Six Residential Moving Tips When Moving with Pets

Preparing for a move can be a busy and stressful time, not only for you but, also, your pets. Cats and dogs are very sensitive to changes to their routine and the household and will notice when things do not seem right or different. This can cause them to become anxious and clingier, where they’ll want to be near their pet parents all the time.

Residential Moving Tips

Here at Midway Moving & Storage, we offer the following residential moving tips to make the move less stressful for your pets.

  1. Introduce moving materials as soon as possible. Start setting out boxes and other packing materials in different rooms so your pets start to be accustomed to boxes and familiar with them.
  2. Choose a room in the home to pack last to keep some normalcy for your pet. This will provide your pet an area of the home they can escape to that feels normal and secure.
  3. Update vet records and get a collar with tags for your cat or dog. Prior to moving day, make sure your cat or dog is wearing a collar with tags updated with your new address. This way, if they should escape during the move, whoever finds them will be able to contact you.
  4. Keep pets in a quiet area on moving day. You will want to keep your pet contained in a location where they are secure and it is quiet, with food and water, along with a few of your pet’s favorite toys.
  5. Move pets in crates/carriers in your own vehicle on the day of the move. Your pets will feel more comfortable when they are transported inside a vehicle they are familiar with to their new home. If you pet is jittery or dislikes car rides, talk to your vet about getting some medicine that will help keep them calm.
  6. At the new home, keep pets in crates/carriers until things settle down. If you let your pet out right away, they will want to explore the entire home and get in the way of unloading the moving truck. Even if you lock them in a room temporarily and let them out of their crate or carrier, there is a good chance they could bolt the moment you open the door. It is better to keep them confined where they can see you and see familiar things being brought into the new home.

Moving Tips When Moving with Pets

After the movers are done unloading, and all doors are closed, let your pets out to explore their new home while you unpack. Make sure to show your pet the location of its food and water dishes and your cat its litter box.

If you are moving long distance or will be staying in a pet-friendly hotel overnight, remember to pack a bag with essentials for your pet until you arrive at your new home. For more tips on moving with pets, or to obtain a free moving quote from our Chicago movers, please feel free to call Midway Moving & Storage at 866-693-4148 today!