Pet Travel Expert

On one of the relocation discussion groups I visit frequently had a post from The Appleton Group, Mayflower Transit and United Van Lines reminding people of the top 10 most forgotten belongings when planning a move.

"With more than 43 million Americans planning to move this year, odds are even the most organized may not remember every detail of a move -- or every item," said Chris Well, Vice President of Commercial Sales for the Appleton Group.

It might surprise our pet-owning readership that #8 on the list was pets!  But pets are often the last thing people think of when planning a pet move, in part because it's such an emotional issue.  People sometimes would rather not think about having to send Fido across the country, so they put it off and put it off. 

We get that.  But try to remember that pets move all the time in a dog crate, and they do great.  The best thing you can do for your pet is to plan ahead and try not to get too stressed out. 

The full list of "forgotten" items is below.

1. For the record -- Obtain copies of your and your family's medical records, including any dental and vaccine/immunization information, as well as any veterinary records for the family pet.

2. Buried treasure -- If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving. You should carry valuable items such as jewelry with you or keep them in a safe deposit box instead of packing them on the moving van.

3. Old phone numbers -- Pack phone books from your existing residence to take with you. You may think you'll remember the numbers you frequently call now, but more likely you'll spend a small fortune on directory assistance charges to contact old friends or tie up loose ends.

4. Taken to the cleaners -- Remember to collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (for example, dry cleaning, shoes, watches, etc.). Also, remember to return library books, movie rentals and anything else you may have checked out.

5. What's your new address? -- Keep your new address handy in your wallet or purse. In the flurry of preparing for a move, you may forget your new address -- important information when forwarding periodicals, mail and credit card bills, as well as keeping in touch with old friends.

6. Spic and span -- Remember to leave out cleaning supplies for the final "once-over" before closing the door for good, or make arrangements in advance for a service to clean for you. To reduce the amount of things you take with you, if you are cleaning the home yourself, use up previously purchased cleaning products, and then throw away the empty containers when you leave.

7. The opener -- Many people often forget to take the electric garage door opener out of their automobile before leaving. Remember to leave the opener for the new residents.

8. Remember "Rover" -- In most cases, moving companies cannot transport animals or plants. Plan ahead and make arrangements for their safe transfer.

9. Bank on it – It's wise to open a checking account in your new town about a month prior to your move so that you have immediate access to your funds. It enables you to have a little cash on hand for unexpected expenses. On occasion, retailers will decline to cash "out-of-town" checks.

10. Keys to success – Remember the collection of spare house keys. Whether it means retrieving keys from neighbors or from under the rock next to the front door, don't forget to gather all sets before you depart.