How to Pack Christmas Decorations for a Move

Tips for packing a Christmas tree, ornaments and other holiday décor 

What are your favorite Christmas decorations? Is it the reindeer ornament your child made out of craft sticks? What about the snow globe of Santa’s village passed down by your great-grandmother? Maybe it’s the tree, twinkling with little white lights and a sparkling star? 

Whatever the case, you pack these things away after the holidays each year, knowing they’ll be safe until next season. But now you’re moving, and your stuff has to travel across the country in the back of a truck. When it comes to fragile items like ornaments, it’s essential to pack with even more care than you would for storage. This helps ensure you’re able to deck the halls with your most treasured keepsakes for many seasons to come! Start by getting the right supplies, then follow these tips and best practices for packing decorations.

What to Expect When Moving to a Higher Elevation

Adjusting to life at a higher altitude

Moving to a place with a higher elevation comes with lots of cool advantages. With mountains nearby, you’ll breathe fresher, crisper air. There’s also beautiful scenery to enjoy and access to more outdoor recreational opportunities. But, because the air is thinner and the atmospheric pressure decreases, your body definitely needs time to adjust. You also may need to change your workout routine, prepare food differently and take extra precautions with pets and vehicles.

Read on to learn what life is like at higher elevation and how to prepare for it.

How to Transport Exotic Pets During a Move

Moving across the country with exotic pets

Moving can be stressful for everyone in your household — even your pets. But unlike moving with a dog or cat, if you’re planning an interstate move and own exotic pets like reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits or other unique animals, they need a little extra TLC. Plus, you’ll want to be sure you’re moving them safely and legally to your new home.

Before you head out, review this information to help prepare for moving with your exotic animals.

How to Meet the Neighbors

Get to Know the New Neighbors

Moving can be emotionally draining. After saying goodbye to your friends and family, packing up and moving to a new neighborhood, you may not feel like being outgoing and social. But, after getting settled, it’s smart to take the time to meet your new neighbors.

Even if you’re not looking to make connections in the area, it’s nice to have someone you know nearby. You may also find that it’s helpful to meet people who can check mail or water the plants while you’re out of town — or at least someone who can recommend local service providers. Most would agree that it’s better to befriend neighbors than endure complicated relationships simply because you don’t know them well. So jump in and get to know those living next door.

Moving with a Dog

Important Things to Think About When Moving Dogs

Where do you take your dog? On trips to the vet? To the local park on the weekends? On family vacations? Even if you regularly make short trips with your pup, a big move is much different. There are several things to handle before you leave, like planning travel and preparing your dog for the long drive.

First, check out this guide to moving with pets for general tips, and then read below for these dog-specific things to consider for your move.

U-Pack vs. SMARTBOX

Compare U-Pack to SMARTBOX^® moving and storage

When comparing portable storage services for a long-distance move, you may be wondering how U-Pack and SMARTBOX differ. While the overall process is similar — both deliver containers to you, you pack and load, and then the company transports or stores it for you — some differences may sway your decision. Let’s take a look at a quick comparison chart, and then dive into some more detailed information.

Compare PODS® to U-Pack

How PODS^® and U-Pack Compare

Similar to PODS^®, U-Pack offers weatherproof containers, ground-level loading and unloading. Designed with ease and affordability in mind, U-Pack provides low prices and highly acclaimed customer service. It’s everything you want from a portable storage company, and it’s why so many customers call U-Pack the “affordable alternative to PODS^®.”