If you’re a pet owner, you know that moving your family and belongings is easier said than done. If you’re in the process of moving with your pet, it is likely your pet is experiencing a certain level of anxiety and uncertainty — perhaps like you are. A big move can be hard on a pet’s system and can cause lasting anxiety or trauma if not handled correctly. If you want to keep your furry friends comfortable while you make a move, here are ten tips you should keep in mind.
1. Start packing gradually.
Nothing will freak your pet out more than seeing everything get packed away into storage or boxes all of a sudden. For this reason, you should try to pack gradually so that your pet can get used to the dwindling items in your home. Sparing your pet the surprise can save on a lot of potential unfortunate accidents or excessive neediness in your new place. Make sure that you pack all of your pet’s favorite toys, beds, or food bowls last so that they can still be comfortable in your old place while you get it packed up and sold.
2. Give your pet a tour of your new home, if possible.
If it’s feasible for you, it may help to give your pet a little tour of your new place so that they can get the lay of the land. If you’re making a local move, this may be more possible than if you are going to have a long-distance move. If a tour of your new home is not possible, try giving your pet a facetime or video call tour of the place.
3. Plan ahead and get a storage unit in a convenient location.
If you will be employing the gradual packing technique to help keep your pet calm, it’s a good idea to head to your search engine to find “portable storage near me.” Portable storage is a great way to store your possessions without committing to getting a storage unit in your current location or in your new location. These units are containers that can be moved from where they are to where you need to be. Typical storage services may mandate that the storage containers they rent you stay put in the location of their origin. Portable storage units give you the flexibility to not only meet your storage needs but also to meet your locational constraints. Additionally, portable storage companies have numerous types of storage solutions to meet all the different types of belongings you have, including antiques, fragile items, or items that require temperature control.
4. Be open about your situation with your realtor.
If you have a pet who is especially nervous, look for a realty company with great service, like Venterra Realty. Finding a great company to sell your old house means that they will have supportive team members who understand that having a pet can complicate showing and selling your house. Be open with your realtor if you need to move at your own pace. Your realtor is there not only to help you sell your house and make your relocation a breeze, but also to ensure that you have a great experience with your whole family, regardless of the type of move you are making.
5. Get your pet a housewarming gift.
Hey, there’s no shame in bribing your pet to be on its best behavior. Pick up a special comfy bed or blanket, or purchase some tasty pet treats to keep your furry friend happy on the big moving day. It will help them feel like your move is a special thing and is, in fact, positive for them as well. Plus, a little gift may serve as reinforcement if they were on their best behavior throughout the move day process.
6. Go for a moving company that understands pets.
If your pet will be around on moving day, make sure you employ a moving company that understands that sometimes pets can be a handful. Muscular Moving Men, one of the premier local moving companies in Phoenix, AZ, touts great service and customer understanding, so they may provide one of the best moving experiences you can get in the Phoenix area. These Phoenix movers will do a great job with your valuables and even provide unpacking services to make your cross-country move a great experience. You can reach out to them for a free estimate to see if they’re a relevant moving service for your type of move. Friendly movers can also cut down on your pet’s potential anxiety as they watch your belongings get packed into the moving truck.
7. Research the things you’ll need in your new area.
Save yourself some time and hassle by researching the things you’ll need in your new area before it’s too late. For instance, if your new house is in Algonquin, IL, or in the Schaumburg or Algonquin area, you may want to search for dog poop removal Algonquin IL. Finding the service providers who will do an amazing job at poop removal, grooming, or walking can help you as you start to envision a new life in your new home. Additionally, finding experienced and detail-oriented pet waste removers will give you peace of mind and will reduce the amount of pet waste in your future lawn.
8. Consider a sedative for your pet, if necessary.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our fur babies just won’t calm down. If you have a nervous pet who can cause issues when they get too anxious, consider talking to your vet ahead of your relocation to talk through the options for calming your pet with a medication or sedative. If you collaborate with your pet’s doctor, who knows their personal history, odds are you can find the perfect solution to last minute pet anxiety. This option may be especially helpful if your current home or new home is in one of many apartment communities across the country. Neighbors who are close by are more likely to complain if your pet is acting up noisily.
9. Be patient with your pet in their new home.
One of the top tips for moving with a pet is to be patient. Your pet is likely even more stressed out than you are by all of the hubbub of moving. Make sure that if your pet is a bit nervous in your new place and either hides, runs, or has an accident, that you do not get angry immediately. This will enforce a negative association with the new home that you would prefer stay positive. Ensuring that you take great care of your pet and even provide some extra cuddles and pets will help your furry family members stay calm and happy throughout the moving process, even if it’s long distance.
10. Get back to your normal routine.
Even though you’ll be in a new place with your pets, it’s important that you get back to your normal routine as soon as possible to ease your pet’s adjustment. This includes walks and feedings at the normal time, as well as keeping your pet’s crate or litter box in similar locations to your old place. You may even want to consider moving large items like furniture, refrigerators, and other large appliances into similar locations as your old home. If your new residence is nothing like your old, then focus on the parts of your routine and surroundings that you can control, and try to make them as similar to your old ones as possible.
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