Of course, you know your children and pets best, but here are a few generic tips that might help you come up with ideas to reassure them about your move. The major change of a long distance move is often frightening for children and pets, so you'll want to take special care. 

Children

Decide when you tell children they are moving based on their age. Small children who do not have a clear concept of time do not need to be told until shortly before a move, when they will notice the activity around them. Older children should be involved sooner so they can inform friends and adjust to the idea.

Turn fear of change into a sense of adventure. Ask children to label the boxes and let them help pack their own (non-fragile) toys.

Have each child pack a "moving package" with games they can play with as they travel to the new home.

Let them help come up with ideas for what will go into your "moving survival kit," a box of essential items you will want to carry with you. For example: flashlight, toilet paper, paper towels, personal care items, coffee, wipes, coffee pot, etc. In other words, items you will need in your new home until the moving van arrives.

Encourage children to draw on the boxes that will hold their belongings and encourage them to write little notes on them for the driver. 

Identify your current location and your new location on a map. Trace the route and, once you're traveling, show the children where you are along the way.

Have a "going away" party the children can invite their friends to. Ask their friends to bring phone numbers, addresses and pictures with them to exchange. Play games and talk to them about ways they can stay in touch and remain friends.

If your children are old enough, encourage them to send e-mails or even maintain a website. (If they develop a website, caution them about what is acceptable to post and review the site regularly for safety purposes.)

If you have small children, we recommend that you obtain child care for them the day of the move for safety reasons and for your convenience. Heavy items will be carried around throughout the day and doors will be opened often. Also, you'll be busy with paperwork and won't be able to devote the attention to them that you normally would at a time when they will need more attention, rather than less.

Take pictures of your old home, friends, during the trip to the new home and the new home itself, etc. The entire family can then make a project out of assembling a scrapbook about the experience.

Pets

Your pets are a part of your family. They will probalby be frightened and confused, so you need to maintain as normal an environment as possible for them.

If possible, place pets in a kennel or with a friend the day of the move. If that's not possible, put them in a small room clearly lableled "DO NOT OPEN  DOOR - PETS INSIDE."  Make sure they have food and water and check on them regularly to reassure them.

Do not put pets outside, even if the area is fenced (unless it's a kennel area that will not be entered), since there will be a great deal of activity and coming and going. 

If you have not already placed identification tags on your pets and had microphips implanted, please do so now for their safety during and after the move.

Be sure your pets are up-to-date on their shots and that you have a copy of their records.

Ask your veterinarian for tips on moving your pet. Some pets actually need to be tranquilized. If your pet cannot travel with you, ask your veterinarian or your American Red Ball agent for the name of a professional pet moving service

Plants

Several things will impact whether plants will survive a move, including but not limited to: the type of plant being moved, the distance of the move, and the health of the plant. Moving vans have no windows for light and plants will not have air or water during the move. Our advice is to sell plants, give them away, or dispose of them.

Many states have regulations about plant transportation into or out of the area (quarantine and pest-free certifications are examples), so contact the State Department of Agriculture at both origin and destination for details. Ask your American Red Ball agent for our gypsy moth brochure.

If you are still willing to risk moving your plants, and you are within transit and mileage limitations, here are some basic steps to take.

4 weeks before moving

Plants should be in plastic containers. If they are not, repot them to avoid breakage (using same size pot). Give plants time to adjust to the new location after the move, then repot back into their original containers.

3 weeks before moving

Purchase heavy duty moving cartons from your American Red Ball agent. Prune large plants so they will fit into the containers. Ask a nursery for recommendations on which plants to prune and the proper pruning method for each type of plant.

2 weeks before moving

Make sure plants are free of insects, parasites and molds. If necessary, use insecticides carefully and sparingly.

2 days before moving

Water plants normally; do not water excessively.

Moving day

Punch holes in the box for air. Pack the plants that day so they will have light and air as long as possible. Anchor plants securely in the box by packing paper tightly around the pot only. Load plants last and unload them first!!

Storage

Live plants cannot be accepted if the shipment will be placed in storage.