6 Ways to Prepare for a Move With Pets

Whether across town or several states away, preparing for a move can be stressful for families. What you may need to realize, however, is how your pets will react to the packing and process of moving also.

So, what can you do to prepare your pet (or pets) for your move? Here are some things we recommend to help you and them safely get through the experience more easily.

1. Let your pet warm up to the sight of the packing process.

Try to begin packing early and let your pets explore packing supplies and empty boxes. Then, add items to the boxes daily, starting with the things you won’t need access to until after the move. This is a way to condition your pets and get them used to the process.

Watch for signs of anxiety developing in your pet. Cat anxiety, in particular, can escalate as they are hypersensitive to changes in spaces and routines. Older dogs and guinea pigs, too, can suffer stress, so if you see this occurring, stop and spend some time with them.

2. Make a particular space for your pet.

Designate a particular space for your pet, away from all the hustle and bustle of packing and moving. Place their favorite bedding and toys here, and let these be some of the things you pack last. Then, set aside time each day with your pet in this space.

3. Try to keep your pet’s same schedule.

The days and weeks leading up to a move can be chaotic. However, do your best to maintain your best usual schedule. Feed and walk them as usual, even if you must stop in the middle of something.

4. Compile all veterinary records for each pet.

You may need to contact your current veterinarian to ensure you have all the records you need if moving far away. Determine if your pet is due any vaccinations, and take care of these now so you won’t have to rush once you move to the new location. Also, ensure you have enough prescription medications to carry you over until you find a new veterinarian.

5. Decide where your pet will stay when the moving process begins.

Seek out a quiet space or room with a door you can close, or let your pet stay with a neighbor or someone they trust on relocation day. Doing so makes your pet less likely to suffer an injury in relocating or trying to escape through an open door.

If your pet remains in your home during the move, let your movers know they are there.  Remove the things from that room before the movers arrive. Then place a note on the door to alert everyone that your pets are inside.

6. Other things to remember when preparing for a move with pets.

  • Will you need to find pet-friendly hotels along the way?
  • What pet supplies will you need access to during the move, including when traveling and arriving at the new destination? Prepare a pet essentials kit with food, treats, toys, kitty litter, disposal bags, etc.

Make Moving Easier

Knowing that your pets are safe during the initial stages of your move can give you peace of mind. Then you can focus on moving tasks when the day arrives. We can help with your move. Contact us today.

 

 

 

5 Downsizing Advantages When Relocating

Whether your children have moved away from your home or you are simply moving to a new city and have the chance to find a smaller house, downsizing can offer several benefits. For many people, downsizing is a necessary process that helps to eliminate debt and open new opportunities. Consider downsizing your home as a positive investment in your financial stability and mental well-being for a new chapter in your life.

1. Open New Opportunities

Moving to a smaller home can be a critical first step toward new opportunities. With a smaller home, people often take advantage of the city they live in more, walking to urban centers and exploring the world right in their backyards.

A smaller house requires less maintenance and daily care to keep the house in good working condition. Without a laundry list of chores, you’ll have more time to adventure and travel. As a result, downsizing can be vital to opening the world around you.

2. Lower Utility Cost

Energy costs continue to increase, and simple necessary utilities are skyrocketing. A smaller home is a great way to control energy costs and keep your monthly expenditures minimal. In addition, downsized homes usually have a smaller square footprint, making it much more affordable to heat and cool your home.

3. Eliminate Debt

No matter which way you look at it, big houses are expensive. Not only will utility bills consume a significant portion of your monthly budget, but big homes are costly to maintain and furnish. It can be easy to overspend with a large house, but a small, downsized house can help eliminate unnecessary spending.

Smaller homes cost less to furnish and may even allow you to splurge on just one or two lovely pieces of furniture. Tiny houses prevent overspending and overcharging, which can help you eliminate debt.

4. Happier Life

People who downsize to a smaller living space with their family generally end up happier. Downsizing is an important step that can boost mental well-being. A smaller living space means people spend more time with family in closer proximity. The increased family time can boost mood.

For example, smaller homes require less maintenance and are cheaper to operate. With less worry about looming projects and high utility bills month to month, you can rest assured that your daily stress will undoubtedly decrease.

5. Financial Security

Downsizing your home is an excellent option if you are searching for financial security. Selling a large house in exchange for a smaller home means you’ll likely have some profit from your home sale that can go toward other debt. Attacking residual debt is a perfect way to ensure financial security.

Plus, smaller homes usually have a more affordable mortgage and cheaper utility bills. With less money going toward bills month to month, you’ll have more to set aside for retirement. A smaller home can lead to saving opportunities, making your financial state much more comfortable.

Simplify Your Move

Downsizing is about making your day-to-day operations more simple and removing unnecessary clutter from your life. First, start the process by finding professional movers that are easy to work with. Then, contact us today for help with your move.