Moving is already stressful, but add in worrying about pets, and it’s a whole new ballgame. Luckily with proper planning and preparation, moving with pets can be a positive experience for all involved. Here are our top tips for moving with pets!
Make a Plan
Whether you’re moving a long or short distance, there’s a lot to be done when moving with a pet. So the sooner you start planning, the better.
Are you driving or flying? Transporting your belongings yourself or hiring professional movers? Getting these things sorted out now will determine what arrangements to make for your pet on moving day. And the sooner you get arrangements for your pet sorted, the less stress you (and your pet) will feel.
Get Them Used to Packing Supplies
For a dog or cat, moving supplies can seem a lot like fun new toys. Empty boxes, rippable tissue paper, sticky tape…what’s not to love? To help get them desensitized, start bringing in supplies and packing early.
If you have the space, stock up on boxes a few weeks before your move. Set up a few moving boxes and place items you don’t reach for often inside and leave them open. Your pet can explore and get the curiosity out of their system early. Soon enough, they won’t even pay attention to the packing supplies. When you let your pet get used to the boxes weeks in advance, this will help reduce disruptions as you get closer to moving day and the packing truly begins.
Avoid Changing Your Routine
Pets, especially dogs and cats, are creatures of habit. When things begin to change, their anxiety will likely begin to increase. During the chaos of moving, it can be tempting to skip things in your pet’s routine. But try to resist and stick to the regular groove your pet knows. This way, your pet will be happier in the long run.
So make sure you feed them at the same times, don’t skip their usual “walkie” or dog park run, and give them extra love. This process is stressful for them too, especially since they don’t even know what’s going on.
Visit Your Vet
Don’t forget to stop by your vet before you move. You’ll want to obtain copies of your pet’s medical records and files and make sure you’re up-to-date on your pet’s immunizations and vaccines. If your pet takes any prescriptions, now is the time to get stocked up so you don’t have any problems during your move.
If your pet isn’t used to traveling and you’re making a bigger trek than driving down the street, it might be a good idea to consult your vet about calming alternatives for your pet. They can advise you on what you should bring during the move and provide you with sedation options to ease your pet’s stress.
Pet-Proof the New Home Before They Arrive
Not much is more exciting than a new home! But before you introduce your furry friend to it, you want to make sure it’s safe for them. To make sure your pet will be safe in the new home, don’t forget to:
- Check all screens, windows, gates, and doors are secure
- Walk the perimeter of your outdoor fence for holes or escape routes
- Look for poisonous plants in the backyard and remove them
- Ensure all vents have covers
- Close toilet lids so small pets don’t fall in and bigger ones don’t drink water that may contain chemicals
Prepare Your Pet for a Safe Move in Your Vehicle
If you’re going to be moving with pets via vehicle, it’s important you make sure they’re comfortable and safe during the ride.
While it’s fun to have your pet roaming around the car, it can be dangerous for you and your beloved pet. If they aren’t secured, and you get in an accident, your pet could be ejected from the car and seriously injured (or worse). The best place for your pet is in the backseat secured by a seatbelt. This could mean they’re secure in a crate or carrier that’s hooked into a seatbelt, or they’re wearing a harness clipped into a seatbelt.
For anxious pets, take them on a few test drives beforehand so they know traveling in the car isn’t a scary experience. While traveling, putting a blanket over your pet’s crate or carrier can help to reduce visual stimulation.
Keep Them Secluded
Everything is moved, and you and your pet are finally at your new home! But don’t think your pet will be as excited about the new place as you. For some pets, new surroundings are intimidating and scary.
To help them adjust, confine them in a section of the house while they slowly adjust to their surroundings. Filling the space with familiar items, like blankets, their crate or carrier, toys, and a few items of your clothes will help them feel less out of place. They may initially hide, and that’s okay. Give them lots of attention and love, make sure they eat their food at feeding times, and be patient. They’ll warm up and be running around the house soon enough!
If you need a place to keep items safe while you move, Bay Street Storage is here to help!
Helping You with Your Move
The better you prepare, the easier moving with pets will be! If you need a place to keep items safe while you move, Bay Street Storage is here to help. We have two convenient locations in Post Falls for you to choose from, and we’ve got all your storage needs covered. We’re here to make your storage experience easy. If you need any help, let us know!
