Moving With Pets? Consider These Tips
Relocating to a new house is a stressful and time-consuming exercise. You have to pack the boxes, hire movers, and move your belongings safely to the new home. Amidst the flurry of activities, you may easily forget about your pets. Here is how to move with pets.
1. Start Packing Early
Your pet can get anxious if you suddenly start to move things around the home. An alternative is to start packing the moving boxes as early as possible. Early packing helps the pets get used to the changes that will eventually happen. Also, when you pack early, you give yourself enough time to prepare for the moving day.
2. Check-In With Their Vet
If you’re relocating to a new town, you may need a new veterinarian for your pets. Hence, contact your current vet for guidance on vaccinations and required medication. The vet should also provide health records you will take to the new vet. You can also get some tricks and tips on safely relocating with your pet.
3. Keep Your Pet Away From the Action
Pets can get stressed if they witness strangers moving items from the house. So, find a place away from home for your pets to stay during the moving day. You can keep the pets with your friend or in a kennel for the day. Another option is to create a space in one of the bedrooms on a different floor and close the door.
However, whichever space you choose must have the proper temperature and enough water while you are busy. Also, frequently check in on your pets and feed them at the normal time. If possible, take the pet for a walk at the usual time too.
4. Decide Whether to Fly or Drive
The mode of transportation depends on the distance. If the new home is nearby, use a kennel to transport the pet in your car. But if you are traveling far, particularly outside of the country, a flight may be better.
Flying with pets can be a complicated process since each airline has its own regulations and rules. The costs of flying with your pets on commercial flights can vary quite a bit and can be expensive — especially if you’re flying internationally — so make sure to check all your options carefully.
If you have large pets, they will likely fly in the plane’s cargo area. The cargo area is usually more costly and comes with extra limitations.
5. Pack Their Items Last and Unpack Them First
Your pets can become stressed if they discover that their toys and treats are missing. When you pack treats and toys last, your pet will be reassured with these familiar items. Once you reach the new place, immediately unpack the toys and treats to help the pets settle in the new surroundings.
6. Pet Proof and Then Settle in the New Home
Pet-proof the new home before moving in to ensure the safety of your pets. Here are some of the things you can do to pet-proof the home:
- Remove any electrical cords on the floor.
- Install nooks in areas where the pet can get stuck.
- Install secure screens on all windows.
- Avoid poisonous houseplants and poison traps.
When you arrive at the new home, you may want to let the cat or dog explore the house. However, new spaces can overwhelm and stress your pet. A better approach for your pet may be to acclimatize them to the new home gradually. Introduce the pets to one room and then slowly repeat the process in other rooms in the house.
The process of relocation can disrupt your life and that of your pets. Fortunately, you can hire professional movers to take care of the entire process. Affordable Moving Co. offers moving services that protect your items and give you peace of mind. Contact us to get started.