In most moves, there are awkward or heavy items that cause concern. To complicate matters, these items are sometimes located in inconvenient parts of the home. Grand pianos, wall units, Jacuzzis, refrigerators, grandfather clocks, and stoves are just some examples. Don't worry. Skilled loading crews from the moving companies are trained in the safest and surest methods of lifting, loading and securing awkward and heavy household goods. During the initial survey of belongings in your home to be moved, point out items of concern to your Moving Consultant. They'll be able to tell you which items may require some preparation in advance of moving day. For example, you may want to crate large, fragile items such as slate-top pool table or disconnecting gas lines from a major appliance. Your Moving Consultant can usually help you make these special arrangements. Tip: After you've thoroughly cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside. It helps keep the interior smelling fresh. If for some reason, you need to move a heavy object yourself, use safe lifting postures: bend your knees, not your back and never twist your back. If possible, use a back-support harness. Back injuries can often show up days after you incorrectly lift a heavy load. It is important to that before the moving van leaves for your destination residence, give them a phone number where you can be reached. It's also a good idea to provide then with an alternate contact in case you can't be reached. Boat and Automobile Transport If you're moving a boat, drain all fuel and oil from the motor. Similarly, if you're moving an auto, it is recommended that the gas tank is 1/4 fall and that you check for any oil, battery acid or radiator fluid leaks that might damage the other contents of your shipment. Do not load anything inside autos, trailers or boats and be sure to give your vehicle's keys to the moving company. Autos must be licensed and fit to drive. Tip: Pack your current phone book to take with you. You may need to make calls to residents or businesses back in your former hometown. Moving Pets Travel by air: Contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services. Select a portable transport kennel large enough for your pet to stand and move around a bit (most airlines sell or rent these special carriers). Mark your container "Live Animal" and label it with your pet's name and your new address and phone number. Travel by car: Acquaint your pet with car travel by taking it for short drives around the neighbourhood. Don't feed your pet for several hours prior to your trip. However, pack a canteen of fresh, cool water and stop frequently for drinks and walks. Check hotels in advance to see if they accommodate pets. Keep birds and small pets - such as hamsters – in their cages. Make sure the cages are well ventilated yet protected from drafts. Never leave any animal in an enclosed, locked car. Even in moderate temperatures, the inside of a car can reach over 40° C in just a few minutes. Conversely, in a cooler climate, the temperature can dip below freezing before you realize it! Moving Plants While plants can often be safely transported, their survival is never a sure bet. Since they can make great parting gifts for neighbours, friends and family, We recommend you consider giving them up for "adoption". If you do choose to move them: Exposing your plants to extra sunlight for several weeks provides them with the extra energy they need for the trip. Prune back overgrown leaves and branches about a month before moving and reduce feeding to minimize growth. Never let plant leaves rest against a car or truck window as the leaves will scorch. Personal Computers and Electronics Be sure to remove all CDs from your CD player. Detach paper holders/feeders from printers. "Park" your computer's hard drive (check your PC's User Guide for information). Wrap individual components inside clean plastic bags and pad corners with newsprint or bubble wrap. Fill packed carton with Styrofoam "peanuts", seal, and mark... "Extremely Fragile".