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 Moving Without The Mayhem

You never know when you will have to sell your house and move to a new place, but unfortunately, that was what I was faced with a few years back. I realized that I was really having a difficult time making ends meet, and so I started evaluating my options. Moving and relocating was simple, and I was really focused on saving cash. I found a cheaper apartment that worked well for my needs, and I began cutting out extra expenses to pare down the spending. I wanted to start a new website all about moving without the mayhem, so I made this little blog.

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Moving Without The Mayhem

Tips To Move Pest-Free

by Erika Bell

Moving long distance comes with many challenges, so the last thing you want to do is inadvertently bring pests into your new home. With bedbug infestations on the rise, many people are worried about contracting them. Even a move can be a danger, since this could expose your stuff to an infestation. Beyond bedbugs, there are other pests that can also be a concern during a move, like roaches. The following tips can help you move pest-free.

Tip #1: Skip shared cargo

Many moving services pack more than one household into a cross-country moving truck. In the past, this allowed you to save money since you would share the cargo and transportation costs with another family heading the same direction. Unfortunately, with the return of bedbugs and other pests, you may end up sharing more than the bill. If you want to avoid the chances of your items being exposed to pests, skip shared cargo moving. Most trucking companies will allow you to rent the entire truck for a fee. Another option is to use a pod moving service instead of traditional truck cargo service. You will have your own private pods housing your belongings. Although other people's pods may share the flatbed trailer your stuff is transported on, your items will not be exposed to any pests that could be in the other pods.

Tip #2: Seal up likely vectors

Certain items are more likely to contract pests during a move. These items include upholstered furniture, mattresses, clothing, and linens. By sealing these up, you ensure no pests can invade them. You can pack clothing and linens into plastic storage tubs which you can sometimes rent from the moving company. Packing these items into plastic bags and sealing them closed before placing into a box can also work. Furniture and mattresses can be encased in mattress bags and furniture bags. Not only does this protect against bugs, but it also protects against dirt, moisture, and the elements during the packing and moving process.

Tip #3: Never pack food sources

Finally, don't move food in the moving truck. This includes non-perishable food items or decor items made from food items, like seeds. Basically, you don't want anything in the truck that could attract pests. Even if you aren't concerned while the boxes are on the truck, keep in mind that cargo containers like pods can sit for several days to weeks if you don't move in right away. Plus, the boxes could attract pests in your new home if you don't get them unpacked promptly.

For more help, talk with your movers to learn what steps they recommend to avoid pests during a move.

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