Moving With Your Four Legged Friends: A Guide to a Stress Free Pet Relocation

Moving is a major life event for humans, but for our pets, it can be downright confusing. Dogs and cats are highly sensitive to changes in their environment and their routine. When they see boxes piling up and furniture disappearing, their anxiety levels can spike.

Ensuring a smooth transition for your pets requires a bit of extra planning, but it makes the first few days in your new home much more pleasant for everyone involved. Here is how to manage a pet friendly move from start to finish.

Keep their routine consistent

‍The best way to keep a pet calm is to stick to their normal schedule as much as possible. Try to feed them, walk them, and play with them at the same times you always do. Even if your house is in a state of chaos, these small markers of normalcy tell your pet that they are still safe and that their world is not falling apart.

Create a safe zone on moving day

‍Moving day is the most dangerous time for a pet. With doors constantly opening and closing and strangers moving heavy equipment, it is easy for a nervous cat or dog to slip out unnoticed. Designate one quiet room, like a bathroom or a cleared out bedroom, as the pet zone. Put their bed, water bowl, and a few favorite toys inside and keep the door closed with a sign that says "Do Not Enter."

Prepare a pet essentials kit

‍Just like you have a survival box for yourself, your pet needs one too. This kit should stay with you in your personal vehicle rather than in the moving trailer. Include at least three days of food, bottled water, a leash, waste bags or a litter box, and any necessary medications. Bringing a favorite blanket that smells like your old home can also provide a sense of security during the journey.

Update their identification

‍Before you hit the road, ensure your pet’s collar has a tag with your current cell phone number. If your pet is microchipped, log into the provider's website and update your contact information to reflect your new address. It is a simple step that provides massive peace of mind during a long distance move.

Introducing the new home

‍When you arrive at the new house, do not give your pet free reign of the entire place immediately. This can be overwhelming. Instead, set up one room with all their familiar things first. Let them get used to the smells and sounds of that room before gradually allowing them to explore the rest of the house. Be patient with accidents, as even well trained pets may have a lapse in housebreaking due to the stress of a new environment.

Flexibility for your family

‍At Flex Moving and Storage, we understand that you are not just moving boxes, you are moving your entire life. Our convenient loading process means you can spend less time worrying about the truck and more time making sure your furry family members feel right at home.

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