There’s a lot of preparation that goes into moving to a new home. Donating old or unused items or appliances, setting up utilities and making sure your family gets there in one piece. Then the unpacking phase begins, and you start to settle into your new home.
In all the commotion, new homeowners might forget that their pet needs some adjustment and preparation for the move as well. We’re here to help you master your move with pet in tow! Read on for helpful tips during packing, moving and introduction to your new home.
Preparation
When getting ready to make the move to your new home, your current home will most likely be filled to the brim with boxes, bubble wrap and tape. Try keeping all the packed items in one room so your pet doesn’t chew on or eat anything they shouldn’t. Next, be sure to keep your pet’s essentials in a separate box. Be sure to pack anything they’d need on move-in day.
- Waste bags
- A few favorite toys
- Treats
- Leash
- Kitty litter, box and scooper
- A crate, doggy gate or carrier
- Blanket
- Water bowls
- Food
Moving Day
Moving day is normally chaotic for the entire family and can be particularly stressful for pets. Loud sounds, new territory, open doors and unfamiliar people (your moving company) coming in and out of your home can frighten your pet. It’s best to find a place to make them feel safe during the process. You have a few options to help their moving day go smoothly: choose a room to keep them in with toys and their bed, add a doorframe gate to keep them contained but aware or send them to a pet daycare for the day. Taking these precautions will help prevent your pet from escaping and getting lost in a new neighborhood.
New Home
Getting used to a new environment can be hard for some pets. Adjustment time for dogs and cats can vary pet to pet. The easiest route to take is maintaining a consistent mealtime and bedtime routine for your pet. Ensure you keep their food and water bowls in a designated area so they become familiar with the space they can eat and drink. You’ll also want to give them a tour of your new home and let them familiarize themselves with their new space and the rooms in it. Lastly, let them get acquainted to the neighborhood with a daily walk! This way they will know a little bit more of their surroundings.
