DFW Moving & Storage

Dallas movers Moucka and Lohner with DFW Moving and Storage offer tips and advice on how to safely move your pets.

Moving a Waterbed - Your waterbed is an investment in your comfort, health and well-being. With adequate planning and correct packing, your waterbed can be transported safely.

If you do not have an exact record of the cost of your waterbed, you might want to obtain a current retail cost prior to selecting a protection plan from your mover. If you desire replacement cost rather than depreciated protection, many moving companies, including United Van Lines, offer full-value coverage against loss or damage.

The following are some general guidelines for preparing your waterbed for shipping:

Draining and Disassembling Your Waterbed

• Disassembly time will vary with each waterbed because of the difference in mattress sizes and drainage methods used. For information on how to drain a particular type of mattress, contact a local waterbed store or the manufacturer. Allow adequate time to completely drain and disassemble your waterbed. Most moving companies require customers to drain mattresses prior to moving day.
• Unplug the mattress heater and allow it to cool before starting the drainage process. Otherwise, the heater can scorch or even melt your mattress.
• If your mattress is to be in storage for more than five weeks:
• Add mattress conditioner to the water a day or more before draining to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Use a vinyl cleaner on the outside of the mattress as a protectant.
• There are three ways to drain waterbed mattresses:
• Straight siphon method - takes about an hour, can be used for “freeflow” mattresses that have no interior baffles.
• Using a faucet adapter and drain pump - typically comes with mattresses, can take up to three hours depending on your water pressure and type of mattress.
• Using an electric pump - available for rent or purchase at waterbed stores, draining typically takes about 30 minutes.
• Get as much water out of your mattress as possible!
• If you press down on the mattress and see a handprint afterward, continue draining.
• Have your cap and plug handy to place on the mattress fill/drain hole right after draining to ensure a vacuum-packed seal.
• Put all screws, nuts, and bolts in a plastic bag and tape it to the back of the frame.
• Ask your mover about arranging for drainage and disassembly of your waterbed.

Folding Your Mattress

• If you have a motion-reducing mattress, you must use special care while draining and moving it in order to prevent the interior baffles from shifting.
• After the mattress is completely drained and sealed: 
• Fold it into thirds, starting from the head of the bed and folding towards the foot.
• Make sure the baffles do not shift out of place, but if they do, try to reposition then. (They should be in place before you refill your mattress.)
• You may pack the folded mattress with blankets in a box.  Make sure it will not be at risk of being punctured or otherwise damaged by other items.
• Finish by folding the mattress in half widthwise.
• The heating pad and tube thermometer must be treated with care.
• Roll the pad and thermometer – each separately – from either end.
• Rolling items ensures the elements in each will not be broken or twisted.

Upon Delivery

• If any servicing or reassembly is required for your waterbed, advise your moving company representative at the time of your estimate so appropriate arrangements can be made. Because a waterbed holds 80 to 200 gallons of water, you should determine where you want the bed placed before you fill it.

Dallas movers Moucka and Lohner with DFW Moving and Storage offer tips and advice on how to safely move your pets.

Moving with Pets - Most of you wouldn’t dream of leaving your much-loved “family members” behind when your move. But pets, like people, are happiest and most content when in familiar surroundings. Many have an instinctive fear of a new environment, even though they may adjust to it quickly. 

Careful pre-planning will minimize or avoid relocation problems. Pre-planning for the transfer of your pet, as well as for your household goods, should begin as soon as you know you are going to move. Consider… 

State Laws and Regulations – Almost every state has laws applicable to the entry of pets.

•  Contact the state veterinarian in the capital of your new home state to learn the laws. You should also contact the city clerk or town hall in your destination city to learn about license fees and regulations for your pet.
•  Vet Visit – Many states require a health certificate listing of all inoculations and  verifying that your pet is free from infectious disease. Ask your vet for the certificate and keep it handy when traveling. To find a vet in your new state, ask your current vet for a recommendation. You can also call the AAHA at (800) 252-2242 and ask for the Member Service Center or visit their Web site at www.healthypet.com.
• Pet Identification – In addition to permanent identity and rabies tags, make an ID tag with your pet’s name, your name, destination address, and an emergency name, address and telephone number, in case you cannot be reached. A luggage-type tag with writing space on both sides is easy to use.
• Familiar Surroundings – Once moved into your new home, use your pet’s familiar food and water dishes, bed, blanket, and toys to make him/her feel “at home.” Try to keep things in the same locations as they were in your previous residence – for example, food and water dish by the back door.

