There are a lot of things to keep track of during your move. If you have pets, it can be easy to overlook the preparations that should be made specifically for them. Moving can be a stressful time for our furry friends, so it’s important to try to make the transition as comfortable for them as possible.
There are a few key tips to keep in mind that will help your pets during a move. Following these tips for moving with pets will make moving easier on you and them. It will also ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing.
Moving with Pets
1. Put Together an Overnight Kit
Just as you should for yourself and your human family members, prepare a bag or box of essentials for your pets. These are items your animal family members will need the first night and the first few days following the move. This includes food, bowls, cat litter, bedding, toys, medication, and anything else your pet needs daily. Make sure the kit is easily accessible so you don’t have to spend time searching for it.
2. Have a Plan
There will be a lot going on the day of the move and that can be very stressful for pets who don’t understand what is happening. Not to mention that changes to their environment can have a strong effect on our furry friends. Before the big day, decide where your pet will stay during the move, such as with a friend or family member or at a boarding facility.
If you want to keep them with you, designate a quiet room just for them away from the chaos in both the old and new house. Set them up with everything they need, such as food, water, bedding, and toys. Make sure they are comfortable and have some familiar things around them, and put a sign on the door warning movers not to disturb them.
3. Be Careful at the New Location
When transporting your pets to the new place, be very cautious about moving them from your vehicle to the inside of your new home. Their senses are likely to be on overdrive with all the new smells and sights, not to mention the stress of the move itself, and it could be a bad situation if they get away from you as they won’t be able to find their way back easily.
Keep your pet in a crate or on a leash until they are safely inside. Even pets that are usually okay on their own can be prone to fleeing in this high-stress situation.
4. Inform Your Vet
Before the move, inform your vet that you will be moving so that you can get any necessary prescriptions filled ahead of time. This will also allow them to update your information or transfer documents to a new vet if you are moving to a new area.
5. Update Your Pet’s Information
If your pet has a microchip or tags, be sure to update the address on them before you move. If they do escape, you can rest assured that someone will be able to contact you once they are found.
Hire a White Glove Moving Company
Of course, the best moving tip of all is to hire a white glove moving company like Megan’s Moving to help you through your move. Our expert movers can help you identify even more ways to keep your pets safe and calm during your move. Schedule a moving consultation today or learn more about getting your new home pet-ready.