How to Move With Pets
For years, Big Apple residents have relied on U.Santini Moving & Storage to provide expert advice and seamless moving services as they relocate across metropolitan New York City, NY. Moving with pets can present unique challenges, as the process is often stressful for pets and their owners. The commotion of packing boxes and moving furniture can unsettle dogs and cats, leaving them anxious in an already unfamiliar situation. Navigating the logistics of a move while ensuring your furry friend remains safe and calm can feel overwhelming. At U.Santini Moving & Storage, we understand how significant this undertaking is and are here to help. Our team offers practical pet relocation tips to reduce stress, ensuring your four-legged family members have a smooth transition to their new home.
Helpful Advice to Make Moving With Pets Easier
At U.Santini Moving & Storage, we go beyond simply packing, loading, and transporting your belongings. With decades of expertise, our team is committed to providing invaluable insights into various aspects of the moving process, whether you’re relocating across town or embarking on a long-distance move. We understand that moving is more than just logistics — it’s a life transition. That’s why we share practical tips and guidance to make each step of your journey easier, including ensuring the comfort and safety of your pets. Below, we’ve outlined several helpful tips to make your next move smoother for you and your furry companions.
Acclimate Your Pets to Moving Boxes & Packing Supplies
Pets often find packing supplies irresistible — who can blame them for loving a good empty box or some crinkly tissue paper? To help your furry friends adjust to the sight of boxes, it’s a good idea to start packing early. If you have the space, begin collecting boxes a few weeks before your move. Pack away items you don’t use often and leave the boxes open for a while. Your pets may be curious at first, but over time, the boxes will just blend into the background. Getting them used to the boxes ahead of time can minimize stress and prevent those last-minute box battles as moving day approaches.
Keep Your Routine the Same Before Moving With Animals
Pets, especially dogs and cats, thrive on routines. When your daily schedule changes, their stress levels can increase. It might be tempting to put your pet’s routine on the back burner while you’re busy packing or tackling your to-do list, but sticking to their regular habits can make a big difference. In the weeks leading up to your move (and on moving day, if possible), try to maintain their usual feeding times, prioritize walks or play sessions, and give them plenty of attention and reassurance. A little effort now can help ensure a calmer, happier pet during the transition.
Give Your Pet a Safe, Comfortable Space While Preparing
Moving can quickly turn your home into chaos, with boxes, clothes, and disassembled furniture everywhere. Amid the mess, it’s important to create a calm, secure space for your pet. Whether it’s a quiet room, a cozy corner, or even an empty closet, giving them a spot to retreat to can help ease their stress. For cats and dogs, consider placing them in a room with a closed door during move-in and move-out to prevent escapes, especially with doors frequently left open. Keeping your pet safe and comfortable ensures a smoother transition for you and your furry friend.
Contact Your Veterinarian for Help
Veterinarians are experts at helping four-legged family members handle stressful situations — after all, vet visits aren’t exactly a favorite activity for most animals. They’re an excellent resource for advice on keeping your pet calm and managing anxiety. Scheduling an appointment with your vet a few weeks before your move can help you tackle multiple tasks at once. You can confirm vaccinations are up to date, check your pet’s overall health, refill prescriptions, discuss ways to reduce stress or explore calming supplements, request a copy of their medical records, and even ask for recommendations for a new vet in your new location.
Have an Emergency Moving Bag for Your Pet
Make moving easier for you and your pet by keeping all their essentials readily available. Start with water bowls, their favorite toys, a cozy blanket, food, treats, and kitty litter. It’s also a good idea to have some paper towels and plastic bags handy for any surprise messes along the way.
Make Your New Home Pet-Proof Before Moving In
Moving to a new space can present hidden dangers for your pet. Dogs, in particular, tend to chew when they feel stressed or uneasy. To prevent them from gnawing on items like shoes or electrical cords, make sure they have plenty of appropriate chew toys to keep them occupied. Here are some more helpful ways to make your new home safer for your furry friend:
- Lock all doors, windows, gates, and screens securely.
- If you have a balcony, ensure your pet can’t slip through or jump over the railing.
- Inspect outdoor fences for any gaps or weak spots that could let your pet escape.
- Confirm all vents are covered to prevent access.
- Keep toilet lids closed to avoid accidents or prevent pets from drinking water with potential chemicals.
- Look out for pest traps or poison that might have been left behind.
- Some plants are toxic to pets, so check your yard and either remove or block access to harmful ones.
- Be thorough! Items like mothballs, fire starters, and exposed cords can also pose a danger to your pet.
Contact U.Santini Moving & Storage Today to Start Planning
U.Santini Moving & Storage looks forward to helping you and your pets move into a new home in metropolitan NYC and elsewhere. After reviewing our tips for moving with pets, you have a better understanding of how to make pet moving less stressful for yourself and your furry family members. Reach out to us today to discuss your next move and arrange a date and time.