Moving Your Pet by Airplane

• Contact airlines for their rules and regulations, transportation charges and pet insurance.
• You will be responsible for a shipping container/carrier to transport your pet.
• Make your reservations well in advance, because pet approval is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Feed your pet no less than five or six hours before flight time, and give him/her a drink of water about two hours before take-off.

Moving Your Pet by Auto

• Plan ahead and purchase carriers, supplies and first-aid kits. Start a list of items you’ll  need for a pet travel kit including collapsible dishes, favorite toys, your pet’s regular food and a few treats.
• If your pet is not used to car travel, start taking him/her on short trips to get accustomed  to car motion. If necessary, ask your veterinarian about tranquilizers to relax your pet.
• Do not feed or water your pet just before starting. A few treats during the day will keep him/her satisfied. Plan regular stops to give your pet a drink or a short run. Take a container of fresh water with you, because a sudden change in drinking water may cause a temporary upset stomach.

Moving With a Dog

• After moving into a new house, immediately walk your dog around the neighborhood so that he/she becomes familiar with the new area.
• Maintain the feeding and walking schedule from your original residence.
• Immediately establish boundaries in your neighborhood or yard for your dog to roam.

Moving With A Cat

• Do not let your cat outside until he/she is familiar with the new living environment to reduce the risk of running away.
• Constantly surround your cat with familiar items during the move to reduce the emotional effects on your cat.
• Do not expose your cat to your new living arrangements all at once. Limit the number of rooms the cat is allowed in and gradually let your cat explore.

Careful pre-planning will minimize or avoid relocation problems. United has created a booklet that offers suggestions for simplifying the transfer of your pet, including a checklist of things to do and a special section on horses and ponies. For a copy of “Moving with Pets,” contact a United agent in your area.

Dallas movers Moucka and Lohner with DFW Moving and Storageoffer tips and advice on how to safely move a hot tub.

Your portable hot tub represents a sizable investment in your comfort and enjoyment. Naturally, you want to safeguard it from damage during your move. With careful pre-planning and proper preparation, it can be transported safely to your destination.

The Pre-Move Survey

• Be sure to point out your hot tub to the moving company representative as the time of your estimate.
• Because of the space portable hot tubs take on a moving van, a “bulky article charge” will be included in your estimate.
• If you do not have an exact record of the cost of the hot tub (including any accessories you have purchased), you may want to obtain the current retail price prior to selecting a protection plan for your mover.

Preparation Before The Move

• The construction of hot tubs varies greatly, so it’s best to call the dealer or manufacturer before dismantling any part of the unit. A few rules of thumb, however, do apply.
• Most important is that the equipment pack be serviced prior to the move. The equipment pack consists of the heater, filter(s), pump, blower, and electrical and plumbing units. It weighs about 40 pounds, with most bolted down by screws.
• Many dealers recommend removing the equipment pack, draining it and packing it separately in a sturdy box; however, for some models, it’s best to leave it attached to the shell.
• The hot tub must be drained prior to moving day.
• If you have had the unit only a short time and have not experienced draining it yourself, either call the dealer to make arrangements or obtain instructions on doing it yourself. Most hot tubs are equipped with a hose bibb drain that attaches directly to a garden hose.
• After draining, a hot tub typically still contains about five or six gallons of water. You should use a wet-dry vac to remove the remaining water so it does not spill and damage your carpeting and/or floor.
• If you are moving from a warm climate to a cooler one where freezing temperatures are possible during the move, the entire plumbing system should be drained by a high-pressure vacuum. This will eliminate potential damage to the pipes. You should not attempt to do this yourself.

Upon Delivery

• When you reach destination, carefully check your hot tub. If there is any damage or missing parts, make a notation on the inventory. Most moving companies, as a part of their normal services, will place a hot tub in the location you request at destination. You should plan for reassembly of your unit by a local dealer. If you need help in making these arrangements, check with your agent prior to your move.
• Remember, pre-planning is the key to successful transportation of your hot tub, just as it is with your other treasured possessions. Your efforts before the move will ensure the enjoyment of your hot tub for years to come.