These tips help create a healthy, happy & safe transition to your pets new home:
Take your pet to the vet for a checkup and obtain their health record.
Talk to your vet about options for reducing your pets stress during transit.
Locate a new veterinarian and transfer records.
Update your pet’s identification and microchip information.
Make a transportation game-plan and if your trip takes more than a day, research pet-friendly hotels along the way to get some much needed rest together.
Consider boarding your pet upon arrival.
Purchase supplies.
Check your destination’s pet entry regulations.
If you are moving and have pets we can help. We have over 50 years of experience helping people relocate with their pets. For more information on moving with pets click here.
Our Virtual Survey allows customers to get a quote without an estimator entering their home. This video from United Van Lines shows you what you can expect.
Due to Hurricane Delta the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a condition Whiskey for the Port of New Orleans (open today, but closed tomorrow) and condition Yankee for the Port of Houston (currently closed to traffic).
U.S. Coast Guard Port Conditions for Hurricanes and Severe Weather: Whiskey: The ALERT condition in which winds above 39 mph are expected within 72 hours. X-Ray: The READINESS condition in which winds above 39 mph are expected within 48 hours. Yankee: The WARNING condition in which winds above 39 mph are expected within 24 hours. Zulu: The DANGER condition in which winds above 39 mph are expected within 12 hours and until the storm has passed and is no longer a threat.
If at all possible, avoid moving during peak times to save extra expense. As a general rule, the end of the month is busier for movers, because of the expiration of leases and preferred closing dates.
It’s also recommended that you avoid scheduling your move during the summer months – May to mid-September – when families with children out of school are most likely to move.
2) Book Travel in Advance
Making travel plans ahead of time can save money. Use travel discounts like AAA to save on hotel rooms and be sure to take the toll-free number of the hotel with you; it saves money if you need to call while in route.
3) Eat Creatively
Avoid grocery shopping and eating out. Be creative at mealtime with what you have in your freezer and refrigerator. Begin using up the frozen foods and other perishable items you have in your kitchen. Frozen foods cannot be moved, and canned goods just add to the weight of your shipment and increase costs.
4) Collect Your Deposits
Whether it is an apartment or utility deposit, it’s easier to get your money back before you move. If you paid a pet deposit, look into that too. Don’t forget about items you might have in layaway or items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired. And stop by your workout facility, club or bowling alley to make sure you’ve emptied your locker.
5) Get Your Dues
Check with clubs and organizations to see if you can sell your membership, get a partial refund, or transfer your membership to your new location.
6) Contact the IRS
Don’t forget to notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your change of address. Each year, the post office is unable to deliver thousands of tax refund checks! One of the main reasons stated is that people don’t inform the IRS of their new residence. A change of address form (Form No. 8822) is available on their Web site (www.irs.gov).
7) Report Your Move
Speaking of the IRS, if your move is prompted by a change in job locations or starting a new job, some moving expenses may be deductible on your federal income tax return. Consult the IRS or your personal tax adviser for information.
8) Pack Yourself
Save money on your moving expenses by doing the packing and unpacking yourself. Plan on a good six weeks to pack and get ready for a move. Ask your moving company for information on do-it-yourself packing to protect your belongings.
9) Cash in on Your Move
The weight of your shipment impacts the cost—so lighten your load. Consider getting rid of items you no longer need and raise some quick cash in the meantime.
Garage sales – If you don’t have a lot of items to sell, consider a joint sale with one or more neighbors. The greater the assortment of items you have to offer, the more potential customers you’ll attract and the more successful the sale will be.
Flea markets – For a nominal fee, local flea markets are a great means for selling second-hand items. Because most markets are advertised, professional second-hand bargain hunters usually attend.
Online auctions – The Internet gives you the opportunity to showcase your items for sale to the world, not just your own neighborhood. Take extra time to properly describe your item and include a good quality photo to increase your chances of selling.
Secondhand stores – Sometimes selling items to a consignment shop can bring in more money than selling them at a garage sale – and it is less work for you.
Charity – If you donate your items to charity, remember to ask for a receipt so you can document it on your income tax return.
10) Find Free Offers
Be on the lookout for coupons, discounts and free offers from local businesses once you are settled. Don’t automatically toss out what looks like junk mail during this time because you may be throwing away free money! Take advantage of savings.
