Moving Artwork

When you are moving your artwork, there is a lot at stake. Whether it is a photo framed in glass oil painting or collage, your artwork needs to be treated with love and care.
Here are some tips for keeping everything safe in a move

1. You have to start with a box that is bigger than the frame. A box sized to a frame will undoubtedly not leave enough room for the padding.
2. Tape only one end of the box with plenty of packing tape.
3. Using a lot of bubble wrap (don't be shy!) wrap the artwork like a gift. Use packing tape with the bubble wrap.
4. Once the piece is wrapped, slide it into the open side of the box. Close the box and wrap with packing tape.

5. Write "Fragile" all over the box, and if it will be helpful to you, identify which piece of artwork is inside the box.

6. While moving, keep the packed box on its side (not flat) The picture can handle any pressure more easily on if it is keep vertical.

Extra Protection:

1. If you have many different pieces that you need protected, pack all the pictures on their edge into a wardrobe box. Make sure the wardrobe box is secured in place by packing other boxes around it.
2. You can buy special cardboard protectors for the edges of frames. You should be able to find these in packing stores.
3. Make sure all pieces of boxed artwork is protected by other boxes. Fit them securely in your moving truck.

Moving Plants

While you were preparing for your move, you may have forgotten about your little green friends and how they are going to be moved. No worries however, because here is a guide on moving those plants without harming them and grow anew at your future home:

• If your moving a long distance (across state lines or internationally), move your plants yourself! This is important because while your moving company will most likely move your plants for you, they do not water them.
• If you cant (or don't have room to) travel with your plants in your own car or transport, moisten their soil before the trip. This should help them survive the journey. Remember that most plants can survive for up to 10 days without water.
  
• If you are moving across state lines, find out if that state allows for your plants. Certain states (e.g. Florida and California) are strict about what plants are allowed to be brought into their state.
• For your larger plants, cut back some of their growth so as to reduce their space requirements. This doesn't harm the plant, as it will simply grow back what it has lost.
• Many plants cant survive in certain temperatures (below 30 or above 100 degrees), so transport them accordingly. Place them in heated vehicles in the winter and air conditioned vehicles in the summer.

Moving with Cats and Dogs

Pets are very environment sensitive, so a move can and is just as hard on them as it is on you. Here are some tips on how to make moving with pets easier on both you and them:

• During the packing and moving process, continue on your normal routine with your pet(s).
  
• If the animal stays primarily indoors, you may want to have him stay at another persons home for the most hectic days of the move.
  
• Cats: Cats are very attached to their environments and they may have the most difficult time leaving their home. Bring some items the cats familiar with so the move isn't such a drastic change and your pet will adapt to its new environment more easily. If your cat stays primarily outdoors, watch him the first few times he ventures outdoors to be sure he's comfortable with his environment.
  
• Dogs: Dogs are much better at adapting to their new surroundings, so you will not need to take as much special care as with cats. When you move into your new home, take your dog for a quick walk to let him know his boundaries and to explore his new environment.

Moving an Oven

Most people will never have to use this guide, as you will rarely have to move your oven, but this guide is for the people who do need to. Most new homes and apartments already have ovens installed but if it doesn't, heres a guide on how to move and install your own:

• Clean the oven thoroughly. Remove all removable parts. Be sure to store these items in a clearly labeled container.
• Do not try and cap/remove the gas line yourself. Hire a qualified technician to do it for you. Have this same professional reattach the gas line at your new home. Make sure he also checks that all of the openings are sealed.
  

Moving a Dryer

Moving a dryer is a lot like moving a washing machine, but with a few important differences. Heres another appliance moving guide to help you move said dryer:

• Unplug your dryer from the electrical socket.
  
• Fully clean the lint screen inside the dryer.
  
• Check the dryers manual to be sure that the electrical requirements for the dryer are at your new residence.
• Hire a qualified technician if your dryer is gas powered. Do not try to remove your dryer from the wall by yourself or cap the gas line. The same technician should also install your dryer at your new home.
• Carry Carefully!
  

Packing a Television (Big Screen)

A television, especially a big one, can be a major hassle to pack. This is one of the items that you own that, especially if its a plasma screen, you must be extremely careful with as it is very fragile and when it breaks, it breaks for good. Heres a set of tips to help you move you're TV safely.

• Find the original box that the television came in, or get a large box approximately the same size as the TV. Get foam forms also to keep the TV safe inside its box.
• Unplug all cables from the television and from the cable box. Be sure to call your cable company to pick up your cable box as it is owned by the cable company.
  
• Lay the television on its side or back and place the foam forms on both ends. Then slide the television into the box, slowly and carefully
• If you do not have the original box and subsequently don't have the foam forms, you will have to purchase some Styrofoam blocks to safely transport your TV. You can find them at most stores that sell packing supplies. Just place two of these blocks on either end of the TV and one on the bottom where it stands, and tape them to the television to secure them.
• If there is any wiggle room in your box, fill it with more Styrofoam and label your box.
  

Moving a Dishwasher

The home your moving to may have a dishwasher installed already, but if it doesn't have one, you may need to move your old dishwasher to the new home. Here are some helpful tips to do just that:

• Clean the inside and outside of the dishwasher, including the racks (where the dishes/glasses go). Make sure to dry the dishwasher thoroughly, as moisture can lead to mildew or even mold. Keep the door open a few days prior to the move to be sure all moisture is evaporated.
• Remove and drain all hoses. Check your dishwashers manual for how to disconnect and drain the hoses, as they are all different. Wrap the hoses in towels or another type of cloth and put them inside the dishwasher. You can also tape the hoses to a side of the dishwasher to be sure they do not move during transit.
• Tape the dishwasher door shut.
  
• Move the dishwasher carefully and slowly!!!