All our pets want in life is a comfy bed, good food, and a solid routine. Unfortunately, they're at the whim of our major life decisions, and sometimes that means moving. A few simple steps can make the experience a little easier on them and on yourself, too.
Many pets get stressed when their routine is disrupted, so it helps to introduce the move gradually. Start packing weeks in advance to get them used to seeing all the boxes. It helps to keep their feeding and walking schedule the same time every day, especially during the packing phase, as this will also alleviate the stress.
If you have a cat that goes or stays outdoors, you might want to keep them inside while packing and moving boxes around. Some cats get nervous and won't come back inside. If your cat's only exposure to a carrier is when they go to the vet, now's the time to leave it where they can examine it daily. Place your cat's favorite blanket or toy in the carrier, and praise them when they enter. Set the carrier up well in advance, so your cat will get used to hiding out in there. Leaving a few treats inside daily can help.
Similarly, if the dog is only used to car rides when it's time to go to the vet, you want to get them used to it before you move. Start with short trips and associate something positive with the trip to help ease your dog's anxiety.
Covering the pet carrier with a sheet or light blanket for the first few hours of the trip will help, especially with cats, who get a little freaked out when they see the world moving by. Toss an old T-shirt in their carrier, as familiar smells help keep them calm.
Some pets handle change better than others. If yours tends to freak out, boarding them with your vet might be a better option. Keep them in a safe, enclosed area on moving day if that's impossible. Keep cats and other small animals in hard-sided carriers, and dogs should be in one room or the backyard.
A big move can be tricky with pets. With so much to plan, it's tough to fit their needs into the mix, too. With a little preparation, you can ease them into the process and make the move as stress-free as possible.
Pack all their things in one box on moving day and clearly label them. Keep this box in the car with easy accessibility and load it in the vehicle that will transport your pets.
This box should contain:
Food & Water (with their bowls)
Walking leash & poop bags
Paper towels in case of accidents
Toys & Treats
Their favorite blanket or bed
Any medication they are on
Before moving, make sure your new home is pet-friendly. Look for any possible toxic plants outside. Common trees like Apple & Cherry trees, if your dog likes to chew, are harmful. Some shrubs and flowers like Rhubarb, Winterberry Holly, Hydrangea & Hostas are also toxic. These examples are just some of the most common ones.
Ensure there are no secret holes in any rooms or the garage that lead outside the house. Ease your pet into the new home by making it more familiar. Put their favorite objects, like bowls, litter boxes, and scratching posts, in the areas they're used to. For example, if their bowls were in the kitchen in the old place, keep them in the kitchen in the new place. If their litter box was in the bathroom, keep it in the new place.
It's important to stick to their schedule once you move, too. This helps reduce some of their stress. Everything looks different, and they have no idea what's going on, but at least they know they're getting fed at the same time every day.
Millions of pets go missing every year. Make sure your pets have a collar with proper identification or are microchipped. Place a tracking device on their collar if they escape during the move. Most tracking devices are tracked from your cell phone now. If your indoor cat should escape, try placing their litter box outside; they have a great nose, which will help them find their way back.
Finally, if you're changing phone numbers, don't forget to update your pet's ID collar or any pet registry they may be part of. It's kind of a given, but when we're caught up in the massive to-do list that comes with moving, it's easy to overlook the obvious.
A big move can be tricky with pets. With so much to plan, it's tough to fit their needs into the mix, too. With a little preparation, you can ease them into the process and make the move as stress-free as possible.
If you're moving and in between homes, a self-storage unit is the perfect solution to keep your belongings safe and secure during the transition. At Elite Self Storage, we offer convenient storage options at all three locations—St. Albert, North Edmonton, and South Edmonton. With both heated and unheated units and short-term and long-term rentals, we have the flexibility you need for a stress-free move. Reach out to the nearest location and discover how easy storage can be!
