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.

Part of the moving process involves you turning off the utilities before you put in the request to have them added to your new home. This aspect of moving can be a daunting task indeed and in a worst case scenario it may be a chore that is easy for you to forget. The last thing that you want is to move in to your new home and not be able to see the interior of your new home or even have water to take a well needed shower after such a stressful day.

Before you get ahead of yourself with all the moving responsibilities that will be impressed upon you, you should call your utility company in your state some week or two before your move-in date. And if you are moving out of state, check with the utility companies in that state to arrange for service connection there as well. Before you start making your phone calls to the utility companies, you should be armed with the account numbers for each bill. This would make finding your account a lot easier. Let each company know that you will be expecting service on the morning that you are expected to move in to your new home.

The utility companies should also be able to leave the service on in the old apartment at least until you is all moved out. Remember to give the utility company the right information on the date that you plan on moving and transferring your services. It would also be advisable that you call the utility companies a few days before they are expected to move your services from one house to another. Even if you are moving out of state then you should also use this above mentioned method in informing your new utilities about your move and your intention of applying for new service. In addition to the electricity company you will also need to notify your water company as well and your cable/ internet and telephone providers.

On the day of the move, if a moving company has been engaged, one will only need to supervise the loading, transporting, unloading, and, possibly setting up. If the move is being accomplished with the help of family and/or friends, then those who are involved will need to be present and ready to go.

Rooms should be emptied individually. A re-check should be done, with attention to closets and cupboards, to ensure that everything has been removed. The room should then be swept, mopped, or vacuumed, if necessary, and the door closed.

It should be understood that a closed door means a room is emptied, cleaned, and done with. This way, there will be no chance that dirt is tracked into a clean room, or that anything is inadvertantly set down in a room and possibly forgotten.

It may be wise to keep some empty boxes and bags on hand, in the event that a closet was overlooked, or some things simply could not be packed until the last minute. The containers should be clearly labeled, and care taken to ensure that they are loaded.

Any necessary items, such as supplies needed for infant or child care, or any medications that must be taken regularly throughout the day, should be kept separate from all other items. Additionally, important papers, documents, or especially valuable items should be kept separate, secure, and accessible to the owner.

Utilities should be turned off, or arrangements should be made for them to be discontinued within the next few days. The former occupant may also want to take meter readings, and ensure that there no water damage can occur while the house is vacant.

Last looks should be taken, memories stored for future recollection, one chapter closed, and another one opened in life.