A: While there are probably many answers to this question, here are some helpful tips:

• Talk freely to your children about what the move will mean.
• Keep to your normal routine as much as possible.
• Keep familiar items (toys, books, blankets, teddy bears, etc.) out in the open and readily available (and don’t pack the blanket).
• If possible, take your children to your new community before the move to acquaint them with their new surroundings.
• Above all, listen to what your children have to say, and keep the lines of communication open and honest.

A: In order to keep your costs down; the average trailer holds from 18,000 to 24,000 pounds- the equivalent of three to four household shipments.

A: Plants, sometimes. Pets, no. Federal regulations allow a mover to transport plants if the trip is fewer than 150 miles away and under 24 hours of driving time. However, some states may want to quarantine them anyway. In the event that this should happen, your mover won’t be able to ensure their proper care. As for pets, federal regulations prohibit moving companies from shipping animals in moving vans. If your pets and plants can’t travel with you, ask our representative to help you make arrangements to safely transport them to your new home. Ideally, pets and plants travel best in your own car.

A: Perishable food items cannot be safely shipped in moving vans. Please dispose of or give away perishable foods before the move.

A: When packing a personal computer, these steps will help you prepare it for safe transport. We strongly recommend that you use the computer’s original carton and packing materials to pack your computer. If they’re not available, use a box that is both strong and big enough to hold the computer, and pack it with unprinted newspaper. Above all, make sure your computer is packed with cushioning material inside the box.

Other things to consider:

• Back up your software and data files. These should be taken with you or sent to your destination via insured mail or e-mail.
• Park the hard drive (if applicable). See your computer’s instruction manual for special steps to take. With newer computers, simply turning the power off initiates this safety feature.
• Insert cardboard or old disk(s) into disk drive(s).
• Unhook all cables and power cords, indicating their positions for ease in set-up. Pack cords separately with manuals and software.
• Use only static-free packing materials like clean, wadded unprinted newsprint (not standard bubble wrap or packing peanuts).
• Create a base layer of wadded unprinted newsprint and place your computer on top of the layer. Then surround the sides and top with more wadded unprinted newsprint until firmly packed, and seal off the carton with packing tape.
• Remove all ink cartridges from the printer.

A: It’s against the law for moving companies to transport flammable and combustible materials. Safely drain or dispose of all combustible and corrosive materials, including: household paints, bleaches, propane tanks, gas cans, and fuel in power equipment.

A: Additional services are any services provided to you in addition to the line haul transportation. Your representative can fully explain the total range of services available, including: crating, packing, unpacking, appliance services, elevator, stair and long carries, or shuttle service if access to your residence is limited and a second, smaller truck is necessary.

A: For your protection, when your household goods are delivered to your new home, your van operator will ask you to check off items as they are removed from the van and sign the inventory of household goods. If any items or cartons are missing or damaged, you must note this on the inventory sheet at the time of delivery. This is known as an “inventory exception”.

A: You can pack your own items and save money, if you wish. However, 1st Choice Moving & Storage cannot be responsible for items you pack yourself. If you decide to pack your own belongings, take a look at our Packing Tips section for a short guide on packing. Your representative can also supply you with all the items you’ll need to do your own packing. And remember, for just pennies per pound, you can have our trained moving crew pack your belongings.