9 Tips to Move with a Cat:

Moving with a cat can be difficult. They are very smart and curious creatures, but most importantly they are territorial. When you change the environment of your cat they become confused. You need to help them understand that the new territory is now their home, where they eat and get love and care. They need the time to become familiar with at least some of their new territory, and time to make to become comfortable before expanding it. If you simply bring your cat to your new home without taking the proper steps often they’ll often just run away in search of the territory that is familiar to them. Use the steps below to make sure they have as little stress as possible during the move. If you have a dog go check out these 7 tips for moving with a dog.

BEFORE THE MOVE

1. Allow your cat time to get used to the carrier.

Introduce your cat to her carrier by leaving it out so they can explore it. You want your cat to have a positive relationship with this carrier, so place a comfy bed inside and occasionally add some catnip or treats. Later, start feeding your cat in the carrier. If your cat is reluctant to enter the carrier to eat, start by just placing his dish next to it. After a few days, put the dish just inside the carrier, right near the opening. Then, over a week or two, gradually move the dish toward the back of the carrier so your cat has to step a little further inside each day. Eventually, place the dish at the very back of the carrier so your cat must go all the way into it to eat.

2. Keep your cat’s daily routine as consistent as possible.

Stick closely to her regular schedule for feeding, playtime and attention. A feeder with a timer can be helpful to make sure your cat eats at the same time each day.

3. Use anti-anxiety meds for skittish cats.

If your cat is very skittish, nervous or easily stressed, speak to your vet about using anti-anxiety medication to make the moving process easier on her.

MOVE DAY

4. Keep your cat in a closed room.

Movers will be going in and out of your house all day, to prevent your cat from dashing out the door while movers are moving your stuff, close her in a bathroom with food, water, a bed and a litter box. Place a sign on the door asking the movers to keep the door shut. Such as “DON’T OPEN! CAT INSIDE!” in large, red, clear writing.

5. Feed your cat a small breakfast on move day.

To reduce the changes of your cat having an upset stomach on move day only feed your cat a very small breakfast. Your cat might be a little hungry, but she will be fine and reduce the chance of your cat throwing up.

6. Don’t open your cat’s carrier in transit.

It is easy to want to help soothe your cat especially when your cat is meowing and scratching at her carrier. But, while in transit, resist the urge to open your cat’s carrier. No matter how well behaved your cat usually is, a scared cat may try to dash out. Only open the carrier in a secure area and when absolutely necessary. Also, carry a roll of packing tape in case the carrier needs some emergency repairs along the way.

AFTER THE MOVE

7. Cat-proof the new house.

Keep your cat safe by tucking away all electrical cords, arrange furniture in an open way to make sure cats can’t get stuck, ensure all windows have secure screens, remove all things that can be poisonous to your cat like certain houseplants and pest-control poison traps.

8. Keep your cat in one room.

Immediately take your cat to a room that will remain relatively quiet. Before opening the carrier, set up your cat’s food and water dishes, litter box and bed. Place some cat treats around the room to encourage your cat to explore. Keep your cat in this one “home-base” room for the first several days in the new house. This will allow your cat to gradually get used to the sights, sounds and smells of your new home without feeling overwhelmed. Keeping your cat in one room will also make it easy for her to find her litter box, food and water. Spend time with your cat in her home-base room, at first doing low-key activities like reading or watching TV. When she begins to explore, offer your cat attention, treats and playtime. When the majority of unpacking is over, gradually give your cat access to the rest of the house, one room at a time. If it’s not possible to close doors to limit his access, closely supervise your cat during short exploration sessions.

9. Slowly move the litter box to its permanent spot.

Provide a second litter box where you’ll want to keep one permanently. Keep the box available in the home-base room for at least a few weeks. Once your cat has settled in, you can remove that box. If you don’t want to spend money on an extra litter box, you can gradually transfer it to a preferable location. To make sure your cat doesn’t lose track of where it is, move the box just a foot or so away from the home-base room and toward your preferred location each day.

Fall Moving Tips: How to Keep Your Move Simple and Cheap:

You might think that the season during which you move makes much of a difference. However, from the type of weather you have to deal with to the holidays you may have to work around, when you move can have a big impact on the price and effort you have to put into your move. US News and World Report published an article featuring fall moving tips.

