Pets and Moving: Reduce Their Stress Using These Ideas

Consider the impact moving has on your pets if you think it’s stressful for people. Dogs and cats have a unique sense that allows them to anticipate life-changing events. As soon as boxes and packing supplies appear, pets become anxious. 

Here are some suggestions to help your beloved furry friends cope with moving stress.

Select a Home You Both Will Love

Consider how much space your pets require when you are looking for a house or apartment. Before signing a contract, you should consider

  • How much space do they need? 
  • Would a yard be preferable for your dog? 
  • Is the area suitable and secure for your pets?
  • Are there places nearby to walk with your dog? 

Packing Tips With Pets

Anxiety in pets is common during the packing process. Therefore, you should start packing a few weeks before your moving day. Give yourself plenty of time to pack slowly. 

Put the boxes in a separate room where the pets can’t reach them. First, maintain as much of a regular schedule as possible to keep them busy. Then, gradually introduce the rest of the packing supplies and have them become accustomed to them.

Prepare for the Trip

You should always keep your pets in crates or carriers during the relocation trip. Even during a short move, crates are essential to prevent them from escaping or becoming a distraction for the driver. Therefore, introduce a crate gradually if your pet needs to be crate-trained or isn’t used to one.

Get them used to being in the crate. Put some treats or food inside the crate to entice your pet inside. After each successful crate session, treat them. 

Once the pet is comfortable in the crate, you can gradually introduce them to short car trips. This will ease the transition into car travel with your pet in the crate carrier. Moving day will go much more smoothly if you put in the time and effort to practice.

Plan for a Pet Sitter

When a lot of disruptive activity is going on, pets become anxious. Have a trusted friend or pet sitter care for them on your moving day to ease their anxiety. This will prevent them from getting in the movers’ way and keep them safe. Plan for them to stay with a friend at their house, or set up a “safe room” in your own home, free of packing materials and other potential dangers.

Prepare Your New House for Your Pets

Strive to make your new house 100% pet-proof by taking precautions in every room. Also, examine the entire perimeter of your yard’s fence for any openings they could use to get away.

If your pets are coming along for the move, keeping them in a separate room while you unpack so they can feel comfortable in their new surroundings without being in the way is best.

When unpacking, it’s essential to eliminate anything harmful, like chemicals, trash, or human food.

Tips for Calming Pets

Pets will be unfamiliar with the new space, but letting them explore too soon can make them uneasy. Instead, place the food and water in a quiet area away from the unpacking areas, and show them where to find them. Pets’ “home bases” should be stocked with all the essentials, including litter for cats, pee pads for dogs, and a selection of their favorite toys.

Make sure your dog is always on a leash. Your dog may experience anxiety in a new setting and attempt to run away. In addition, it will take your dog some time to learn the boundaries of your new home.

Once your pet has settled in and adjusted to your home, you can start introducing them to larger areas. Of course, they’ll feed off your worries, so being patient is critical. Keeping your cool will help ease the stress on your pet.

Plan a Successful Relocation With Your Pets

Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, we’re your solution! Contact us today for a quote and more information.

MOVING IN SUMMER: TIPS AND GUIDE | 2023

Don’t Delay — Book Your Move Early

Our agents are working hard to meet your needs during this year’s peak moving season. We also want to help you navigate the process so it’s easy and stress-free.  

Have extra time or flexibility? Book early — as far in advance as possible is best. Not an option? Read on for expert tips and advice from our pros.  Get a Quote

  • How Early Should I Book My Move? Booking your move well in advance lets us more efficiently plan and manage everything around your relocation and helps us put time on your side. Learn more about booking your specific move type. When To Book Movers Guideline
  • What If My Preferred Move Date is Not Available?During this year’s summer moving season, booking early is recommended. If that’s simply not an option and you know you want a full-service move, consider this advice from our experts. Read More
How To Spot A Moving Scam - Moving company worker packing cardboard boxes, quality delivery services - Mayflower

Real Movers Versus Fake Movers: How to Spot the Difference

Regardless of who you move with, we want to help ensure you’re not the victim of a moving scam. Get tips on what to look for. Spot Rogue Movers

