How to Move Without Stressing Out Your Pets

Moving is stressful enough for people, but just imagine how your pets must feel. For them, moving means adjusting to an unfamilar space and new arrangements for their favorite things. Plus the added uncertainty of not understanding what the move is all about. Your old home has been your pet's world, and now it's being packed up and put into boxes all at once. Fortunately, there are proactive measure you can take to make sure the stress of moving is minimal for your pets. While some stress is unavoidable, read below for tips that will help your pets' move unfold as smoothly as possible.

Preparing Your Pets

Before the big move, let your pets get familiar with the packing supplies that you will be using. As soon as dogs and cats see the cardboard boxes come out, they know something is up. Letting them sniff around will help them realize that a transition is underway.

By the same token, you should pack essential pet items, so that they are readily accessible as soon as your move into your new home. In the same way you want to make sure your family members have a change of clothes and toiletries at the ready, you want to have your pets' essential supplies, like food, toys, and bedding, separated from the rest of your belongings and within reach. It's best to pack up your pet's belongings last, to keep them as comfortable as possible in your old home until the last minute.

Moving Day

On moving day, as a family member, friend, or neighbor to watch your pets for you, so that they aren't exposed to the hustle and bustle in your home. If you're unable to place your animals for the day, secure them in a room with food, toys, and water, so that they'll be out of the movers way and less stressed by the commotion. Whatever you do, do not take your pet to your new home 1st and lock them in an unfamiliar room. Doing so could give your pet even more anxiety, which could lead to destructive chewing or scratching.

During the move, especially if it's long distance, you'll want to maintain your pets' playtime and feeding routines. This also means paying them extra attention during the trip. If you're traveling by car, be sure to check out these tips to make a long roadtip with your pet enjoyable and seamless.

Getting Comfortable In Your New Home

When you move into your new home, set up a room for your pets first. Just like you made a secure space during the move out of your old home, you'll want to place your pets in a confined room with their toys, food, and water while you move your stuff into your new home. Giving your pets a confined space will keep them out of the way, separated fro the chaos of the move, and provide them with a more manageable area of the new home to adjust to.

Before letting your pets roam around their new home, make sure their essentials are easy to find – toys, sleeping area, food and water bowls, litter box for cats. Also be sure to check the house and yard for any potential dangers like toxic plants, chemicals, or holes in the fencing.