Moving home with pets? Access Self Storage is here to help with some top tips on how to get the best out of your move.
They say that a home is not complete without a pet. But, when it comes to moving home with pets in tow, it can throw a whole load of extra stress into the mix. Moving home is also as much of a life changing experience for our pets as it is for us, so it’s essential that we plan our moves right to keep them feeling safe and settled.
Our team of experts from Access Self Storage has compiled a list of their top tips to help people moving house with pets ensure that the process goes smoothly.
Animals can get nervous from the first sight of a suitcase or packing boxes. To reduce their stress levels (and yours), make an extra effort to organise your move in a relaxed manner and try to spread the packing out over several weeks. A calm approach will show your cherished companion that their regular routine isn’t being too disrupted and that you’re not about to run away and leave them!
If you’re moving to a new area and require a new veterinary practice, it’s important that you get your pets signed up as soon as possible. This is as essential as us humans signing up to a new GP or dentist. Don’t forget to transfer their current records from their previous practice.
If you’re moving home with your canine friend, take a look at our top tips for moving home with a dog!
New surroundings can make our pets anxious and they may even try to run away. Be sure that they wear a collar with a name, address and contact number in case they do manage to escape. If you haven’t already done so, it’s also worth getting your pets microchipped. When moving home with a dog or cat, be sure to ask your vet to update the address associated with the chip – this could make all the difference if they get itchy feet!
Before the real chaos begins, take some time to consider your new home from the perspective of its new furry resident. Will there be enough space for your pet to relax? Moving from a smaller place to a larger one – or vice versa – can cause stress. A pet accustomed to closed spaces, for example, may experience heightened stress in an environment where they feel exposed.
If there is a garden, is it risk-free and appropriately fenced? If you are moving to an apartment, are there any pet-related regulations to be aware of? Are there any potential hazards inside the house, and how would you be able to remove them?
Take a look at our top tips for moving house with a cat!
If possible, have your four-legged friend visit your new home before moving day and allow them to roam around the area. Gradually, they will get used to their surroundings. If you’re moving house with a dog, start by taking them to their new neighbourhood, let them sniff and roam the streets and then gently guide them to your new home. This will speed up the process and allow your pet to adapt gradually and ease into the initial shock of the first few days.
Pets are amazing, social beings and are easily influenced by our own emotions. In fact, they mirror the stress levels of their owners. On the day of your move – a stressful occasion, even with proper planning – you can shield your pet from stressful situations by keeping them away from the action. Arrange a room in the new house to use as a safe place for your animals while you do the heavy lifting.
We suggest you find a quiet room and fill it with all their favourite items to help them feel at home. Recreating their home environment with objects they have come to love will help them relax and ease through this critical phase.
If you’re moving house with a dog, remember that a tired dog generally stresses less, so allow for as much play time as possible during the move. If you’re moving cats to a new home, remember that they tend to hide when confronted by new things, so make sure they have somewhere safe to go, like a bedroom or wardrobe.
Need some advice on how to pet proof your home? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at our top tips on how to cat proof your home or puppy proof your new property.
Pets truly are creatures of habit. When they are used to the same things happening at the same time every day, change can be a tricky thing to navigate. Maintaining their routine is more important than ever in a time when everything around them is changing. Having a strict schedule communicates to them that everything is alright, even though unexplained changes are happening all around them. Sticking to your dog’s regular walking and feeding times, for example, will help them feel grounded and protected.
You will need time to settle in, and the same goes for your pets. Don’t expect them to return to their usual self in a matter of hours – the adaptation process can sometimes take weeks. Try and recreate their living area so it’s as similar as possible to their previous surroundings. Using things like a pillow or blankets that smell like your old home to help calm your pets.
If you’re moving house with pets, Access Self Storage is here to help! From our packing material range to helping you transport everything safely from A to B, and our secure storage units that provide peace of mind, we’ll do everything we can to improve your move.
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