What Should I Do About My Valuable Items?

Ask your moving team for a “High-Value” items inventory sheet. Use it to list anything worth $1000 or more. If you have items of extreme value, be sure to have them appraised and provide our driver with a copy of the appraisal. This will make filing a claim for loss or damage easier and lets the packers and movers know you have items of value that must be carefully packed. If a different team is unloading your belongings in your new home be sure they also have a copy of the inventory. This way should anything come up missing or damaged, the detailed inventory will make it far easier for your Richmond movers to try and locate the items or pay for their repair or replacement.

There Are Any Items That Your Protection Policy Does Not Cover?

Coin/ stamp/ card collections/ currency/ money. Appraisals/ Deeds/ Legal Documents/ Manuscripts/ Passports. Computer Backup Disks/ Software Licenses. Negotiable Instruments/ Receipts/ Stocks/ Bonds/ Tax Records. Jewelry/ Precious Stones/ Medications.

Are There Things We Can Do to Help Keep Our Moving Costs Down?

Decluttering, if you don’t use it or its broken get rid of it.Heavy furniture like pool tables and pianos should be sold, offered as part of your home sale, or offered to the new owner. Check to see if you can get a refund on any unused portion of your homeowners’ insurance or see if the balance can be transferred to your new house.Use garages sales, family, friends, and charities to dispose of usable items.Never ship things like lumber, wood, lawn and garden supplies, paints, any types of chemicals, or gasoline. Most are on the Do Not Ship list and the rest are just more dead weight. If it won’t fit in your new home, why ship it and pay for storage. Copy CDs/DVDs onto your computers and sell them. Don’t ship heavy garage/shop furniture. Use large planters to pack small things. Any deposits you are owed should be collected before you move. Same for any club memberships or dues.

Can I Deduct the Cost of Moving On My Taxes?

As your Richmond movers, we recommend you talk to a tax accountant or specialist to confirm what you may or may not be able to deduct. However, there are a few common costs that can be deducted in most instances such as: Packing, shipping/transportation, and unpacking. Shipping your car. Hotel expenses during the trip to your new home. Moving your pets. Many other deductions will be based on the reason you are moving, including: You are moving to start a new job. You will be employed full-time for at least 39 weeks during your first year in your new home. Moving because you are in the military or you are moving to another country because of work. Self-employed must work at least 39 weeks of year one and a total of 72 weeks during the first two years. Your new job must be at least fifty miles away from your old home and closer to your new one.

Are There Things I Need to Take Care of Before Moving Day Arrives?

Unhook and disconnect all appliances and electronics, mark cables for ease of reassembly. Clean and dry dishes to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Remove ink/toner cartridges to prevent leaks (this type of damage is not covered). Backup your computer files onto discs, the cloud, or an external hard drive. Clean and dry all appliances, water can freeze and cause serious damage. Remove any CDs or DVDs from electronics to prevent warpage that can lead to damage. Hang and fold your clothes, the packers won’t do this.

Are There Any Reservations I Need to Make?

If you are moving out of an apartment building, you may need to: Make sure there is room in the parking lot as many local moving companies use a truck that measures 75 feet long. If parking permits are needed, you may need to be the one to secure them. Reserving the freight elevator if there is one, or the main one if not to make things easier for the movers.

What Should I Leave Until the Last Minute Before My Richmond Movers Arrive?

Clean all perishables from the fridge and freezer, your grill, garbage cans, and unhook garden hoses. Get rid of anything you don’t plan to ship so you are paying to ship these items. Remove bedding from all mattresses. Remove loose items, liquids, and anything fragile from dresser drawers. Strip the walls of paintings, photos, mirrors, and window treatments. Pack your travel suitcases and keep them in a separate place to avoid the local moving companies putting them in boxes and on the truck. Leave all boxes you have packed unsealed for the movers to verify you aren’t shipping anything you shouldn’t be.

Tips for Moving With Pets: Dogs, Cats, and Small Animals

Posted on: Thursday, March 12th, 2026

Moving with pets can feel kind of overwhelming, you know? Dogs, cats, or even small animals aren’t used to boxes and suitcases. Having local moving experts help can really take a load off, but there’s still a bit you need to do to keep your pets calm. Packing their essentials in a labeled box, keeping routines as normal as possible, and including familiar scents can make a big difference.

You’ll probably notice they pick up on your stress too, which is kind of funny but also true. Providing a safe spot in the new home with bedding, toys, or maybe a favorite blanket can give them a sense of security. Moving day is a lot, but a little preparation goes a long way.

Pet-Friendly Packing Tips

When packing for pets, you want things organized so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Keep food, water, medications, toys, and grooming supplies in a box that’s easy to reach. Familiar scents, like their bed or a worn t-shirt, can calm them a bit. You’d be surprised how much this helps.

Maintaining a consistent routine as much as possible helps them adjust, too. Even small gestures, like feeding at the usual time or taking the same walk, can make the chaos a bit easier for them. It’s kind of like telling them, “Hey, it’s still okay,” even when everything is different.

Safe Travel Preparations

Safety comes first when you’re on the road with your pets. Make sure they have a well-ventilated carrier or harness. Pack enough food, water, and maybe a favorite toy or blanket to keep them comfortable during travel.

Plan stops for bathroom breaks and a bit of exercise. Update tags and microchips so they’re easier to track if anything goes wrong. You might even take a few short car trips before the big move, just to get them used to the ride. It’s a bit of work, but it pays off in calmer pets.

Familiarizing Your Pet With the New Environment

Introducing pets to a new home takes patience. Start with a safe spot where they can retreat if they feel nervous. Include familiar items like bedding, toys, and water bowls to help them feel more secure.

Let them explore the new place slowly, room by room. You can walk with them or just watch quietly as they sniff around. Maintaining a consistent routine with feeding and playtime will help them settle faster. And hey, treats for good behavior never hurt; just a little encouragement goes a long way.

Stress-Reducing Strategies

Moving is stressful for pets, but a few tricks can help ease the anxiety. Keep feeding, play, and walk times consistent. Throw in familiar objects like toys or blankets during travel to keep them grounded.

Some pet owners use pheromone sprays or calming aids recommended by their vet. Spending a bit of extra time with them, offering comfort, and maybe even letting a trusted friend care for them during moving day can make a huge difference. Pets notice the little things, you know?

Introducing Pets to the New Home

When you arrive, slow and steady is best. Let them explore one room at a time so they’re not overwhelmed. Set up safe spaces with familiar items, such as their bed, toys, and water bowls.

Stick to routines, meal times, walks, and play sessions. And don’t forget affection; lots of gentle petting and praise help them form positive associations with the new home. You’ll notice they start to relax a bit each day.

Establishing Routine and Comfort

Consistency is key. Keep their feeding times and play sessions steady. Make sure favorite toys or blankets are accessible.

A safe retreat space helps them decompress if things feel too busy. Little gestures, like soothing words or gentle pets, make a huge difference. With routine and comfort, your pets will adapt more smoothly than you might expect.

Related Topics: