Moving you and your pet. Possible challenges ahead.

Moving to a new home is a roller coaster of thoughts and emotions for all of us, including our beloved pets. In fact, it can be all the more of a whirlwind experience for our animal companions because they’re not equipped with the knowledge of what is going on or what to expect.

Fret not. ProAce International Moving and Storage has provided some pointers on making the transition smooth and comfortable for your pet:

Planning the Move

Moving out of state can be quite a bit more expensive than moving locally. And when you’re working with a limited budget, you have to think about how you can save money; you don’t want to begin the next chapter in your life by going broke!

Make sure you understand the cost of living in your new location so that you can create a realistic budget. Hire a reputable real estate agent who can save you time, money, and stress on your home purchase. Work with a professional moving company like ProAce to get your valuable belongings safely from point A to point B. And if any of your relatives or friends live in your new area, see if you can stay with them for a short time. Just make sure there’s room for your pet!

Moving Day

Most pets are not great with change. They are used to their routines and spaces. Packing things up, moving around furniture, and strangers coming into the home to help move can be overwhelming. If you have a pet that doesn’t like change, this can result in anxiety or shifts in temperament.

To avoid any discomfort they may come with moving, acclimate your pet to the moving process as early as possible. Keep your pet in a place that can be packed up last and requires less movement. Try to keep their routines as normal as possible. And on moving day, keep your pet in a closed-off quiet space until the hustle and bustle is done.

Creating a Safe Space

Early on in the living process, introduce your pet to a safe and comfortable crate. Make sure you get a crate that is the appropriate size. If it’s too roomy, your pet will be tossed around during travel. But the crate needs to be large enough to be comfortable.

For travel, a crate with solid sides and handles is preferable. Also, consider where you’ll place the crate in transit, and make sure it will fit in your car or meet required criteria if using commercial transportation. Get your pet used to the crate gradually by taking them for walks and rides in the crate and leaving them secured in the crate for different durations of time.

Prepping the Home

Make the new house their home. One of the first things that should be done before bringing your pet into the new home is to make sure it’s safe for their arrival. Examine all plants, and keep poisonous plants out of reach. Identify and fix any areas that can cause them to be tangled up or that could be an escape. Ensure the space where your pet will stay is safe from debris, cleaning supplies, and other hazardous items.

Home Is Where Your Pet Is

Moving can be tough on your pet, or it can be a smooth transition. Hope for the latter but plan for the former. Help your pet adjust slowly to the house. Introduce them to the home one room at a time. Let them get acclimated to one space before moving on to the next.

Here are some things you can do to make your pet feel secure and home:

  • Have their favorite toys around.
  • Place their bed in a comfy spot.
  • Keep scents around that they are used to.
  • Give them pillows and blankets that are familiar.
  • Establish a routine early on, and be consistent with it.

With a plan in place, moving with your pet can be smooth. Prep them early on what to expect, prepare for their arrival, and help them adjust to the new environment. You and your furry friend will find new rhythms and make yourselves at home in no time. Contact ProAce for a quote today!