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The Ultimate Moving Checklist

We can help you get organized for your move eight weeks in advance. Check out our comprehensive checklist to streamline and simplify the tasks at hand.Stay Organized with Our Moving Checklists

Pack a car for a move

How to Pack Your Car and What to Put in It When You Move

So much more than a road trip, packing your car for a cross-country move can be daunting. Get advice and how to pack it and what goes inside. Pack Your Car Tips

What to Do While Waiting for Your Belongings to Arrive

Sometimes there will still be a lag between when your valuables are scheduled to arrive and when you cross the threshold of your new front door. We have some tips for you to make the most out of this waiting time.Get Tips

7 Ways to Manage Moving Stress

Moving isn’t easy. Read about ways to manage the process while maintaining your well-being — even in the midst of challenging times. Manage Moving Stress

HOW TO SPOT MOVING SCAMS

Fly-by-night operations and tricky bait and switch tactics scam consumers out of thousands of dollars every day and are an unfortunate part of the moving industry. So how do you know your moving company is the real deal? Being a well-informed, educated consumer is key, so it’s important to do some detective work before you commit. 

Watch Out for These Common Moving Scams 

Hidden Moving Fees 

Rogue movers are notorious for tacking on unplanned and/or undisclosed fees for packing, climbing stairs, heavy moving, or additional weight at the last minute. You should insist on signing a completed moving contract before you let movers take possession of your belongings.  

Deposits for Moving Services 

A reputable moving company will never ask for a deposit to hold your move date. Generally, a credit card is requested closer to your load date. At Mayflower, we don’t require an upfront down payment or deposit to book a move. 

Suspicious Moving Quotes 

The Low-Ball Bid. A suspiciously low bid is likely missing some crucial details – and unexpected costs start adding up once the company has your belongings. Be sure to go over the full scope of your final costs before choosing a low-cost moving agreement. 

The One-Price-Fits-All Bid. Offering one price for every move is a huge red flag! A reputable mover will calculate your estimate not only by ZIP Code and number of rooms, but also weight of goods and the amount of space required on a truck to move your things.  

The In-and-Out Bid. This type of bid does not gather enough information to accurately cost-out a long-distance move. Rogue movers will try and hurry the conversation past pricing and neglect to discuss the complete terms of service until your entire household is packed onto their truck. Reputable estimators will inspect every room in your home (including closets) and ask important questions about your moving plans. 

The Volume-Based Bid. Be cautious of movers who quote your long-distance move by cubic footage of truck space. Interstate moves based on volume are illegal without a weight conversion factor and should be reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) . 

Protect Yourself from Moving Scams

With a little due diligence, you can avoid moving scams and stop fake movers in their tracks. 

Ask Friends and Family. They can recommend a moving company they have recently used and provide you with reviews based on their real-life experiences. 

Check with ATA. The American Trucking Associations Moving and Storage Conference keep an up-to-date list of Pro-Mover certified local and long-distance movers on file. Check with them to find a moving service or to screen a company you’ve already contacted. 

Research Companies Thoroughly. Check online for reviews with the BBB and Google to be sure that they have a history of customer service success.  

Document Everything. After delivery, you have nine months to report any problems to the moving company and file a written claim for loss or damage to your belongings. Note any problems on the mover’s copy of the inventory before signing it. Your mover has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. Within 120 days of receiving it, they must make an offer to pay or deny your claim. It’s a lot easier for them to deny it if you don’t have before-and-after proof or if they don’t see the damage before leaving your home. 

Know Your Moving Rights and ResponsibilitiesFederal law requires that every licensed mover provide consumers with an informational packet titled, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” during the planning stage of your move. Most legitimate moving companies will direct you online to their website to access this information or possibly provide you with a 25-page booklet on fair practices, industry regulations and consumer rights. 

With nearly 100 years as a trusted moving company, coupled with modern technology designed to deliver you a smooth, worry-free experience, you can count on Mayflower. Start a free online moving quote today. 

