Moving can be a stressful time for all parties involved. You and your pets have come accustomed to your old home, and changing homes can often be a confusing time for your furry friends. Luckily, if you’ve been a part of as many moves as we have, you start to gain a few tips and tricks on how to help your pets adjust.
Preparing Your Pet For a Move
I’m sure you are sick of packing at the moment, but unfortunately, the first step in ensuring a smooth transition for your pet is to prepare a travel bag. Depending on what pet you have, this can include food, water, toys, medication, grooming supplies, litter, and a litter box. If possible, try to bring supplies your pet regularly uses to have some familiar objects.
Before you relocate, it is important to speak with your veterinarian so that they can fill any prescriptions your pet may need and give you records for your new veterinarian. While you don’t necessarily need to identify your new veterinarian before moving, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with vets and veterinary hospitals in the area.
What to Do with Your Pet During the Move
When the move starts, it is essential to try and keep your pet away from the hustle and bustle of loading boxes. Your pet can feel overwhelmed by all of the action, especially if you have movers entering your home. Try to find a quiet room as far away from the front door as possible and give your pet plenty of food and water. You will undoubtedly be very busy on moving day, but try your best to stick to the normal walking and feeding schedules. Keeping a schedule will give them some sense of familiarity and routine in their lives.
Making the Move
Whether you are driving or flying to your new destination, keep your pet with you. Have your packed pet bag handy and place this in a carrier on an open seat. For some more anxious pets, covering the pet carrier with a blanket can reduce the stress of changing scenery for your animal.
Entering Your New Home
When you’ve arrived at your new house, make sure not to open the carrier until you’ve entered the home. Try to find a nice quiet room that you can place your pet in for a few days until they’ve adjusted to the new sounds and smells. Ensure that this room is fully stocked with food, water, and a litter box if needed. Slowly introducing a pet to new rooms can prevent them from feeling overwhelmed by the move. Make sure to give your pet plenty of exercise and attention as you usually would do.
Final Steps
Once you and your furry friend have settled in, ask friends, family, and neighbors if they know any good veterinarians in the area. Update any information on their collar or microchip to ensure they can be accurately returned if lost.
Take the Stress Out of Moving
If you are moving to or from the Atlanta, Georgia area, we recommend contacting the expert movers at Pack It Up Moving and Storage. We offer moving and packing services in the Atlanta area with additional services, such as small business third-party logistics (3PL) warehousing and shipping services in the Atlanta, Georgia market. For the best residential movers in Atlanta, contact Pack It Up Moving and Storage today.