The Ultimate Guide To Moving With Pets
Moving house can be incredibly stressful for all the family and this is especially true for our pets. While some disruption to their routine is unavoidable, there are steps that you can take to ensure that you and your pets make it through the moving day without any disasters.
1. Discuss Your Pets With Your Moving Team
From exotic animals and tropical fish in a cumbersome aquarium to horses, chickens and more, the chances are that most moving professionals have seen it all before. So, when booking your moving team, it is important to be upfront and honest to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Here at On The Dot, the welfare of your pets is our primary concern; regardless of size, age or temperament, we request that owners remove their animals from the premises during the removal process. This not only ensures that pets are happy and safe, but that our dedicated team can focus on the task at hand, free from distractions.
2. Introduce Packing Supplies Slowly
Many pets can be easily worried by change, so it can be a good idea to start packing away your belongings before your moving date. So, if you have enough space, start bringing in moving boxes and packing materials a few weeks before you’re due to move.
Many animals will actually enjoy playing with packing supplies, especially if they’re not used to seeing them around. By introducing boxes into your home early, you and your pets can work past the novelty stage, which should minimise interruptions and unexpected box attacks on moving day.
3. Maintain Your Everyday Routine
Pets are generally creatures of habit, so sticking to your everyday routine can go a long way towards maintaining a sense of calm. We understand that it can be difficult to tear yourself away from packing and organising when you’re in the flow of things, but ultimately it can be more disruptive in the long run to skip playtime or walks. So, we recommend keeping meal times as close to the same as possible and showing your pets a bit of extra patience during your move.
4. Consider A Pet Sitter
Animals are often highly tuned into our emotions, so if you’re feeling the pressure on moving day, it can take a toll on how your pets behave. To keep things running smoothly and avoid unnecessary upset, it can be helpful to have a friend, family member or pet sitter come to keep your pets entertained during what can be a very hectic time.
If it isn’t possible to have someone sit with your pets when your moving team is loading everything into the van, it can be a good idea to have a designated room for them where they won’t be disturbed. Make sure they have access to food, water, toys, bedding and anything else that will keep them occupied and comfortable on the day.
5. Create A Safe Space In Your New Home
The process of moving into a property is often just as hectic as moving out of a property, but creating a safe space in your new home that your pets can get comfortable in can help to keep them feeling relaxed whilst you and your moving team work on putting all your furniture and belongings in the right rooms.
Don’t forget to check in on them frequently to ensure that they aren’t feeling overly worried about everything that’s happening around them.
6. Ask Your Vet For Advice
If you are at all worried about moving with your pet, consider getting in touch with your vet for advice. They will have plenty of tips and tricks that you’ll be able to use both in the run up to your move and on the day itself. Plus, if you know that your pet is particularly nervous, they may also be able to recommend some short term medication or calming supplements that could help.
This is also an ideal time to check that their tags and microchip information are up-to-date, just for additional peace of mind.
7. Pack A Moving Bag For Your Pets
Alongside packing a moving bag for yourself, which contains all your essentials to keep you going before you fully unpack in your new home, pack a moving bag for your pets containing food, treats, toys, blankets and other essentials. We all enjoy having our creature comforts around us, and our pets are no different!