The lives of our pets revolve around a solid routine, a cozy bed, and tasty food. Sadly, they are often subject to our significant life choices, which can include relocating. However, by following a few straightforward steps, you can ease the experience for both them and yourself.
Numerous pets experience stress when their usual routine is altered, so it is beneficial to implement the move gradually. Begin packing several weeks in advance to acclimate them to the sight of all the boxes. Maintaining a consistent feeding and walking schedule at the same time each day is particularly helpful during the packing period, as this helps reduce their stress levels.
If you own a cat that spends time outdoors, it may be wise to keep them indoors while you pack and move boxes. Some cats can become anxious and may not return to their inside areas. If your cat’s only experience with a carrier is during vet visits, now is the perfect opportunity to leave it accessible for them to explore each day. Place your cat’s favorite blanket or toy inside the carrier, and offer praise when they enter. Prepare the carrier well in advance, allowing your cat to become accustomed to using it as a hiding spot. Additionally, placing a few treats inside daily can be beneficial.
Relocating with pets involves so many details to manage, making it challenging to meet their needs. However, with some prior planning, you can facilitate their adjustment to the move and make the process as seamless as possible.
On moving day, gather all of their belongings into a single box and ensure it is clearly labeled. Place this box in the car for easy access and load it into the vehicle designated for transporting your pets.
This box should include:
1. Food and water (along with their bowls)
2. Walking leash and waste bags
3. Paper towels for any accidents
4. Toys and treats
5. Their preferred blanket or bed
6. Any medications they require
Before relocating, ensure that your new residence is suitable for pets. Check for any potentially toxic plants in the outdoor area. Trees such as Apple and Cherry can be harmful if your dog enjoys chewing on them. Additionally, certain shrubs and flowers, including rhubarb, winterberry holly, hydrangea, and Hostas, are also toxic. These are merely a few of the most frequently encountered examples.
Make sure there are no hidden openings in any rooms or the garage that connect to the outside of the house.
Help your pets adjust to the new home by making it feel more familiar. Place their favorite items, such as bowls, litter boxes, and scratching posts, in the locations they are accustomed to. For instance, if their bowls were situated in the kitchen at the previous residence, maintain them in the kitchen at the new location. Similarly, if their litter box was located in the bathroom at the old home, keep it in the bathroom at the new one as well. This will help to keep their routine consistent.
It is crucial to adhere to their schedule after you move. This can alleviate some of their anxiety. Everything appears unfamiliar, and they are uncertain about what is happening, but at least they are aware that they are being fed at the same time each day.
Every year, millions of pets go missing. Ensure that your pets wear a collar with appropriate identification or are microchipped. If they happen to escape during a move, consider attaching a tracking device to their collar. Nowadays, most tracking devices can be monitored via your cellphone. If your indoor cat escapes, try placing their litter box outside; their keen sense of smell will help them find their way home.
Lastly, if you are changing your phone number, remember to update your pet’s ID collar or any pet registry to which they may belong. While it may seem obvious, it’s easy to overlook such details when overwhelmed by the extensive to-do list that comes with moving. A significant move can be challenging when you have pets. With numerous plans to make, it can be not easy to incorporate their needs as well. However, with some preparation, you can help them adjust to the transition and ensure the move is 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, as well as short-term and long-term rentals, we offer the flexibility you need for a stress-free move. Reach out to the nearest location and discover how easy storage can be!
