and furniture. To prevent escapes, let people in your house know that only you should open this room. Provide plenty of food, water and toys. Check in every hour to show you haven't abandoned him or her.
• As you settle in, set up a corner with your pet's familiar items such as toys, water and food bowls, bedding, kitty litter, etc. When outside, restrain your pet on a leash. Give him or her time to get familiar with the new surroundings-otherwise, he or she may take off and try to return to your old home.

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Moving Electronics

• Prior to packing, draw a diagram or take a photo of the wiring setup. Label the connectors on component cords so you'll know where they plug in.
• Note that most CD players have a locking mechanism that will protect them from vibration during transport. Remove all CDs and then slide the locking mechanism into place.
• Ideally, pack electronics in their original boxes with their original protective Styrofoam inserts. If original boxes are not available, wrap electronics in bubble wrap or a moving pad and lay them flat. Label the boxes: "Fragile. Do not turn on side or upside down. This end up."
• Computers and printers are more susceptible to damage during transport. If possible, pack them in their original boxes as well.
• Back up all files and data from your hard drive. Make sure that discs are removed from all drives and that the drive doors are closed. For printers, remove the print cartridge prior to packing.

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Moving Large Items

Pianos:

In most cases, your best bet is to hire a reputable piano moving company. They understand that your piano is not only very heavy (as much as 1,000 pounds), but also a finely tuned instrument that requires special care and attention. The best piano movers are creative as well as strong-they will find a safe way to move your piano through even the tightest spaces. Their experience could save you thousands of dollars over the long run.

If you move your piano yourself:

• Ask a piano distributor for advice on how to move it, how to remove its legs and how it can be tilted.
• Rent a piano dolly to save unnecessary damage to your piano and harm to those moving it.
• Make sure the lid is down and locked in place.
• Cover it well with moving pads and be very careful when moving over thresholds and doorjambs. It doesn't take much to cause a lot of damage. Move it no more than a few inches off the ground and no more than a few inches forward at any time.
• Always lift with your legs, not with your back. As you plan the move, remember that the weight of a piano sits typically toward its back.

Other large items:

• Wrap large items such as skis, canoes, windsurfers, playground sets, etc. with moving pads to minimize damage.
• Note also that because large items made out of particle board tend to chip and flake, many movers will not cover damage to them. You may be required to move them yourself or absolve the mover from any damage, no matter how well they are padded.

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Moving Antiques and Collectibles

• Declare your prized collectibles, especially those valued over $10,000, with your insurance company and mover. Most of these items should have a declared value prior to the move.
• Consider hiring a specialty moving company that has specially designed crates to handle your valuables. They will also send an expert to your house to pack and unpack these items for you.
• If you choose to move them yourself, pack them in sturdy boxes. Pad each piece with bubble wrap or blank newsprint paper secured with packing tape. Place a good layer of Styrofoam peanuts or crumpled newsprint paper on the bottom of the box. Place the items in the box with newsprint or peanuts in between. When the box is full, layer more peanuts or newsprint on top. Tape shut and label: "Fragile. Collectibles. This end up."

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Moving Wine Collections

• Have your collection appraised to establish its value. Find out if your insurance will cover loss or damage during the move.
• Consider hiring a firm that specializes in transporting wine, especially if you are moving a long distance or moving during extreme heat or cold conditions.
• If you move your collection yourself, buy special Styrofoam or corrugated cardboard containers designed specifically for this purpose. Pack the bottles on their side. Try to maintain a temperature of approximately 13 degrees Celsius in the vehicle.
• When you move wine, the bottles will vibrate and shake. This can result in a loss of flavour if you open them less than 7 days after you move them. (If you want to raise a move-in day toast, you'll probably want to locate the nearest wine shop.)