Sunday, April 08, 2007

Relocation Tips for Creative Moving With Cats

Moving with cats? I get a surprising number of questions with this subject line.

So I absolutely loved this story:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-ODD-Taxi-Move.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

The TImes reprinted an Associated Press report: Retiring to Arizona, a couple needed to move themselves and their cats. As long-time New Yorkers, they don't drive. And they didn't want their cats to fly.

So they negotiated with a New York City cabdriver. They'll be driven across the country in his air-conditioned SUV, in style, with the cats stowed in carriers in the back. Their furniture will follow separately.

Even if you drive, you may not want to. Imagine you're moving to a city where you've never lived. You don't know how to get from one street to the other. And you're looking for a place to rent while you decide where (and maybe whether) to buy property.

The solution? Negotiate with a taxi driver or car service. Get a driver to take you around. She'll drop you off so you can check out a place while she circles the block or hunts for a meter. He won't lose an hour by taking the wrong freeway exit.

Expect to pay a flat or hourly rate plus tips, parking and tolls. You'll save hundreds (perhaps thousands) of dollars by choosing a place that's perfect for you...and maybe lower cost, too.

Moving with cats? They won't fly in summertime...which takes up most of the year in Arizona. My 18-year-old cat has flown twice and she's done just fine.

I discovered all this while doing research for
my moving book.

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