Hi Lyn-sue sorry to hear about your domestic probs. It sucks that you have to move so far. I have moved innumerable times with cats (and dog) and I find that they are very aware that something very strange is happening when you start packing things up. So if possible, I would suggest you keep your babe(s) inside for the days leading up to the move. If possible, have a friend keep them in a room at theres for a few days while you collect your stuff and remove it so that they do not see this happening - cos that just adds to their stress (and yes, I know being in a strange place is also stressful but it seems to be a less worrying sort of stress for them).
Then, on the day of the move, shut the cats in the bathroom of your new place with their litter and food and water, so that they are less at risk of escaping when stuff is being carried back and forth. When all your stuff is inside, I would still take a moment to unpack a few essentials that will help them feel at home (like their Ikea tent or something). When you do let them out they will tend to be a bit spooky about all the new smells and so forth but just ignore them and get on with the unpacking (on that side of things, make sure you make up your bed first because youare going to need to collapse into it when you are done and will be so busy you may forget and have to sleep on a bare mattress you are so tired).
Keep them inside for at least 3 weeks before letting them out in their new neighbourhood, so they have become accustomed to the smells of their new home.
Best wishes for the move - it is not much fun when you are doing it for these sorts of reasons ...