WHEN TO BOOK YOUR MOVE

The summer months are always a busy time for Americans on the move. The guidelines below offer ways we can work together and get you where you want to move to. 

How Far in Advance Should I Hire Movers? 

The availability of professional movers depends on many factors, including market availability; where you are moving from and to; and the time of the year you move. 

Especially during the summer moving season — May through September — we suggest booking as far in advance as possible.  

Why is It Important to Book Movers Early? 

Both you and your mover need time to carefully plan and carry out your move, so everything goes smoothly. As soon as you can, begin researching different moving companies and the types of services that best fit your needs. The more time and preparation you can give yourself, your loved ones and the moving companies, the less stress you’ll experience throughout the entire moving journey.  

Flexibility is important, especially during summer season. If you can’t get your preferred move date, check out these tips. 

When Should I Book My Mover? 

This depends a lot upon where you’re planning to move. Some areas of the country are not affected by capacity and logistical challenges at all, while others are. Our best advice?  Book your move date in advance. Have flexibility? Please book early anyway. This will ensure we deliver the level of service you’ve come to expect. 

That said, here are some general guidelines based on the various move types: 

Interstate Moves 

If you’re moving to a different state or cross-country during the summer season, you’ll want to book well in advance of your move date. Even during less busy times of year, booking your move date in advance is always a good idea.

Spend some time doing research online to find a trusted and experienced interstate mover.  Local moving companies can’t always perform interstate moves. This is because any move that involves crossing a state line must follow the U.S. federal laws and regulations — including licensing requirements — to help protect consumers before, during and after their relocations. 

Intrastate Moves 

If you’re moving to a different city within your state, book well ahead of time during the summer season. As with other types of moves, securing a move date with a prospective intrastate mover as far ahead of time as possible is best. 

Local Moves 

Moving a short distance and within the same state still needs a good amount of advance planning. Ideally — and especially in the summer season — we recommend contacting prospective local movers well in advance.  

International Moves 

Moving abroad can be a challenging and complex process involving special documentation, shipping logistics, the continued back-up of ocean freight, customs paperwork and clearances. If your move is job-related, talk to your employer, as they may have relocation specialists on staff. If it is a self-move, you’ll want to find a qualified, trusted international moving company as far in advance as you can.

We hope you find these guidelines to be useful as we navigate the peak moving season together. We will provide updates about conditions and timelines as they evolve. In the meantime, our blog is filled with helpful moving checklists and advice to streamline and de-stress the moving experience. 

YOUR GUIDE TO ESTIMATING MOVING COSTS

Whether local or long-distance, moving can be complex. You may decide to do the move yourself; however, hiring a professional moving company like Mayflower will help alleviate much of the stress of moving and let you focus on your personal and professional needs throughout the moving process.

Knowing how a moving cost estimate is put together reduces stress because it helps you gauge the actual financial impact of relocating. A moving cost estimate also gives you valuable insights into how the potential moving company conducts business and potentially identifies any obstacles associated with completing your move. 

When estimating your moving costs, be sure to get a quote from more than one moving company. This will allow you to see the average price range for the specifics of your move including the size and distance, and whether hiring a professional makes sense.

Important Questions to Ask Yourself When Moving

How do you decide whether to hire a professional moving company or do it yourself? Start with these questions:

  • When do I want to move?
  • What large or bulky items need to be moved?
  • Am I physically able to move myself?
  • How far will I be moving?
  • What type(s) of vehicle will I use for the move?
  • How many trips will it take to move my belongings to my new home?
  • What’s my timeline for the move?
  • What’s my budget?

A DIY move can be difficult, especially if you have a large number of belongings or an inflexible timeframe. Hiring a professional moving company takes more planning upfront but can simplify your move later on. 

How are Moving Costs Calculated?

When determining the cost of a move, every moving company has its own way of calculating the costs of a move. 

Typically, local movers or labor-only movers will create estimates based on an hourly rate, which considers how much time the move will take to complete. 

