Moving pets

Just because they can’t talk doesn’t mean these family members shouldn’t have a say in the moving process. Pets can be sensitive to a move, but proper preparation always helps our bestest friends.

A trip to the vet is always a good start, especially for long-distance moves. While there, make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, and collect any health certificates. Some states require certificates for certain animals, be sure to check what states have certain requirements ahead of time.

Keep your little friends safe by making sure they have proper ID’s like collars or microchips, carriers, and leashes.

Aquariums

Collect supplies

The Essentials:

Plastics bags or containers to transport fish.
Packing tape or duct tape.
Fishnet
Bucket(s) for plants - don’t forget to keep them in water during travel to keep them alive.
Siphon hose - to drain the tank.

Place fish in transport containers

First things first, scoop out your scaly friends with your fishnet and place them into your bags or containers that you have for each fish. Fish can be prone to stress during moves, so you want to hold off as long as possible before you take them out of their tank.

Prep and clean tank - sort out things like plants and ornaments

Place plants in their buckets and fill with water from the fish tank.
Siphon out remaining water from the tank, storing as much water in another container as possible. When reassembling, you will want as much of the original water as possible.
Remove decorations and pebbles, dry them, and pack them.
Clean and dry tank.

Unload and unpack

Start reassembling your tank in the area in the house the aquarium will live.
While unloading, be sure to check for cracks in the tank’s glass.
Reorganize the aquarium’s pebble bed, decorations, and plants.
If you kept some of the original water, start filling up the tank and add as much more water that’s needed to properly fill.
Gently place your fish back into the water.
Wait a couple more hours before you turn on the aquarium’s heater, you’ll want to let the water get as close to room temperature as possible first.

Electronics

Electronics such as TVs, PCs, laptops, tablets, and video games consoles require extra care and thought when moving. Not only can they be expensive, but also you need to do a little more thinking when it comes to packing.

Make sure you collect and consult all user manuals, to be aware of any unique aspects your devices may have that would affect packing and storage.
Before anything, take out the batteries from your devices, eject any CD’s or DVD’s, remove printer cartridges, and charge any rechargeable batteries.
For computers, make sure you backup your data!
Properly dismount any goods such as TV’s and try to pack electronics in their original packaging, which bubble wrap inserted to provide proper cushioning. Note the wiring arrangements in the back of your electronics - taking a picture helps - so that when you're setting up in your new home, you get it right the first time.

Antiques

Preserve your gorgeous antiques by thinking ahead. You want boxes that will fit snug around your items, preventing excess movement during the move and upholding the integrity of your antiques.

Secure corners with corner protectors, especially for mirrors and framed artwork. Corners often cause scrapes and scratches, therefore corner protectors protect you antiques and other parts of your house.

For antiques, you should disassemble what you can, noting how it was finally arranged before doing so. Like electronics, use sufficient cushioning around your items within the box, protecting the contents inside.

How To Pack

Start well in advance

There’s no such thing as starting too soon when it comes to packing. You’ll thank us later.

Donate items

A move is a great opportunity to declutter and simplify your house. Identify things around the house you haven’t used in a long time and things you won’t need in your new home. Take those items and donate them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Your old treasures will be put to good use!

Take inventory

Taking inventory not only helps you keep track, but have peace of mind that you’re not leaving anything behind. Plus, your moving crew will love you for it.

Pack by room

Lots of debate around packing according to individual rooms or other methods, however Ellisty Express Inc recommends packing items together according to room.

When unpacking at your new home, you will thank yourself for doing so as you will avoid having to shuffle box to box around your new house like a mad man.

Label your boxes

‘Nuff said.

No such thing as worrying too much

Think your vase needs more cushioning around it? You bet it does.

How about those boxes, are they overpacked? Take a few things out. You ever be too careful while moving.

Know what items movers won’t take

- Hazardous Material, Combustible/Flammable Items, Pets, Plants, Explosives, Cash/Credit/Debit Card, Personal Documents, Jewelry, or Perishable Food.
- If there are any questions or concerns regarding the mentioned categories please contact your moving profession
- Items that may fall under the mentioned categories risk being left at pickup site.

Create an unpacking priority list

Mark which boxes will be unpacked first at your new place. Various reasons could influence order like contents fragility, temperatures, level of necessity, etc. Doing so will get you settled in your new digs faster.