Tips for Keeping Your Move Simple and Cheap During the Fall

Fall is one of the best seasons to move. Summer tends to be the most popular season to move. However, that often makes it the most expensive season to move as well. Plus, moving in the summer means having to deal with the heat. Moving in the winter on the other hand is often cheaper than the other seasons. However, moving in the winter can result in having to deal with extremely cold weather and even snowy conditions. While it’s not quite as cheap as moving in the winter, moving in the fall is less expensive than moving in the summer. Plus, the weather is often not too hot or too cold. Below are a few tips to help make your fall move simple and cheap:

• Keep walkways clear – This is true for any season you move. You want to make sure that the paths where people are walking when they are carrying boxes and furniture are free of debris and slip and fall hazards. One slip and fall hazard specific to fall is fallen leaves. These can become especially dangerous if it has rained recently, because leaves become very slick following a rain.
• Packing – When you pack, make sure that you are organized. If you just randomly throw things in boxes, you can end up spending most of your time at your new place digging through box after box searching for items. Plus, if you pack the boxes properly, you can avoid having to use as many boxes during your move. Just make sure to pack like items, such as linens or kitchenware, together and label the boxes with what’s packed inside.
• Transportation – Since most people tend to move at the end of the month, that’s often when moving rates are highest. Therefore, when you schedule your move with a moving company, try to avoid scheduling it during that time.
• Plan ahead – Moving can become very chaotic very quickly if you are not careful. One thing you want to plan ahead for is making sure your utilities are set up for when you move in. Even though fall is not as cold as winter or hot as summer, you still do not want to move into your new place without having working electricity, water, A/C or heat.

As our name implies, no matter what reason you choose to move, All Reasons Moving & Storage is prepared to help make your move cost-efficient and smooth. Homeowners, renters and businesses in San Jose, California have counted on us to meet their moving and storage needs since 1991. Contact us today for a free quote.

Nine questions to ask your landlord before moving in:

This is a guest post from Rentalutions.com

There’s a lot on your mind when you’re preparing for a move, from what day you can move in to when you’ll receive your keys, where the moving truck can park, and more.

To ensure you’re as prepared as possible, and have as many moving day details to make it a stress-free and efficient day, it’s important to ask your landlord these nine questions ahead of time.

#1 What day can I move in?

It’s best to check with your landlord about what day you’re able to move in. That way, you are both on the same page and you can schedule professional movers ahead of time. It’s recommended to reach out and book your movers as soon as possible, even as early as one month out from the date you’d like to move.

#2 What will you do to prepare the unit before I move in?

Most landlords clean and re-paint in between tenants. We recommend finding out what your landlord plans on doing ahead of time, so you know what condition the place will be in when you move in.

#3 Were the locks changed?

In some locations, it’s a legal requirement for landlords to change the locks in between tenants. Even if it’s not a legal requirement, you can still request that your landlord changes the locks if you prefer.

#4 When will I get my keys?

Of course, you’ll need to know when you can pick up your keys to access your unit for move-in day! We recommend coordinating with your landlord to find out where and when you can pick up your keys. You may want to ask if there are other people who have a copy of the key, or access to your unit.

#5 What doors/elevators should I use? And where can I park my moving truck?

Your landlord will know the best place for your moving truck to be, whether it’s in an alley, on the street, or in a truck dock (at a larger building). You can also find out if there are service elevators for you to use. Be sure to make arrangements for parking and service elevators prior to your movers’ arrival.

#6 What do I do in the case of a lockout?

Before moving in, it’s best to know the lockout procedure. Is there an extra key on site in a lockbox? Is there a 24/7 emergency lockout company you should call? Your landlord will likely have a way for you to remedy the situation, and having this information may come in handy down the road.

#7 Is there a move-in checklist for me to complete?

It’s best practice to fill out a move-in checklist. You’ll mark any existing damage on move-in day. That way, when you move out, you can show the landlord that the damage was already there. This is helpful if you want to receive your full security deposit at the end of the lease.

You can also check to ensure you have all the proper moving essentials, here.

#8 How do I pay first month’s rent?

Typically, landlords expect first month’s rent before you move in. It’s usually a requirement before he or she will hand over a key to you. Make sure you know how to pay rent and when it’s due so you get your keys on time.

#9 What utilities am I responsible for?

You’ll want to set up your utilities before you move in. Gas, electricity, and internet are utilities you’ll want immediately. If you’re responsible for setting these up, your landlord should let you know which companies to reach out to. If not, we recommend asking your landlord for more information.

Next steps

You’ve asked your landlord these questions, and found out your move-in date, so the next step is setting up professional movers. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is here to help.

If you’d like to pay rent online, tell your landlord about Rentalutions. You can set up automatic payments, so you don’t have to remember each month. Learn more about Rentalutions below.

Bio

At Rentalutions, our end-to-end software empowers tenants and landlords. As a tenant, you can complete a rental application, sign your lease online, pay rent online, and manage maintenance all in one place. Thousands of landlords and tenants across the country use our platform to streamline the rental process. Learn more here.

