Moving house with pets is not all plain sailing. We find moving stressful enough, our pets can find it even more so. To reduce their stress and as a result yours, here are some of our hints and top tips to moving house with pets to help make it a stress free pet move.
Before the move
Preparation is the key. If your pets require tags etc. get some new ones made up with your new details so if they do escape they can be easily reunited with you. Remember to update all your details with your vet practice and pet insurance company as well as microchip information if they have one. Make sure your pets are safely out of the way. The noise of the day and leading up to it will cause pets to be unnerved even panic. With people coming in and out of the house doors and windows often get left open. The most sensible solution is to get a friend or family member to look after them during your actual move. If this is not possible you could consider confining them to one room whilst packing is done. Put them with all their favourite toys, bedding and familiar things as this will help settle them. If they are going to be travelling in a carrier and they are not used to one leave the carrier around the house for a few days before hand so they get used to it.
Moving day itself
On moving day itself make sure they have plenty of food and water wherever you have them confined them to. Put a note on the door so people know not to let them escape to their favourite hiding spot at the end of the garden. Make sure the travelling carrier is in the room with them and you have placed a blanket and a few of their favourite goodies and toys inside. Try not to feed them too much just before travelling as it might make them ill.
Arrival at your new home
Once you have moved in pets need time to adjust as their surroundings will be strange and unfamiliar. Try and get them settled as quickly as possible showing them where their bed, toys and belongings are. Dogs and cats can be territorial animals and moving into a new home will mean they want to mark out their territory. This can sometimes lead to fights so keep an eye out. Keep cats inside the new house for 24 hours and feed them before you let them out for the first time. Check your garden and fences to ensure they are secure with no little gaps for the escape artists. And finally ensure you stick to their normal routine where possible especially when it comes to feeding, playing and taking them for a walk. And they can never have too much affection and play to help them settle in.
We hope these top tips for moving house with pets help and if you are moving house soon Clarks Removal Boxes has plenty of professional high quality packing supplies, used by our own removal men at Clarks of Amersham. Buy online today or call us on 01494 774186.