Chapter 3: Moving Day

If you decided to hire professionals to take care of the move, provide them with an overview of what needs to be moved, which items are fragile, etc. Also, ensure that there are clear, unobstructed paths the movers can use while moving furniture out of your old home and into your new home.

 

If you opted for the DIY route, ensure you are well-rested and have a good breakfast before the move! Also ensure that there are clear, unobstructed paths that you and your helpers can use while moving furniture. Additionally, remember to wear appropriate footwear (closed-toe shoes with good grip) and lift heavy items with the proper technique (lift with the legs, not the back) to avoid injury. Remember, safety first!

 

Special Considerations for Pets

 

Moving can be a stressful time for everyone involved, even your beloved pet! However, there are a few things you can do to make the move easier for you and your fluffy companion.

 

1. Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for your pet, including vaccination records, contact details for your current veterinarian, etc. This information is often required if moving between provinces/territories or states and is always required if moving between countries.
2. Ask your current vet for recommendations for a new vet in your new neighbourhood.
3. If your pet is not used to travelling in a vehicle, start slowly introducing them to being in a car by taking them on shorter trips. Gradually increase the duration of these trips as they become more used to being in a vehicle. 
4. If you are moving long distances, it may be best to place your pet in a crate/cage. Line the bottom of the cage with newspapers/absorbent material just in case your pet has an accident. Also, ensure your pet has access to water throughout the duration of the journey. It may be best to avoid feeding your pet immediately before or during the journey, as the motion of the vehicle and the stress of moving may impact their digestive system.
5. Place your pets favourite toy and a blanket in the crate with them so they feel a little more comfortable during the journey.

 

Special Considerations for Children

 

Children can find moving stressful too, especially school-aged children who may be leaving their friends behind. It is important to be as supportive and attentive as you can to your kids during this stressful time.

 

Allowing your kids to help with the move – no matter how big or small their role is – will make them feel more in control and empowered, helping to reduce their stress during the move. Assign your kids specific tasks so that they feel like they are a part of the moving process.

 

Transparency is also key. Encourage open dialogue and conversation with your kids throughout the process of selling, buying, and moving house. When looking for a new home, take them with you so they can give you feedback about what they like and dislike about the home. Taking into consideration their opinions and feelings throughout the process will help make the transition to a new neighbourhood smoother and less stressful for your family.

 

Also, be sure to throw a going-away party (if your child decides he or she wants one) so that your child can say goodbye to their friends before moving. 

 

Depending on the age of your children, let them have some say about how their room is furnished/set-up when unpacking and settling into your new home. This will help them create a more familiar environment, helping to alleviate some stress by making them feel more in control.

 

Special Considerations for the Elderly 

 

Moving can also be especially difficult for the elderly and those with disabilities. You will want to make sure that any carers – home care assistance, nurses, etc. – are informed about the move so that they can arrange for the continuation of these services at your loved one’s new address. It is also important that healthcare professionals – doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, etc. – are alerted of the move and change of address so that they can arrange the transfer of medical records to another location/office. You may want to keep your own copy of medical records if you decide to find new healthcare professionals and your records are not automatically transferred. 

 

When you arrive at your loved one’s new home, you must take the time to ensure the area is accessible and that your loved one will have no issues getting around. This may involve installing handrails (especially in bathrooms/showers), ramps, stairlifts, etc.