Moving is hard enough for humans, but for those of us who have pets, it can be an especially trying time for them, too.
Pet owners know they become important members of the family instantly, and making moving day a positive experience for them is an important thing to consider as you transport your life from one house to the next. This can alleviate some anxiety they might be feeling, and it can help them settle in quicker at the new home!
“It’s one of those things that with all the stresses of moving and making sure everything is in place and ready to go, people seem to forget about their pets,” said Paul Edwards, the operations manager for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Des Moines, Iowa location. “A lot of people have put their pets in a certain room and then instructed the movers not to go into that room/area. This may work in some cases but can cause your pet extra stress and anxiety.”
A quick and easy tip for all pet owners is to try and have them somewhere else on the day of the move so they aren’t overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of your belongings being moved out of the house.
Below, we’ve put together a few tips for specific pets to help you get them moved safely to your new home!
Moving With Dogs
A big step when moving with dogs is making sure your dog is microchipped and has proper, up-to-date tags on their collar before the move happens. As we mentioned above, it’s probably a good idea to take your dog to a friend’s house or a dog daycare while the move is happening, as it can be an overwhelming time for them.
When arriving at your new home, try to keep a few items ready that are very familiar to them, like toys, blankets, or pillows, so they’re able to identify the smell and calm down. It never hurts to have a few treats on hand, too, especially as they’re exploring the new space.
Moving With Cats
Everyone knows cats have a mind of their own and strong personalities, and they definitely will not want to be around the commotion of a home move.
If you have a quiet room or area, you can put them during the move, it’s highly recommended to do so. If you can take them somewhere else like a friend or family member’s house, that works, too.
At the new house, it’s best to put your cat in a quiet space or room with some of their toys and litter boxes so they can adapt at their own pace to the new surroundings.
Moving With Fish
If you own fish, you’ll want to make sure they’re placed in bags with a mix of clean water from their aquarium and new water. Tie the bag with rubber bands to close it tight, and place it in a dark, insulated cooler.
Once you’re at the new home, get the tank set up and let it filter for a few hours before placing the fish back inside.
Moving With Small Pets
For guinea pigs, hamsters, or gerbils, you’ll want to make sure their cage is cleaned before the move takes place. On moving day, get food, water, and their items inside the cage to keep them comfortable.
Keep them out of direct sunlight or cold drafts during the moving process.
Please note: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK does not transport animals during the moving process. Before you move, please have a plan in place for how they’ll get to the new home.
For more moving tips, click here!
