Why do I need to prepare my pets?
Relocating your home can be a major disruption for both you and your pets. Moving house often breaks routines you may have and this not only is stressful for you but it can also be distressing to your pets. Your cat or dog won't be able to tell you directly how intense the situation is for them, so it is highly important to make the move as easy for them as much as you can to minimize their distress during this time. Preparing in advance can make the moving process easier on both yourself and your pets.
Preparing to move with your pets
To make moving home easier it is important to plan in advance when moving with your pets. Some things that can make the whole process easier are below:
1. Make sure to update any documentation of the pet such as microchip ID details as well as insurance. Also make sure to purchase a collar and have your details on it in case your pet goes missing.
2. Organize registration transfer in advance of moving day.
3. If you can, keep your pet safe in their favourite room or a space where they feel comfortable and safe. Be sure to provide them with food and water, its basket or blanket and any favorite toys they may have to help keep them calm.
4. Have one of your family members be in charge of your pet on moving day and have them check in regularly with your pet. This will help keep your pets calm and to prevent them from getting distressed.
5. Make sure the removal team knows where your pet is, and ask them to pack that room up last. This will not only keep your pet out of the way of the movers but gives your pet as much time in the old home as possible.
6. If your pet already suffers from anxiety, you should speak to your vet about ways to manage their anxiety prior to moving. They may recommend pheromone therapy or even anti-anxiety medication if required.
7. At the new house make sure to unpack as much of the pets items as possible early on. This includes their food and water bowls, beds, blankets and any toys they may have. Show them where their belongings are as having familiar items in a new place will help them stay calm and minimise their distress.
Stay calm on moving day
Your pet is sensitive to your feelings, they notice how you feel and learn about the environment through how you react. This is especially true about cats and dogs. If you're stressed and panicked, the chances are that your pet will be distressed as well. Show your pet that everything is really all right by reflecting it to your behavior and try to stay as calm as possible.
Save time by hiring professionals
Hiring a professional moving company can make moving day run more smoothly. Not only will this save the stress and time of packing and moving everything yourself but it will make the whole moving process faster and more efficient. Hiring professional movers can minimise damage to your belongings and will leave you with more time to spend with your pets to help keep them calm during this experience.
Plan the journey
Planning the journey in advance can be a lifesaver when moving with pets. It can minimise stress and prove to be more efficient in getting yourself and your pets settled into your new home. We recommend planning the route from your old house to your new one. Make sure that your pet travels in your car with you and is safe and secure inside the vehicle. Never leave your pet alone in the car whilst packing or unpacking as this can be distressing and dangerous to your pets health.
After you move- Keep your routine
When they move away from their familiar environment, dogs and cats can feel as though they are separated from their 'space' or 'territory' and can become anxious. They will need to reorient themselves, become familiar and settle into their new surroundings. To help your pet settle in, keep to your usual routine of meal and walk times as much as possible. Spend as much time as you can with your pet to help reassure them that you are not going to leave them in this new unfamiliar space alone. Making sure to unpack your pets belongings as soon as possible at your new home and set them up a "safe space". Having an area with their familiar belongings will help them settle in sooner and give them somewhere safe to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed by the moving process. Where you can, try not to leave your pet alone in the new house for the first few days while they get used to their new surroundings and familiarise themselves with their new home. After the initial couple of days start by completing some small trips away from the home and then gradually extend these times.
Now that you know exactly what to do when you move house with your pet, visit Moving Select today to ensure that your move is as stress free as possible.