Organizing a move is an activity that requires a lot of planning which can take weeks or even months. As one is figuring out how and what to pack, they might not have the time to think about insects getting into their stuff. The truth is insects such as fleas and cockroaches could be hiding in the cartons and you might end up carrying them into the new house. Below are some tips by moving companies Milton on how you can make sure there are no pests as you relocate.

1. Look for infestations in the abode

It is good to find out which pests are actually in the abode so that you can know how best to deal with them. The three common ones and the methods of getting rid of them are:

• If there are cockroaches, look for the animal itself and also droppings, which look like coffee grounds. Another sign is a musty smell or small oval egg cases.
• Bedbugs are usually the size of an apple seed and are red or brown in color. They mostly hide in the mattresses, headboards and even in the closet.
• Fleas come in different types, but the ones that infest houses are tiny, appear flat and will jump when they are spotted.

After one has known which pests are there, they should get in touch with an exterminator to help clean them out.

2. Go through the items for insects

Before packing anything, check them completely for any signs of pests. This includes everything from clothes, beddings, to furniture and electronics. If there are there, see to it that they are dealt with before the objects can go into the box. Here are some ideas on how one can do away with the problem:

• For clothes, bedding, towels, and linens, wash them in the hottest setting in the washing machine and do the same for the dryer as well. When they are dry, keep them in plastic bags.
• Put stuffed animals in pillowcases before proceeding to wash them in the hottest setting as well.
• Place bait traps next to electronics which will draw out the animals.

3. Get the correct supplies

Getting recycled boxes from local stores is a good way to save cash. However, most of these used cartons could be harboring pests inside them that could eventually end up in your possessions. Therefore, if you decide to recycle them, check them thoroughly for any insects. We recommend using plastic bags and totes that can be sealed to add protection.

4. Keep pests away from the storage facilities

In case you are in need of temporary storage, then it is important to keep pests out of the facility as well to prevent your objects from being damaged, and also to avoid bringing them to the house.

• Go for a clean place. Inspect the unit and see if the grounds are tended to and if there is garbage lying around. If the place is unkempt, then stay away from it.
• Inquire about pest control. The facility should have a policy for animal control.
• Wash clothes and other fabrics. Insects mostly target dirty items.
• Set traps in the unit. You should then check regularly if any rodent has been caught and if so, throw them out.

We recommend you to read “Six Ways To Downsize” and “Going To A Seaside settlement”.