Tips For Moving With Pets, and Saving Your Sanity

Moving can be stressful, and when pets are involved, the challenges multiply. Cats and dogs are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, often becoming anxious or clingy as they sense disruptions to their routine. Fortunately, with careful planning and the right strategies, you can ensure a smooth transition for both you and your furry companions. In this guide, we provide practical, pet-friendly moving tips to keep your pets calm and safe, while also helping you manage your own stress.

Preparing Your Pets for a Move

Introduce Moving Supplies Early

Begin preparing your pets for the move by gradually introducing moving materials into their space. Set out boxes and packing supplies in various rooms so your pets can become familiar with them, reducing anxiety when packing intensifies.

Create a Safe Haven

Designate one room in your home to pack last. Keeping an area untouched by the moving chaos provides a sense of stability for your pets, giving them a place to retreat when things feel overwhelming.

Update Identification and Vet Records

Before moving day, ensure your pet’s collar and tags are updated with your new address and contact information. If your pet has a microchip, update it as well. If you’re relocating to a new area, talk to your vet in advance about transferring records and obtaining any necessary medications or prescriptions.

Moving Day: Ensuring Pet Safety

Moving with a Dog

Dogs thrive on routine, and a move can be disruptive. To ease their transition, take them on a long walk before moving begins to help them expend energy. Keep their crate, bed, and toys accessible, and transport them in your vehicle where they feel secure. Upon arrival at your new home, set up their belongings in a designated room first, and take them on a walk around the new neighborhood to help them acclimate to their new environment.

Moving with a Cat

Cats are particularly sensitive to change and can become highly stressed during a move. Keep their carrier out in the weeks leading up to the move, allowing them to explore it at their own pace. On moving day, keep them in a quiet, secure space with familiar items such as their litter box and bed. At your new home, confine them to one room at first and gradually introduce them to the rest of the house.

Moving with Other Pets

For smaller or exotic pets such as birds, fish, or reptiles, extra precautions should be taken. Birds should remain in a covered cage to reduce stress, and fish should be transported in water-filled bags from their tank. Reptiles require a temperature-controlled carrier. Always research species-specific moving tips to ensure their safety.

Keep Pets in a Quiet, Secure Space

Moving day can be hectic, with doors constantly opening and closing and unfamiliar people entering your home. To prevent your pet from escaping or feeling overwhelmed, consider boarding them, leaving them with a trusted friend, or confining them to a quiet, enclosed space with food, water, and comfort items.

Pack an Essentials Bag

Prepare a pet travel bag with food, water, bedding, toys, medications, and anything else your pet may need for the first few days in the new home. This ensures their comfort while you unpack and settle in.

Transport Pets in Your Own Vehicle

Rather than putting your pet in the moving truck, transport them in your own vehicle using a secure crate or carrier. If your pet is not accustomed to car rides, practice ahead of time to make the transition smoother. If they are particularly anxious, consult your vet about possible calming solutions.

Be Extra Cautious with Special Pets

If you own fish, birds, or other non-traditional pets, research their specific moving needs. For example, fish can be transported in bags filled with water from their old tank for short moves, while birds should be kept in secured cages, possibly covered with a blanket to limit stress.

Settling Into Your New Home

Confine Pets to One Room Initially

When you arrive at your new home, resist the urge to let your pet roam freely. Instead, introduce them gradually, starting with one designated room that contains familiar items such as their bed, toys, and food dishes. Once they become comfortable, slowly expand their access to the rest of the house.

Show Them Their Essentials

Help your pet adjust by immediately showing them the location of their food and water dishes, litter box (for cats), and sleeping area. Maintaining their routine as much as possible will ease their transition.

Monitor Outdoor Exploration

For pets that go outside, take extra precautions during the first few weeks. Keep cats indoors initially to prevent them from getting lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood, and always supervise dogs in fenced areas until they’ve fully adapted to their new surroundings.

Managing Your Own Stress During the Move

Take Breaks and Prioritize Self-Care

Moving is demanding, so don’t forget to take care of yourself. Allow yourself to indulge in easy meals, take breaks to recharge, and engage in activities that help alleviate stress, such as going for a walk or listening to music.

Chew Gum to Reduce Anxiety

It may sound unusual, but studies suggest that chewing gum can decrease stress while increasing focus and productivity—an easy trick for staying calm amid the moving chaos.

Hire Professional Movers

One of the most effective ways to reduce moving stress is to hire a trusted moving company. Professional movers can handle the logistics, lifting, and transportation, allowing you to focus on settling in and keeping your pets comfortable.

Key Takeaways

✅ Introduce moving supplies early to help pets adjust.

✅ Keep pets secure in a quiet area on moving day.

✅ Transport pets in your own vehicle for safety and comfort.

✅ Gradually introduce pets to their new home, starting with one room.

✅ Take care of yourself during the move by staying relaxed and hiring professionals.

Chicago’s Premier Movers: Midway Moving & Storage

When you’re ready to move, turn to Midway Moving & Storage, Chicago’s premier moving company. Since our founding in 1987, we’ve built a reputation for excellence, serving residential and commercial clients with reliable, professional moving services. We are proud to be the Official Mover of the Chicago Cubs, and we’ve been trusted by high-profile organizations like the Chicago Board of Elections, Chicago Public Schools, and Cook County Housing Authorities.

Why Choose Midway Moving & Storage?

• Highly Trained Professionals: Our movers undergo training at our Moving Training Center in Chicago to master the latest packing and moving techniques.
• No Subcontractors or Day Laborers: Every move is handled by our certified, insured professionals—never outsourced workers.
• Local and Long-Distance Moves: Whether moving across town or across the country, we ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
• Accurate Estimates & Superior Service: We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees and top-tier customer support.

For more information or to request a custom moving quote, call (800) 659-0874