Moving day is a very awesome day! The excitement of starting a new experience in a place you’ve yet to explore can whip the mind into a frenzy. Unfortunately for our furry friends, they may not think it’s quite as awesome. Moving with pets comes with its own set of challenges as our pets can easily feel anxious and unsettled when faced with big changes in their surroundings.
We here at Moving with Grace know all too well that pets and moving mix as well as oil and water. Our moving company in California understands that pets are an integral part of families—so why would anyone treat them any differently? In order to help people gain a complete understanding of the moving process with pets, our team offers valuable insights and practical tips on moving with pets.
How to Move with Pets: A Stage-by-Stage Guide
Moving with pets doesn’t have to be as hard as you might think it is. We know that each pet is unique, with their quirks and personalities. But whether you’re moving with a cat, dog, or any other furry friend, they all share common traits that can make moving a bit challenging. That’s why we’ve put together this stage-by-stage moving guide to help your pets get adjusted to it all.
Before you even move, it’s important to understand what’s best for your pet. When it comes to space, cats and dogs have different requirements. For your feline friends, make sure to utilize the vertical space in the new home for things like shelves or kitty blocks. For dogs, consider their specific needs such as easy access to the outdoors, especially for older dogs, puppies, or those with house training issues.
Packing for a Move with Pets
Moving pets can sometimes feel like moving with kids; cats and skittish dogs often find change unsettling. To help them adjust, start by introducing moving boxes early and keep your pets in a familiar room that you plan to pack up last. On moving day, it’s best to confine your pets to a quiet room with the door closed or arrange for them to stay at a friend’s house. This will prevent them from getting frightened and potentially escaping while our residential movers are working. Throughout the packing process, strive to maintain your pet’s routine as consistently as possible.
Transporting Pets on Moving Day
Many pets aren’t accustomed to spending much time in crates or cars. In the weeks leading up to the move, start by gradually acclimating your pets to their crates. Begin by placing their food inside an open crate, and eventually have them eat their meals inside the crate with the door closed. To make moving with a pet easier, it’s helpful to carry your pets around the house in the crate or take them on short drives. Reinforce a positive association with the crate by offering treats and playtime after crate sessions. These preparations will help make moving day more comfortable for both you and your furry friends.
Unpacking
While unpacking and settling in, it would make sense to pet-proof your new place. Make sure electrical cords are tucked away, cover any nooks where your pet could get stuck, secure windows with screens, remove poisonous houseplants, and check that no pest-control poison traps have been left behind. These steps will help create a safe environment for your pets as they adjust to their new surroundings.
When you arrive, resist the urge to let your dog or cat explore the entire house immediately. A new and unfamiliar space can be overwhelming for them. Instead, start by introducing them to one room—a designated “home base”—that includes their favorite toys, treats, food and water bowls, and a litter box for cats. Once they seem comfortable, gradually allow them to explore other rooms, keeping some doors closed initially. For cats, you can slowly move their litter box to its permanent location by shifting it one foot each day. With time and patience, your pet will soon feel right at home in their new environment.
We Do More than Guides!
Moving with pets requires thoughtful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your furry companions. By taking the time to acclimate your pets to their new environment, managing their anxiety during the move, and ensuring their safety in your new home, you can help them adjust more comfortably to the changes. Whether you’re moving with one pet or moving with multiple pets, we hope our guide helps your companions feel right at home!
At Moving With Grace, we know families moving with pets need movers who are committed to providing top-notch moving services in California. We also offer packing and storage services in Woodland for those who have too much stuff and too little space. For more information about our services and how we can assist you with your move, feel free to read our blog! If you’d like some much-needed help on moving day, contact us; our team is ready to help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible!