Moving With Pets

Moving can be stressful for everyone involved, even your pets. As a pet parent, it’s important to remember your furry family members while you are taking on the moving process. So if you are moving or will be soon, please take a look at these tips that make moving with pets as smooth as possible.  

Consider Your Pets When Looking For a Home

There is a lot to consider when looking to purchase a home; budget, location, preferred layout, and so on. When you are moving with pets, there are even more things to consider. Once you have your basics sorted out, it’s time to decide what features you want your new home to have that will appeal to both you and your pets.

• A home located in a pet-friendly neighborhood.

• A large, fenced-in yard is always great for pets, especially dogs. 

• Durable flooring, so your pets don’t leave scratch marks.

• If your pet is older, a single-story home or a home with the living space on the first floor so your pet can avoid stairs as much as possible. 

Keeping Your Pets Comfortable and Calm

Attempting to get your pets comfortable with the changes happening in your home as you begin packing can save some potential disruptions as you approach your moving day. There are multiple ways that you can help get your pets used to the packing process before you move. 

• Start packing boxes early to allow your pets to get used to the boxes around your house. This can prevent some anxiety down the road. 

• Keep a dedicated space for your pet, even when packing, to ensure they have a place to relax. 

• Remember to exercise your pet throughout the process. This can tire them out and keep them calm as you pack. 

The Day of the Move

The official day of your move can be very hectic. Between packing your remaining belongings and traveling to your new home, a lot is going on. It’s important to make sure you keep an extra eye on your pets during the day of your move. 

• If you are going to be in and out of your house all day, consider finding a pet sitter to watch after and spend time with your pet throughout the day. 

• If you are traveling for multiple days, make sure your pet can be comfortable in your car. 

• Make sure any hotels you may be staying at are pet-friendly before you begin your travels. 

• If your pet has a favorite toy, leave it out of all the boxes and keep it close during the moving process to provide some comfort or a distraction. 

Getting Settled in the New House

Once you finally move into your new home, it’ll take some time to get settled in. It’s the same with your pets. Doing what you can to make them feel more at home in a new place can help them become more comfortable quicker. 

• Establish a new spot for their bed to give them a place to unwind.

• Try to avoid leaving your pets home alone as much as possible when you first move in to prevent the anxiety of being alone in a new place. 

• Explore your new home and neighborhood with your pets to help them become familiar with a new area. 

The moving process can be a lot to handle at times. So taking the necessary steps to limit the stress that comes with moving can really smooth out the process. Your pets can share some of the same stress as you throughout the process. Helping them decrease any anxiety they may have while you are moving can really help them transition from your old home to your new one.