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Check our links on this site to area information for schools and much more.
By request we have a "Relocation Package" of Welcome to Victoria,
Relocation
Assistance information that we can overnight to our customers. The package
includes area map, moving tips, hotel/motel information, information on
different areas of Greater Victoria and MUCH more.
Free Moving Tips
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Just the thought of moving can be overwhelming, here are some tips that can
help you make your move to Greater Victoria less stressful.
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About two months before you move, make lists of your belongings and
arrange to discard or give away things you will not be taking with you.
Consider donating unwanted items to charity. Organizations such as The
Salvation Army, Diabetes Association or Goodwill can be quite helpful and
will make arrangements to pick up larger items. You might be even be able to
claim a tax deduction for some item donations. Garage sales are another way
to get rid of items and make some extra money. Those items that are no
longer useful to you could be just what someone else needs--and are willing
to pay cash for.
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Designate several "Open me first boxes" as you start packing.
Into this
box put the basic necessities you will need for the first 24 hours or so,
sleeping bags, plastic plates and silverware, crockpot, toilet paper, paper,
pens, important phone numbers, cheque book, paper towels, snack foods,
favourite toys, and treats for the kids and dogs.
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Label everything! It helps to Label each box with the room it belongs to
and list the contents on the label. I find this to be helpful when moving in
and looking for something- if you know what room it came from it is a lot
easier to find it. Bottom line is to label everything!
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If you plan on renting a moving truck: Prices for rental trucks can vary
greatly from company to company. It will depend on the time of the season
that you are moving and the location from which you are moving from and
relocating to. Call at least three major rental companies (U-Haul, Hertz,
Budget, etc.) and compare rates. Ask about the time window that the truck
is available (do you get it for 5 days or 4 days at that price), any
mileage charges or mileage allowances given, the cost to insure the vehicle
while it is in your care and any other costs involved (extra mileage,
cleaning fees, etc.). Make sure that you are comparing trucks that are
essentially the same size (by volume). A 26 foot U-Haul might not hold as
much as a 24 foot Budget. The U-Haul includes the length of the "Moms Attic"
as part of their measurement. This space is limited and cuts into the 26
foot measurement representation.
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If you use a moving company: Take pictures of everything you can so when
the van is unloaded you know what you have and what kind of condition it was
in before it left your home. If you do find problems take pictures of that
also. Record serial numbers.
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Be sure to cancel your utility accounts effective as of the day after
your move. You will still need to use the phone, water and electricity the
day of the move.
- Call the utility companies servicing your new home a couple of weeks
before moving day and arrange for them to be hooked up prior to the day of
moving if possible. Some utilities have a waiting list, particularly phone
companies. You will want to have your phone, heat and other utilities
working as you move in to your new home.
Moving Your Pets
Moving Is Stressful for Dogs and Cats That's one reason why it's not good
to have your dogs and cats around on the day of the big move. Pets are often
lost in the shuffle during moves. To insure a safe move with your dog or cat:
- Arrange for it to be boarded in a kennel on loading day and unloading day.
- Bring all medical records to your new destination.
- If you are moving to a warm climate, make sure to get your pet started on
flea and tick prevention, and to give your dog heartworm medicine (a stool
sample must be submitted before heartworm pills can be given.) In colder climates,
pets may only need these medications for half the year, but in warmer climates,
where mosquitoes are more abundant, pets take them year round.
- Get new tags with the new address and phone number as soon as possible.
Remember your pets are not as familiar with their new environment. If your
pet has an ID microchip embedded in its leg, update your address with the
provider.
- Find out if licenses are required, and if there are any pooper-scooper or
leash laws (both of these are common courtesy, whether legally required or
not.)
- Traveling with dogs and cats can be stressful. They can get carsick, nervous
and upset. Don't overfeed them before the trip, and make frequent rest stops
to give them water. Always use a leash at the stop. Remember, never leave
a pet unattended in the car on a hot day.
Moving With Smaller Animals
- Hamsters, birds, guinea pigs, and reptiles can be transported in the car.
Their cages should be covered with a cloth to keep out drafts and extreme
temperatures, and to keep them quiet and restful.
- Provide enough food and water for the trip.
Hotel/Motel Travel With Pets
- Chain motels usually provide any pet regulations on their websites.
Traveling by Air
- In order to travel by air, a pet needs a health certificate from the vet.
- You may need to purchase a specially equipped kennel.
- Dogs can ride in the baggage compartment. Smaller mammals can sometimes
ride with you aboard the passenger cabin, if they are in a suitable crate.
- Pets should be tranquilized for the trip.
- It's good to get your pet used to the crate before putting him in it for
the moving trip. Leaving something with your scent in the container will help
him to adjust.
After the Move
Now for the good news! You will make many friends strolling through your new
neighbourhood with your dog, especially if he's friendly and charismatic.
And having pets around, with their constant infusions of unconditional love,
will help your children get through the rough spots.
Moving with a pet takes extra planning, but it's worth the trouble
Share your moving tips!
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I would love to add your ideas and tips for a less stressful moving
experience.
Please email us your comments and I will add them to my Moving Tips. Let me
know if you would like to take credit for your tips and I will add your name
to the tip you submit.
Thanks,
Ron
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