Long-distance moving companies consider factors such as the amount and weight of your belongings and the distance to be covered. To get an idea of the number of belongings that need to be transported, they may also ask you questions about the size of your current home and the size of your new home. 

Your move-out and move-in dates often impact the cost of the move. Most moving companies experience their busy season during the summer months and prices will often be higher. 

The cost of your move is also dependent on whether you want other moving services such as packing, unpackingstorage and custom crafting.

Always be sure to request information about how your costs are determined and what type of moving estimates you receive before picking which moving company to hire. 

full-service moving quote from Mayflower gives you a detailed view of your moving costs with and without added services. We take our cost estimating process seriously so that we can give every family our assurance that experienced and caring professionals are handling their move.

Why are Moving Cost Estimates Important?

A moving cost estimate provides more than just an idea of what you can expect to pay. It also allows you to compare hiring professional movers to DIY move options, such as renting a moving truck. 

You can use the estimate process to evaluate other aspects of the moving company such as the level of customer service and cost transparency that they offer.

When trying to decide on a moving company, it’s a good idea to get more than one moving cost estimate. This will help you understand each of your options and make the right decision for your move.

Choose Mayflower for Your Move

Over nearly 100 years, Mayflower has encountered moves of all shapes and sizes. We know that the moving process can seem overwhelming, and we’re here to help. That’s why we strive to provide a seamless moving experience for each move, guiding you Every Step of the Way(R) to your new home. 

Mayflower has many other valuable moving resources available to assist with your move. Whether you need packing tips or moving checklists, you can find them on the Mayflower Moving blog.

Learn more about your move and request a free online quote today.

5 Must-See Historical Sites in Lowell, MA

Are you considering a trip or possible relocation to Lowell, Massachusetts? Great choice; this scenic New England town has much to offer visitors and residents alike.

But Lowell, MA, is an exceptional destination for anyone interested in history. The past comes to life here through the town’s many fascinating museums. So whether planning a vacation to Lowell or considering moving, here are a few favorite historical sites.

1. Lowell National Historical Park, 246 Market Street, Lowell, MA

As a textile manufacturing center, the Lowell area was instrumental in New England’s industrialization. Learn about this pivotal era at the Lowell National Historical Park. Stroll through the once-bustling textile mills, float down the canals, or take a guided tour of Lowell’s historical sites.

2. National Streetcar Museum at Lowell, 25 Shattuck Street, Lowell, MA

If you love trains, public transportation, railroads, or all of the above, stop by the National Streetcar Museum at Lowell. Here you’ll find interactive activities and exhibits for all ages, with plenty of hands-on experiences for the younger set.

In 1864, the first trolley ran from the city center to more distant Lowell neighborhoods; horses pulled this early streetcar. Time your visit between May and October, and you can even take a free ride on the downtown Lowell streetcar — it’s named “Desire,” of course!

3. Boott Cotton Mills, 115 John Street, Lowell, MA

Travel back to Lowell’s industrial past at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum. For 120 years, the site was a center for textile production in the region. Today, the museum memorializes the engineers and workers who transformed the region’s economy in the 19th century.

Exhibits include the weave room, which still produces cotton cloth, and photos, videos, and interactive exhibits that bring the industrial revolution to life. Stop by the Boott Theater to watch a movie about this era of rapid change, and take advantage of the gift store on the way out for a selection of educational souvenirs and books.

4. New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck St, Lowell, MA 

There’s nothing quite as cozy as snuggling up in a hand-sewn quilt. Explore the art of this homespun craft at the New England Quilt Museum. You can see stunning examples of quilting across the generations, including antique pieces. If you have quilting questions, the on-site library may have the answers.

5. Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center, 40 French Street, Lowell, MA

At the Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center, you’ll get an up-close look at the everyday life of people who lived and worked in Lowell during the industrial revolution. Take advantage of the Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit to learn about the workers who ran Lowell’s mills. The Center also hosts a series of performances, such as the Angkor Dance Troupe.

There’s so much for history buffs to see, do and learn in Lowell.

Are you moving to the Lowell, MA, area soon? Contact us today to learn how we can help make your move smooth and stress-free.