Oh, the joys of moving into a nice, new space! Ideally, everything in your new space looks fresh and clean and move-in ready. You can hardly wait to unpack your boxes and set up house. But wait, did you unknowingly bring some unwanted visitors with you from your old place? If you had any kind of pest problem in your previous home, you want to ensure that none of them take a ride to your new home in your moving boxes and crates. What kinds of pests are we talking about? And how do you prevent these nasty hitchhikers from tagging along? Bed bugs These bothersome critters can be found in bedding, towels, suitcases, clothing and more. If you’ve had an infestation, try these tips: Launder clothing and bedding in water that exceeds 120 degrees and dry on the highest heat setting possible. Use only new packing materials from your moving company; used boxes could harbor bugs Inspect all luggage and boxes before you pack. Check furniture and bookcases for signs of bugs. Bookworms Book-feeding insects include the book or paper louse, which attack organic matter, most often found in books that have sat undisturbed in damp, dark environments. To avoid transporting any of these insects, try the following: Avoid wrapping your books in newspaper and used boxes. Use clean-acid-free boxes or clear sealable tubs. Mold or mildew damage? Discard the books or repair. Check the spines and binding for signs of damage. Bookshelves should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any loose eggs or nests. Cockroaches Take steps to avoid transferring cockroach eggs from your old home to your new one. Inspect and launder clothes and linens, especially those you don’t use often. Shake out any items where eggs might hide in cracks or crevices. Give furniture a thorough vacuuming, getting behind pillows and under cushions. Be sure your mover uses new, clean packing materials. Termites Check older wood furniture for evidence of damage that could be due to termites. Professional removal is required for dry wood termites. In your new home, have a professional pest control service perform an inspection before you move in to ensure your home is free and clear of these harmful pests. Weevils Weevil larvae can lie dormant within food items before developing into an infestation. Best practice: discard most food—especially bags of flour, sugar, grain or rice—before you move.* It’s not worth the risk. Wash all your cookware before packing. Check the pantry and cupboards at your new home for any cracks and fill any spaces with caulk. Give your new kitchen a good cleaning, inside and out, before unpacking. A few simple precautions can help you enjoy your new home, pest-free. *Crown Relocations, North America, is partners with Move for Hunger and can accept your food donations for distribution to a local charity.