Moving is a big life event and can be stressful, moving with pets just adds one more factor to consider. Our pets are part of our family and a smooth transition into their new home is important for both them and us. Here are some tips on how to make moving with pets the best possible experience;
What to Do a Few Days Before Your Move Date
Try to keep the confusion and stress to a minimum in the house even though packing creates a lot of this commotion. Think about putting your pet on the opposite site of your house or apartment to minimize chaos for them while you pack. Also, try to do it in small increments over time. It’ll not only reduce your pet’s stress level, but also yours. Sudden changes cause a lot of stress for animals, because they can’t really comprehend what’s happening.
If you’re moving pretty far from your original residence, make sure to get vet records and any other things, like prescriptions, you might need a few days before moving. Also be sure to ask your current vet if they have recommendations for a new vet in the area you’ll be living. If not call a few places ahead of time. Simply put, be prepared. It may take awhile to find a new veterinarian for your pet, and you want to make sure you aren’t rushing because you ran out of flea medication. A big part of moving with pets is finding the right care for them once you arrive.
Lastly, try to get your pet comfortable with the carrier you plan to use when moving. This is something that many people don’t think about until moving day but can be a huge help. No pet would like being stuffed in a box but it can be made easier if introduced slowly. Also, pack up your pet’s toys, dishes and other items last and in their own box. You’ll want them easily accessible once you reach your new home.
What to Do During the Move
On your moving day, put your pet in a safe place, like the bathroom, with their food and water dishes, and maybe a toy or two. They might escape out the door during your move if you let them roam around, and you don’t want to add finding your pet to your list on moving day. Once you have all of your belongings packed up, carefully put your pets in their carrier and in the car with you.
If you’re moving a long distance, check on your pet regularly making sure they have food and water and stop for bathroom breaks.
Try to keep the environment in the car calm. Don’t blast your stereo or drive like a crazy person. Remember we want to try to limit our pet’s stress level.
What to Do After You Move
Once you reach your new home, take your pet’s belongings to the bathroom and get them situated first so they can’t escape while you move in. Plus, you don’t want to keep them in their carrier any longer than you have to. Once you have all of your furniture and boxes in the house, you can let them out to explore their new home.
Speaking of unpacking, try to get your furniture in its place, and then move in the boxes. First, it’s much easier for you to move furniture in an empty house. Second, making sure the larger items are in place recreates a familiar environment for your pet.
Keep an eye on your pet the first few days at your new place. Check to make sure they’re eating and drinking water on a regular basis. If not, you might want to have them checked out by your new veterinarian.
Moving with pets can cause a lot of stress. Try to limit the chaos by planning ahead and making sure you’re organized and ready to help your pet adjust to its new home as soon as you get there. Your pet can’t speak for itself. Check on them throughout the moving process and try to make them as comfortable as possible. It’ll make life easier for the both of you.
For more information on making your move a smooth one contact Mike the Mover.