Moving Tips & Advice

Helpful Advice for Your Next Move

Whether this is your first move or you simply haven't moved in years, a little preparation can make a big difference. This section is designed to answer common moving questions and share practical lessons we've learned from years of helping families move.

We'll continue adding new guides covering packing, preparing your home, moving day, long-distance moves, storage, furniture and other situations customers frequently encounter.

Moving With Pets

How to Make Moving Day Safer and Less Stressful for Everyone

Moving day can be confusing for pets. Their familiar home suddenly fills with unfamiliar people, furniture starts disappearing, boxes are everywhere, and doors that normally stay closed may remain open for hours.

After years of moving families, one of the simplest pieces of advice we can give pet owners is also one of the most important:

Before the movers arrive, have a plan for your pets.

Whenever possible, arrange for your dog, cat or other pet to spend moving day with a friend or family member, at a boarding facility, or somewhere else away from the activity. If that's not practical, designate a secure room that the movers will not need to enter and make sure everyone involved in the move knows the pet is inside.

Keep Pets Away From the Moving Activity

A pet wandering through the house can easily get underfoot while movers are carrying furniture, boxes or appliances.

A mover carrying a large piece of furniture may not be able to see what's directly in front of their feet. A dog or cat suddenly crossing the mover's path can cause a serious fall, potentially injuring the mover, the pet or someone nearby, while also risking damage to the furniture.

Remember That Doors May Stay Open

During a move, exterior doors often need to remain open for extended periods while the crew travels between the house and moving truck. That creates an opportunity for even a normally well-behaved pet to slip outside unnoticed.

With movers, homeowners and family members coming and going, it may be quite some time before anyone realizes the pet is missing.

Moving Day Can Be Stressful for Animals

Some pets barely notice the activity. Others become extremely anxious when unfamiliar people enter their home and begin moving furniture. Dogs may bark continuously, pace, hide or become protective. Cats may disappear into whatever hiding place they can find.

Separating pets from the activity isn't only about making the movers' job easier. It can make moving day much less stressful for the animal as well.

Your Movers Don't Know Your Dog

You may know that your dog is gentle and friendly. A moving crew meeting that dog for the first time doesn't have that history. An unfamiliar dog's size, barking, body language or temperament can understandably make someone cautious, especially while carrying heavy furniture through doorways or down staircases.

This isn't about labeling particular breeds as dangerous or deciding whether an animal is a good dog or a bad dog. It's simply about creating a safe working environment for everyone.

A Moving Story We'll Never Forget

We once moved a customer who had a cat that disappeared while we were loading her belongings. Everyone searched, but the cat was nowhere to be found.

The customer was understandably frantic. Eventually, however, we had to finish loading the truck and leave for her new home approximately 100 miles away, with no sign of the missing cat.

We arrived at the new home, unloaded the truck and began putting everything back together. That included reassembling the customer's bed.

Then the missing cat casually came strolling out of the new bedroom.

Apparently, sometime during the move, the cat had found a way into the underside of the box spring and hidden itself inside. The cat never made a sound.

We had carried the box spring out of the original house, loaded it onto the moving truck, driven approximately 100 miles, unloaded it, carried it into the new bedroom and reassembled the bed, with the cat apparently hiding inside the entire time.

After all of that, the cat simply emerged as though nothing unusual had happened.

Fortunately, this story had a happy ending. It also reinforced something we've remembered ever since:

Know exactly where your pets are before the moving process begins.

Prepare a Moving-Day Bag for Your Pet

Don't pack everything your pet needs somewhere deep inside the moving truck. Keep a separate pet bag with you containing several days of food, water, bowls, medications, a leash or harness, waste bags or litter supplies, veterinary information and a favorite toy or blanket.

For a long-distance move, think ahead about rest stops and pet-friendly overnight accommodations if they're needed.

Update Identification

Before moving day, check your pet's identification tag and microchip information. Make sure your current telephone number is associated with the pet, and update address information when appropriate.

Help Them Adjust to the New Home

Once you arrive, don't be surprised if your pet needs some time to adjust. For some animals, starting with one quiet room containing familiar bedding, food, water and toys can make the transition easier.

Allow them to become comfortable and gradually explore their new surroundings. Try to return to normal feeding, walking and sleeping routines as quickly as practical.

Advice From the Movers

Before the moving crew arrives, secure your pets or arrange for them to be somewhere else for the day.

It protects your pet, your movers and your belongings, and makes moving day easier for everyone.

The cat that traveled 100 miles inside a box spring got a happy ending. Not every missing-pet story does. Before your movers arrive, make knowing exactly where your pets are part of your moving-day checklist.