MOVING YOUR OUTDOOR BELONGINGS:

You've boxed up the kitchen, the living room, the bedrooms, and the basement. Now it’s time to tackle the outdoor rooms – the patio, balcony, porch, and yard. Here are some tips to help when packing and moving those items that are (meant to be) built to withstand the elements.

1. CLEAN UP BEFORE YOU PACK UP

If furniture has a permanent place outside, it’s bound to collect dirt, dust, and other debris. Clean off the collected grime so it doesn't transfer to your other belongings during the move.

Wipe down all your patio and lawn furniture, hose down items that won’t rust, and dry anything wet from rain or snow. If you are taking your garbage cans, give them a thorough wash before transporting them with your valuable indoor furniture.

2. CHECK FOR UNWANTED STOWAWAYS

While you’re cleaning everything, check nooks and crannies and other hiding spots for critters of the crawly kind. Your outdoor furniture can make convenient shelters for spiders, wasps, and various insects. Depending on where you live, you may also find that your possessions have become homes for animals like snakes, skunks, and raccoons. Take care when looking, but do double check there aren't any unwanted guests joining you on the trip to your new abode.

3. PACK IT PROPERLY

When packing and moving your patio chairs and tables, remove all cushions and pad sharp edges and hard parts. If there are removable fragile components, take them off frames and wrap well.

Secure any loose tools, parts, and accessories from other outdoor items in small containers or sealed plastic bags attached to larger components.

Safely dispose of hazardous items, such as pesticides, paint tins, and oil. Drain the gas from your lawn mower, chainsaw, leaf blower and hedge trimmer, so there are no leaks during the move. Remove your propane gas bottle from the BBQ as it’s dangerous to transport, even if it’s empty.

4. MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR PLANTS

Moving can take a toll on your delicate plants. Extreme temperatures, too much or too little water, and unstable travel conditions may make it tough for them to survive the transition to a new home.

There are ways to prepare your plants for the move. Cover branches with paper sleeves or plastic sheets (with slits) to protect from breaks or loss of foliage, or pack them in lined boxes with holes for ventilation. If branches need to be tied for the trip, be sure to secure them gently in the direction the plant is growing. Uncover the plants as soon as possible when you arrive at your new destination.

Cover pots in plastic to stop water and soil from seeping out. If possible, transfer plants in plastic pots and carefully pack and wrap ceramic items and pottery separately.

5. IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR

Don’t let moving day end in tears when the kids realize their favorite toys have been left miles behind or can’t be reassembled. Dismantle swing sets, playhouses, and other bulky toys, being careful to pack small parts and screws in tightly sealed containers or bags. Secure these containers to larger parts of these items. Empty out sand, water, paint and other messy materials from play furniture, and clean out any residue.

While you’re at it, don’t forget the furry family members! If it’s viable to transport your pet’s beds, houses or habitats, check that they make the trip to your new home. Or you could be the one who ends up in the doghouse.

6. CHECK FOR SPIDERS AND OTHER CREEPY CRAWLIES

Seriously…keep those hiding spots clean!

Make Sure Your Company Is Insured and Competent:

Using a moving service can cut down on time and energy you need to pack and unpack boxes, and get settled in. There are also certain protections you have when you use a moving service. Your property is covered if it is damaged during the move in this very important occasion.

In San Francisco and all the surrounding areas, it is incredibly mountainous with steep hills and multiple steps. Many of the buildings also have very narrow doorways. It’s not only can be a hassle, but it can also be dangerous and costly if you don’t know what you are doing. Professional movers have insurance. Their insurance typically covers your items if anything gets broken during the move. For many people, some of the items that are being moved are extremely valuable and irreplaceable. Even though that is the case, it is better to have some type of coverage on it, where as if you move it yourself, there is no coverage on it unless you have insured those items individually.

You want to use movers who are familiar with the terrain and the design of the housing structures in areas like Los Altos Hills, or Mountain View. Moving future up or down a hill or mountain side, if that is where your new dwelling is located, is a difficult task. It is the same idea with the inside of the home. You want to work with a company that is used to going up several flights of stairs. Nobody wants tired, or inexperienced movers trying to carry their bed and dressers up to the third or fourth floor. That is how walls and the property get damaged.

You have to be careful when selecting moving companies. There are some people who say they are movers, but really they are just looking to steal your property or your money. The company you use should have a website, or at least reviews somewhere on the internet. The moving company you are thinking about using has no digital footprint, not even a social media page or website, it might be better to choose a different company. You should know what the moving service you use has done and if they are a reputable company. That will help to do decide who to choose when it is time to move.

