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For Singles

Nightlife	Moving Tips		Moving Checklist		Moving with Pets

Graebel Moving Services		Packing Tips		Moving House Plants

The best ways/places to meet people			If you're a single parent

Elder Care

MOVING TIPS
Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced cartons. Although the boxes you can obtain from your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store may be free, they are not nearly as strong or padded. They are more susceptible to causing damage to your valuables in transit.

Pack your items carefully It is imperative for you to buffer and separate fragile objects with sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Be sure to point out to your mover the boxes in which you've packed fragile items, especially if those items are valuable. The mover will advise you on whether those valuables need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes.

Facilitate the transit The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the carton easily, it's too heavy. Label all boxes so you can find everything you need the first night in your new home. Keep your pets out of packing boxes and away from all the activity on moving day.

For your family's safety and comfort, teach your children your new address and phone number right away. Let them practice writing it on packed cartons. Pack your phone book since you may need to call old neighbors or businesses from your new home. Let all your electrical gadgets return to room temperature before plugging them in.

The all-important "OPEN ME FIRST" cartons These boxes will consist of the essential items your family will undoubtedly need for the first night. Fill two cartons with snacks, instant coffee/tea bags, medicine, towels, various toiletry items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper. Other essential items include flashlights, can openers, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, screwdrivers, scissors and pliers. Why the second box? It will serve as insurance in the event that your movers experience delay getting to your house.

Work hand in hand with your mover Give the mover's foreman your reach numbers and email addresses so you can stay in contact. Read the inventory form carefully, and ask the mover to explain anything you don't understand. Make a note of your shipment's registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading handy. If you're moving long distance, be aware that your property might share a truck with that of several other households. For this reason, your mover might have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days. Therefore, ask your mover whether your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness. How much should you tip? Tips differ depending on the size and difficulty of the move as well as the efforts put forth by the movers. An honest day's job should not go unnoticed. The average tip for local moves is 7-12% of the total bill. The average tip for long distance moves is $3-5 per hour based on the labor. It is best that you compensate each mover separately to acknowledge the hard work by everyone involved in the relocation.
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MOVING CHECKLIST
One Month Before Moving
Fill out Change of Address from Post Office
Fill out IRS change of Address Form
Make arrangements with moving company or reserve moving truck
Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels
Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations
Obtain medical and dental records, e-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
Set up bank account in new city
Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based business, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might pertain to you.
Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
Make arrangements for transporting pets
Start using-up food items, so that there is less to pack and possibly spoil

One to Two Weeks Before Moving
Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
Arrange for help on moving day
Confirm travel reservations
Reserve elevator if moving from condo
Have appliances serviced for moving
Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving
Plan ahead for special needs of infants
Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

On Moving Day
Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty
Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.

Arriving at your New Home
Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags
Shop around for new insurance polices, especially auto coverage.
Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees
Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.
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Moving with pets
Cats and Dogs If you take your pets in your car remember to take along Food, Water, A leash for letting your pet out of the car, and Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean. Animals can get car-sick and will require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals.

To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary. If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need a Health certificate which can be obtained from your veterinarian. A pet container and tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth with your scent on it.
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Packing Tips
Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue Tape and scissors Tape measure Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items. Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from. Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box. Label each box and indicate the following: (a) Which room it should go in (b) Whether it is fragile (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first. Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items. Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell. Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move. Pack medicines in a leak proof container. Carry all valuables with you. Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.
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MOVING HOUSE PLANTS
A Couple Of Weeks Before You Move
● Prune plants to facilitate packing. Consult a florist or a plant book for instructions.

A Week Before Your Move
● Place your plants in a black plastic bag, along with a bug/pest strip, conventional flea collar or bug powder. Close the bag and place in a cool area overnight to kill any pests on the plant or in the soil.

The Day Before Your Move
● Place the plants in cardboard containers. Hold them in place with dampened newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. If you must leave your plants behind, then take cuttings. Put them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them.

On The Day Of Your Move
● Set the boxes aside and mark "DO NOT LOAD" so they won't be taken on the moving van. Close the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading into your car.

When Moving
● Park your car in a shaded area in the summer and a sunny spot in the winter.

Upon Arrival
● Unpack the plants as soon as possible after arrival. Remove plants through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking the stems. Do not expose the plants to much sunlight at first. Let them get gradually accustomed to more light.

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What Are The Best Ways/Places To Meet New People
Health clubs are great.
There are generally three kinds:
1. The places you go to work out/exercise just for the sake of fitness - where you can sweat and not have to worry about your looks.
2. The places where everyone dresses up to work out (attractive workout clothing, the right shoes, makeup, etc.) and the socializing is more important than exercising.
3. The club that is a combination of both.

Church/Synagogue
You have something in common to begin with

Local tourist attractions

Intramural Teams
From Work

Museums
It's easy to talk and people often go alone

Taking Classes
either in the city adult ed programs or through local colleges/universities

Alumni Associations
of sororities or fraternities

Professional Organization
Helps in job too

Political Action Groups

Volunteer Organizations
They are ALWAYS happy to see you and you have some cause in common

Ski Clubs

Through Clients

Environmental Groups
often lead to mountain climbing, camping, etc.

Grocery Store
no kidding!

Activity Center
at work

Parties

Beach

Laundromat

Apartment Complex
at the pool, activity center

Taking Lessons
golf, tennis, art, etc.

Malls
people are at ease shopping, easy to talk to

Running
at lunch time

Office Parties

IN ALL OF THESE AREAS,
YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE.
YOU HAVE T GET OUT AND
DO IT!

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If You're a Single Parent
Be Positive about your new environment. Children pick up parent's attitudes.

Try to keep the family schedule as normal as possible. Stress often comes with change, but maintaining structure will help give your child the extra security needed in the new surrounding.

Take your child with you when you call on new neighbors. This is a good way to meet new peers.

Take your child to visit the school, meet the principal, secretary, counselor and teachers. There should be a familiar person for the child to seek out in case of a problem.

Be willing to seek academic tutoring for your child immediately if the new school subjects are dramatically different. It is hard on the child's morale to be behind the peer group. Additional encouragement and praise is needed.

Ask school personnel and/or neighbors about the availability of car pools or public transportation for your child's activities.

Ask open-ended questions and then be available to listen to your child either after school, at mealtime or bedtime. Children need to be able to share what they are experiencing in the new environment.

Sign your child up for one or two activities, sports, or lessons, so that new peer relationships can be fostered.

Encourage your child to invite new acquaintances to your home when you are there. It will provide you with an opportunity to meet and observe new friends.

Try to meet the parents of your child's friends. You will get a better perspective and know if you want your child in that parent's home.

Allow your child a certain amount of "quiet time" with no commitments. Relocating takes a lot of energy and children need time to internalize the changes.

Plan mini adventures in the new city to discover parks, ice cream shops, the library, theaters and whatever else your child may be interested in. A feeling of familiarity will bring confidence and eventually foster independence.

Allow your child to buy some of the things common to the area such as a skate board, special bike or clothing items that may not have been "necessities" in your previous home, if possible.

Encourage old friends to visit and let your child return to your previous home when invited. Children need to visit and talk to friends and relatives from the past to maintain their roots.

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