Moving Family, Pets and Plants

• Preparing the Family
• Moving Pets
• Moving Plants

Preparing the Family

• Help children inventory their rooms and photograph possessions to take with them. Let them label boxes with their names or pictures. Allow each child to choose one small toy/book to carry with them on the trip.
• Keep children involved in family planning discussions. Listen to their concerns and be honest in answering their questions. Tell them as much as you can about the move. Give reassurance that things will work out well for all family members after the move.
• If all members of the family cannot attend house hunting trips, take pictures and collect maps, brochures, and flyers to later show the children so they can more realistically visualize the new home and minimize childhood fantasies and misconceptions. Older children will want to know about clothing styles of kids in the new neighborhood, the number and ages of kids in the neighborhood, information on the school they will attend, available activities nearby, etc.
• Continually listen carefully to children's questions and provide frequent reassurance. Children need the security from you as the security of home is diminishing.
• Plan vacation or sightseeing activities to add excitement to the move. Contact tourist agencies, the Chamber of Commerce or the National Park Service either by telephone or research their websites on the Internet to learn about opportunities.
• Take the family for a farewell visit to places that hold special memories.
• Have a going away party for family and friends.
• Have some fun yourself... an open house, an informal dinner or barbecue.
• Research and discuss with children what their lifestyle might be like in the new place.

Enterprise provides confidential personal consultation in its LifeManagement program through Magellan Health Services. This is a valuable no-cost tool that provides support to employees and families through many of life's stages and events.

You can access helpful information through this program on issues surrounding a relocation. Go to www.magellanassist.com. You will be asked to establish a log-in and password. Type "relocation" in the search box, and you will be taken to helpful articles and information.

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Moving Pets

Following are tips for moving your pets to their new home.

Cats and Dogs

Check with your veterinarian to see if there are specific needs or laws regarding pet travel and shipment (i.e. valid health certificate, rabies vaccination, etc.) Don't forget that your pet is an important family member, too, and needs preparation for the move!

If you are transporting your pets by air, check with your airline regarding transportation regulations, container regulations and cost to transport your pet by air.

Cats and dogs can be taken in your car. If so, remember to take along the following items:

• Food
• Water
• A leash for letting your pet out of the car
• Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean

Animals can get car-sick and will require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals.

To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary.

If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment (there may be additional cost involved). You may need the following items:

• Health certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian.
• Pet container. The airline might have a special container available or you can use your own as long as it complies with airline regulations.
• Tranquilizers. Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport.
• Your scent. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth with your scent on it.

Smaller Animals

Hamsters, birds and other small animals can easily be transported in your car. To help keep the animals calm and quiet, cover cages with a cloth. Also, make sure they have food and water available.

Fish

It can be very impractical and risky to move fish. Check with your local pet store for recommendations on moving your specific type of fish.

For international moves, check regulations (for vaccinations and quarantine times) and organize the transportation of pets.

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Moving Plants

House Plants

• Most moving companies will not move house or garden plants
• Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants between states. Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy local cash crops.

A Couple Of Weeks Before You Move

• Prune plants. Consult a florist or a plant book for instructions on how to prune for packing.

A Week Before You Move

• Place plants in a black plastic bag, along with a bug or pest strip, conventional flea collar or bug powder. Close the bag and place it in a cool area overnight. This should kill pests on the plant or in the soil.

The Day Before You Move

• Place plants in cardboard containers. Hold them in place with damp newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion leaves and put a final layer of wet paper on top to keep the plant moist. If you cannot take your plants, then take cuttings. Put cuttings in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them.

On The Day Of Your Move

• Set plant boxes aside marked "DO NOT LOAD" so they won't be put on the moving van. Close boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading in your car.

When Moving

• Park your car (with plants inside) in a shaded area in the summer and a sunny spot in the winter.

Upon Arrival

• Unpack plants as soon as possible upon arrival. To avoid breaking stems, remove plants through the bottom of the box. Limit sunlight exposure at first and gradually increase sunlight over time.

Garden Plants...

• Research the soil and climate of new home.
• Seeds — gather and store in airtight containers.
• Bulbs — dig up during the dormant season. Pack in a mixture of loose dry peat moss and vermiculite for protection during transport.
• Garden tools — sharpen blades of clippers, lawn mowers and shears and apply a thin coating of household or motor oil to protect the paint and metal parts. Clean and disinfect rakes, hoes and sprinklers with household bleach.
• Plants — some plants can be transplanted.

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