Moving can be stressful for the entire family. It involves packing up your lives and bringing them somewhere else. Adding pets into the equation can make it even harder. These four tips can help reduce stress on your furry family members and therefore make the entire move easier.
Car Rides
Get your pets used to the car before moving day. A new location will be uncomfortable enough for them so minimizing travel stress can make all the difference. Plus, it will make your commute that much easier if your pets are doing okay. Many animals think they’re going to the vet whenever they get in the car. Take them on trips they may enjoy such as a local pet store to get a new toy or some treats. Give them treats while they ride so they make a positive association. Try to make the whole experience positive for a smoother move.
Moving Company
Minimizing trips between the old house and new can help keep your pets calm. Even if they aren’t going back and forth, they’ll notice you coming and going more frequently. They’ll also notice the changes and lack of personal items in the house. This can become a stressor for your animals. By hiring a moving company, you only have to keep immediate essentials on hand. By having to travel with fewer items yourself, you should only have to make a trip or two which shouldn’t cause as much alarm and undue stress.
Comfort Items
Know your pets’ comfort items. Whether they have a special blanket or a toy that they like to hold onto, having that on hand at all times can help reduce stress. With most of their items and yours gone, having that comfort item to snuggle up with naps can make a huge difference. Let them keep the item right up until it’s time to go and keep it nearby for the ride.
Personal Space
If possible, have your pets’ stuff already set up in the new house. While you may want to prioritize setting up yourself first, having your pets’ items move-in ready can make the move stress-free for them. Things may not quite be the same, but they will seem familiar and increase comfort.
A move doesn’t have to be difficult for you or your fur babies. Follow these four simple suggestions to make the transition stress-free for your pets. This should make it easier for your entire family to settle into the new place comfortably.
