What every pet owner needs to know about moving

Pet Moving Day

We all like to think of our pets as part of the family, even like our own children. And just like kids, pets get anxious and stressed out when it comes to leaving home and moving into a new place.

That’s why it’s so important to take special care of your pets so they don’t get harmed or upset during a move. Here are some things that every pet owner needs to know about making a move with their precious pet

1) Pack on overnight kit along with your own

Everyone is told to pack an overnight kit of essentials like toiletries and clothes when they’re moving. The same holds true for pets. Pack a special bag with their food, litter, and toys that will help keep them calm and relaxed when you arrive and have to unpack.

2) Put them in a kennel or with a friend

When you’re actually moving, you want to reduce the amount of stress on your pet. Do this by keeping them out of the way of the movers. Send them to a kennel for the day or have a friend watch them. This will be a lot less traumatic than having them underfoot or slipping outside during the move. When you actually take them to the new home, be sure to do so in your own car so you can make them feel comfortable.

3) Be wary of certain species or breeds

Certain animals are more susceptible to trauma during a move because they don’t deal well with change. If you have a bird, fish, a guinea pig, or a bunny, then you should spend extra time and care with transporting them so they’re not injured.

4) Take your pet’s records with you

This one is so you can have a continuous standard of care with your pet. Make sure to get all of your animals shot records and other information. It’s also a good idea if you can do some research and find a good vet in your new location before you move. Also, if your animal has tags or a microchip, be sure to get these updated with your new address and information.

5) Slowly Introduce Your Pet to Its New Home

As much as possible, get your human belongings set up in the house before your pet moves in.  (Even if it’s just one room!) Once your pet arrives  confine him / her to that section in order to adjust to the new surroundings. Give your fur baby lots of attention and love during this time, and introduce them to familiar objects like toys or blankets as soon as possible to keep the transition smooth. Give your pet some time to get adjusted – soon they will feel just as at home as you do 🙂

 

A Parent’s Essential Guide to Moving Day

Imagine this for a moment: You’re five years old and men you’ve never seen before come to your house and take away all of your belongings. Sounds like the stuff of nightmares, right? Well, many adults take moving day for granted as just something that has to be done, but for little children it can be disorienting and scary. That’s why it is important for parents to consider their young ones when it comes to planning a move. Here are 5 Essential things every parent should do before moving day.

Talk to your kids first.

Communication is always going to be key when dealing with children. Talk to your children early on about the move. Get them excited about it. Explain to them how everything will go and also emphasize this is not something to be worried or upset by. These types of reassurances will go a long way in soothing your child

Visit the new home

Another way to ease them in is to visit the new home with them. Get them interested in the house and thinking about how they can decorate their room. Also, show them around the neighborhood so they can see things that they might like to do once they move in.

Get the kids involved

If your child is actively involved in the move, then it won’t seem as scary to them. Have your child help pack up their room. If they’re too young to pack, have them decorate the boxes with their own artwork so that it looks more “fun.”

Get a babysitter

If you have young children, all of your preparation may still go out the door when they see the moving men on the day of the move. That’s why it’s a good idea to get a babysitter that day so they won’t be around to see all their stuff being taken off. Also, this is a great idea so you don’t have to worry about them getting in the way or getting hurt.

Pack a special bag

Finally, be sure to set aside a special bag for your child. This should have some of their favorite clothes, PJs, toiletries, and also their favorite toy (or toys). Be sure to pack a special stuffed animal to help them as a security blanket. This bag will help may the first night in the new home go smoothly.

And remember – kids pick up cues from mom and dad. If you are stressed out – your kids are going to be stressed out too. Stay tuned for our next blog post and find out how to keep your moving day as stress free as possible!