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Moving can be a lot for anyone to handle--including the pets in your family! After all, it’s a big change for them as well as everyone else in your household. Make the transition easier for your fluffy family members by following these tips for moving with pets.
Choose the Right Home and Neighborhood
You should have enough space in your new home to accommodate your pets. Cats don’t need a great deal of floor space, but they should have plenty of nooks in which they can hide and feel safe. You can also create vertical sanctuaries using shelving and cat towers. Felines love having a bird’s eye view of their environment.
Depending on your dog's size and breed, it may need a little more space in which to move around. Consider whether you require a fenced-in yard or if you'll be able to head out easily to walk your dog. Puppies, which usually need to use the bathroom frequently and short notice, might be stressed if they're pent up in an apartment that requires an elevator to get outdoors.
Stress-Free Packing With Pets
As you pack up your existing home, try to maintain one familiar space for your pets. Keep them in a bedroom, guest room, or office that makes them feel comfortable. Make that the last spot that you pack before the house is empty.
Keep any pet supplies handy until the last minute. If you have cats, the litter box will have to be available before, during, and after your move. Dogs will need a leash or harness. Plan to travel with the food and water bowls so that you have them handy at all times.
Make sure that you have your pet's vet records and rabies certificate handy, especially if you're traveling a long distance.
Build Your Pet’s Familiarity With a Crate
If you'll need to crate your pet at any time during the move, you'll want to help them become more comfortable with the enclosure early on. Place it in a room in which your pet feels safe. Put soft bedding inside of it. Encourage your furry friend to enter the crate using food or treats. Don't close the door, though. Make it a safe, cozy place that won't feel threatening on moving day.
The New Place
According to Purina, it can take some time for a pet to adapt to a new home, so it's wise to set those expectations for your family up front. When you arrive at your place, do your best to make things as peaceful as possible.
If your pets get frightened or overwhelmed by a lot of hustle and bustle, consider keeping your pets in their crates or a separate room while the boxes and furniture are lugged inside. Take your dog out on a leash to explore the neighborhood. You might want to confine your cat to a small room with its litter box and a spare box to play or hide in until it’s more comfortable venturing out into the rest of the house.
Just remember, the less stressed you are by your move, the more you’ll be able to keep your pet calm too!
At True Friends Moving Company, our pet-friendly movers can handle every aspect of your move to ease your stress and make the process a simple and even enjoyable one! Contact us online or give us a call at (615) 240-2811 today!