The more efficiently packing is accomplished, the more time and money will be saved. Proper packing ensures that belongings are secure and that loading and unloading can be done quicker.

For this reason, garbage or other plastic bags should not be used. They are usually not strong enough to provide adequate protection, can be difficult to load and unload, and can take up otherwise available space.

Boxes are the most economical and safest form of packing containers. They can be any type, as long as they are strong enough to hold the contents.

Moving companies, home improvement stores, and other places do sell boxes that are said to be designed specifically for moving. While it is true that these boxes are of slightly higher quality, any good sturdy box will be fine. One should NOT spend a great deal of money on boxes unless the boxes can be “re-sold” to the company from which they were purchased.

Padding material can be as simple as blankets, bedding, towels, and some clothing items if the move is a relatively short one. However, a long move may require the use of “professional” padding material.

Newspaper should not be used to wrap items in nor as filler as the ink may transfer to the item. Magazine pages can be used for wrapping articles, and soft items such as stuffed toys and pillows can be used to cushion and secure belongings.

Boxes should be securely taped or fastened. Improperly or poorly taped boxes could cause difficulties for the movers as they are being loaded or unloaded. Also, if a box should collapse or break, the contents may be damaged.

At least three or more strips of tape should be placed across the top of the box. The bottom and sides should be reinforced with at least one strip of tape.

Popularity: 45% [?]

“A-1 Storage”. “Store-It-Here”. No matter what they call themselves, most storage facilities are pretty much the same, no matter where they are located. And, they all serve the same purpose—providing extra space or moving pods.

So, which storage pods facility really is the best? With so many of them out there, that might be hard to determine. However, a little research and “comparison-shopping” will usually help one make the right decision.

First off, check to see which storage facilities are located closest to where you live. It does no good to rent a storage unit if it is going to take an hour to get there to retrieve something that is stored there.

Is the area well maintained? Is the security adequate? If the facility itself has a neglected appearance, it’s probably a certainty that the units aren’t going to be in much better shape. If you don’t like what you see, go somewhere else then; there are plenty of places out there.

If you are satisfied with the overall appearance of the facility and the unit, then you’re ready to talk about the expense. Because storage pod facilities are so prolific, everyone is going to want your business. So, don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal. Remember, too, that the larger the unit, the higher the rent. Get the smallest size you can, even if that means doing some ruthless “downsizing”.

Some paperwork is to be expected; however, renting a storage unit should not be as difficult as buying a car. The contract should be easy to read and understand, with little or no fine print. If the paperwork seems excessive, you may want to consider another facility.

Is the owner or manager courteous? If he or she does not care about how you are treated, then they will probably feel the same way about your belongings.

Popularity: 43% [?]

Most people tend to forget that pets feel stress just as humans do. And, very often, they pick up on the stress that their owners are feeling.

This is true of a move. The relocation not only affects the human members of the family, but also the pets. Therefore, it may be necessary for a pet owner to consider securing the services of a professional pet mover.

While such people can be located in the Yellow Pages of a phone book, one may wish to first check with other pet owners, the local veterinarian, or even the neighborhood groomer. In this way, the pet owner will have more than just a listing in the phone book to go by.

A company that provides pet moving services will certainly be knowledgeable of all laws, guidelines, and regulations regarding transporting a pet from one location to another, particularly if it involves the crossing of state or international boundaries. That company will make sure the pet owner is aware of this information; however, it is up to the owner to do whatever is necessary to assure that both the pet and the owner are in compliance.

Advance planning is crucial. The pet may need to have a current veterinary visit on record, as well as receiving any necessary immunizations. Additionally, the pet mover will have to be contacted and a move time scheduled.

Make sure all conditions—weather and otherwise—are going to be favorable at the time the pet is moved. It may be necessary to change plans or re-schedule for a better time.

Speak with the person who will be responsible for moving your pet before the move. Make sure you are comfortable with that person being with your pet.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Any time a person is faced with a new or different experience, “forewarned is forearmed”. This is especially true of a move.

Even a short move from one city to another can present challenges. You may be familiar with certain aspects of that city, but there will still be differences. They may be as minor as the location of the neighborhood supermarket or as major as the bus number and route that your child will take to get to school.

For this reason, relocation guides can often prove invaluable. They can allow one to become familiar with the area, often to such an extent that once the move is accomplished, the family will already “feel at home”.

A relocation guide will assist families with children in deciding which neighborhood is the best to live in terms of schools, safety, and available activities. A young, childless couple, on the other hand, may want to know where other couples like them live, and what amenities are available to them.

A church-going family may want to know exactly how many churches of their denomination or religion are available in a specific location. A relocation guide can assist in them finding that information.

If a move involves leaving one state and going to another, a relocation guide for the city in which they will be living may really prove invaluable. Some guides may offer statistics concerning school systems, crime figures, and other demographics. All this information will serve to help a family decide where the best place to live would be.

Some relocation guides may allow the future resident to provide certain biographical information, if one so chooses. From that information, the publishers of the guide may be able to actually “tailor-make” a guide specifically for that particular family.

Popularity: 3% [?]