Don’t choose just anybody when you are ready to move. Choose a company who cares about getting the job do not just quickly, but also correctly and carefully.

10 Ways to Get Your Home Packed and Moved without Breaking Stuff:

Find out how to get organized, what supplies you'll need, types of boxes available and how to pack each one. With the following guides and suggestions, you'll find packing isn't as hard as you first imagined.

• 01of 10
  Where and How to Start Packing?

  

  David Sacks/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Each time we move I feel overwhelmed, a little anxious and definitely unprepared. Moving is tough and with so many tasks to do, it's hard to know where you should start. To help, we came up with this easy guide to help you through the first steps in moving house which usually begins with how to organize the packing and sorting of all that stuff. 
• 02of 10
  Everything You Need to Know About Moving Boxes

  

   B2M Productions/Getty Images.

  When you're moving, getting organized with boxes is an important step. Should you spend some money and buy sturdy boxes, or is recycling old ones the way to go? Is bigger better? Sure a big box will hold more, but is the box strong enough to hold more, and will it then be too unwieldy to carry?  And how many will I need?

  To get you thinking beyond the box, here is help on what you need to know when getting boxes for your move. 
• 03of 10
  Easy and Essential Packing Quick Tips

  

   JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Getty Images.

  Not all of us have a lot of time to move. While I usually recommend at least 8-12 weeks to organize, pack up and move a home, some of us don't always have that kind of luxury.  So, to help, we've provided some quick packing tips that will make your packing go a little smoother and faster. So faster, in fact, that you'll be surprised just how easy it is to get your home ready before the movers arrive.
• 04of 10
  Must Have Packing Supplies

  

   Tape the Box Closed. D. Schmidt

  I remember one move when the night before the movers was to arrive to pick up your household goods we ran out of packing tape. It was a nightmare trying to find a store open late, never mind one that sells packing tape. My husband spent over an hour trying to track down a roll or two.  In the end, we completed our packing in time.  But not without a lot of unnecessary stress.

  So, to make sure your household goods are packed securely and on time, start with purchasing the right kind and amount of...MORE
• 05of 10
  Packing the Moving Truck

  

   Alan Powdrill/The Image Bank/Getty Images.

  You've booked your moving truck and packed your belongings, now it's time to think about moving day. If you're like my husband, then you'll want to plan how the truck should be loaded before you put even a single box in the back of the truck. I have to admit, I'm not the most patient mover, but advance planning on how to load the truck is a good idea. Just don't tell my husband I said so!
• 06of 10
  How to Pack and Prepare Major Appliances for a Move

  

   Gary Houlder/Stone/Getty Images.

  Large appliances are difficult to move. Not only are they heavy and awkward, but they usually require some kind of uninstallation. Add to this issue is the fact that most moving companies insist that all major appliances are prepared before they arrive. Most movers do offer a professional service that will prepare major appliances for you for a fee. While it may seem pretty simple to prepare your appliances for moving, if it isn't done correctly, you may find units not working when they...MORE
• 07of 10

  How to Pack Electronics

  

   Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Getty Images.

  While electronics aren't as complex to disassemble as major appliances, they still require some knowledge when it comes to packing. Use this easy to follow step-by-step guide to packing all your electronics, including how to properly label the plugs and wires to ensure you can set-up the equipment when you get to your new home.
• 08of 10
  Guide to Packing Pictures, Frames and Mirrors

  

   Image Source/Getty Images.

  A friend of mine who moved recently decided to move her framed pictures by stacking them side-by-side then taping them together. While she managed to move them from her old home to the new place without any chips or breaks, the tape ruined the finish.

  So, how do you pack pictures and frames without chipping corners or breaking glass or using tape that will cause permanent damage? Find out in this easy step-by-step guide. You'll be sure to have all your artwork and photos arrive safely.
• 09of 10
  How to Pack Flatware and Plates

  

   Hero Images/Getty Images.

  It may seem that plates are pretty easy to pack and move. But, over the years and many moves our family has made, we found that plates can be easily chipped and cracked depending on how they're packed into the box. Use this guide to packing your plates to ensure they arrive in one piece. 
• 10of 10
  All You Need to Know About an Essentials Box and How to Pack One

  

   Caiaimage/Getty Images.

  I can't tell you how frustrating it is to move without an essentials box.  Our first few moves we didn't know how important it was to prepare one, which left us scrambling for the first night in our new home.

  Everyone should prepare an essentials box, a box full of items you'll need for your last few nights before you move and/or the first few nights in your new home. Use this guide to know what to pack.