A: While there are probably as many answers to this question as there are children, here are some general tips provided by experts:

For more information, ask your North American Home-to-Home™ representative for a copy of A Moving Experience: A Professional Counselor's Guide to the Personal Side of Moving.

Q: Why do movers sometimes put more than one household on a trailer?

A: To keep the cost down for you.  The average trailer holds from 18,000 to 24,000 pounds - the equivalent of three to four households.

Q: Can a mover transport our pets and plants to our new home?

A: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) allows us to move plants if the trip is less than 150 miles and under 24 hours.

However, some states may want to quarantine them anyway.  In the event that this should happen, we can't ensure their proper care and unfortunately, cannot be held responsible for their final condition.

The DOT prohibits the shipping of animals in moving vans.

If your pets or plants can't travel with you, ask your North American Agent Service Counselor to help you make arrangements to safely transport them to your new home.

Q: Am I allowed to pack my own belongings for the move?

A: While you can pack your own items and benefit from some cost savings, we don't recommend it.  One of the major advantages of hiring a professional moving company to handle your move is the assurance that your belongings will safely arrive at your new home.  Our trained packing crews stand behind every box, crate and item we pack, load and ship, and we're responsible.

When you pack the belongings, we are unable to stand behind this commitment.  If the items you pack are damaged and no exterior carton damage is evident, the responsibility for the damage is yours.  However, your Agent Service Counselor can offer assistance if you choose to pack yourself.  Ask for a copy of our Guide to Better Packing as well as packing supplies the experts use.

Q: What about perishable food items?

A: Perishable food items cannot be safely shipped in moving vans - please dispose of them, or give them away.

Q: What are inventory exceptions?

A: When your household goods are delivered to your new home, your van operator will ask you to check off items as they are removed from the van and sign the inventory of household goods.  If any items or cartons are missing or damaged, you must note this on the inventory sheet at the time of delivery.  This is known as an "inventory exception" and is for your protection.  Signing the inventory is a declaration that all items and cartons were received and arrived in their original condition.  We don't expect you to unpack every carton before signing.  If for any reason you were unable or refused to sign the inventory exception document, please indicate this in writing on the sheet and notify North American immediately at: 1.800.348.2111.

Q: What are accessorial services and what do they cost?

A: Accessorial services are any services provided to you in addition to the linehaul transportation.  Ask your Agent Service Counselor to fully explain the total range of services available - including: crating, packing, unpacking, appliance services, elevator, stair and long carries, or shuttle service when access to your residence is limited and a second, smaller truck may be necessary.

Q: What should I do with gas in the lawnmower, leftover paint, turpentine, etc.?

A: It's against the law for movers to transport flammable, combustible or corrosive materials.  Safely drain or dispose of these materials including: household paints, bleaches, propane tanks, gas cans and fuel in power equipment.

Q: What's the best way to prepare a PC for safe transport?

A: As with any delicate piece of electronic equipment, a few precautionary measures will ensure its safe arrival.  A few suggestions:

Of course, your local computer dealer can help...that's part of their expertise.

Answers To The Most-Asked Moving Questions

Moving can be a very emotional experience...it also can be a growing experience.

Did You Know?

There are certain things you'll need to personally carry to your new home.  Pack a suitcase with items like medication, clothes for the days between homes and other personal belongings you will need for the trip.  And if you have children, be sure to pack special items that offer comfort and stability.

We care about all your belongings but special arrangements are necessary for pets and plants.

Here's where your possessions get the industry's best protection.

We have special packing materials for every situation.

Keep detailed records and save all of your receipts from the move.  You may want to consult a tax professional about possible tax benefits associated with moving.

Here's how we keep track of every single item.

To an outsider, it's just "stuff."  To you and North American, it's a lifetime of memories.

You can't take these with you...dispose of them safely or give them away.

If you need to place your belongings in storage, your Agent Service Counselor can provide information.

Did You Know?

The easiest way to lower your moving costs is to reduce your shipment size.  Anything you don't need, sell.  A "moving sale" can help you save on the cost of your move and put money in your pocket.