Moving With Your Pets: Tips and Tricks

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Moving can be a hectic and stressful time for just about anyone – throw pets into the process and you have got yourself quite a handful. Not only are you trying to get yourself through a challenging time, but you also have to get your pets through what can be a very stressful time for them. If you have an upcoming move involving your pets, keep reading for tips and tricks to keep in mind.

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Designate a caretaker 

Pets are going to be sensitive to sudden changes in their routine. If your pet is prone to anxiety around straying to their routine, you are going to want to give them even more attention during your move. Unfortunately, your focus may be split between moving boxes around or giving directions to your hired team of movers, preventing you from staying by your pet’s side during the move.

If you need to be giving more time and attention to the actual move, designate a caretaker or two that has the sole responsibility of watching over your pet during the move. Preferably, this can be someone that your pet is already comfortable with, such as a close friend or family member.

Having someone that they are familiar with as a companion during the move can provide an extra layer of security to your pet as they are challenged with an unfamiliar environment and/or people.

Designate a space for the pet

Moves are going to be hectic, regardless of how much you plan. People are going in and out of rooms, heavy furniture, and boxes are constantly being shuffled, and doors are constantly being opened and closed (even left open for easy entry). With all those factors, having a pet loose can make moves hard to handle.

If you are working with a team of movers, for example, your pets are more than likely going to be unfamiliar with the people that they are coming into contact. Depending on your pet’s personality, they may be even more anxious around strangers. Or, they can get more excited and energetic and get in the way of the movers trying to do their job.

Designate a space for your pet to stay during the move. If your pet is crate trained, this is the perfect opportunity to give them a secured space during your move. If you don’t have a crate, keeping them in a smaller space or room away from the hustle and bustle of the move can help protect them. If you have access to a personal patio or porch, you may even consider having your dog in the enclosed space as people are moving in and out of your patio.

Choose a room like a bathroom that people are least likely to go in and out of, keeping interactions with strangers minimum and minimizing the chances for your pet to go loose when the door is opening and closing.

Whatever space you choose, make sure there are ample supplies for your pet, including food and water, toys or blankets, and so on.

Know where their supplies are at all times

Anyone who has moved before can recall a time when they needed a certain belonging, only to realize they have no idea which box it was packed away in. Sure, this is less stressful if it was a mug or power cord, but for pets, you don’t want to have their essentials lost in a mountain of boxes during the move.

Clearly mark where your pet’s supplies are and if possible, know the location of them at all times. For example, if you do hire a moving truck or team, you can separate the supplies and opt to keep them with you or in your personal car so they don’t get mixed up with your other belongings. Keep a day or two’s worth of food and treats in your personal bag just to avoid the stress in the event their supplies get mixed up with all your other moving supplies.

Pet daycare/hotels

If your pet has prior experience of being left in the care of a pet hotel or daycare, you may want to take advantage of the service during the move. Doing so can eliminate the stress for both parties. You can participate in the move knowing that your pet is in good hands, and your pet can be in a somewhat familiar environment and left out of the hustle and bustle of your moving day(s).

Plus, you can take full advantage of any grooming services the business has to give your pet a full spa day away.

The stress of moving with a pet can be reduced with any of these tips in mind – good luck!

Renovating an apartment is a tricky line to walk, but the summer is still a great time to get rid of the old and make some changes for the better. With this list, you have a few great ideas for improving your apartment in ways that’ll appease not only your landlord but yourself. Have fun!