Moving can be an exhilarating experience marked by a road trip. Whether you are moving across town or the country, preparing for those few days between loading the truck at one home and unpacking at the new house is important. This transition is especially important if you are moving with pets. Animals don’t understand a move. Some are excited to be on an adventure with you, and some are nervous about the change, but all lovable family pets need someone to pack their things and keep them safe during the move.

Robb & Messer Moving and Storage has helped many people and their pets with successful moves. If you need help with how to help your pets through the moving process, we’re here to share a few helpful tips for moving with pets. 

Preparing Ahead of Time 

Think about what your pet will need during a move. Pets usually have only a few personal items, which will likely travel with you and your pet instead of going into the truck. This way, your pet is surrounded by familiar items during this time of transition. When their items are placed in the new house, it will assure them that the new place is “home.”

If your pet is nervous or has a strong sense of territory, it can also help to do some pre-move training together. Cats should be fed and snuggled in their carriers to make the carriers feel at home. Dogs may benefit from practice car rides. For longer distances, harness and leash training can make rest stops a safer experience for all pets.

Packing Their Items First

When moving, it’s customary to pack some luggage for each family member. This usually includes toiletries, medication, a few changes of clothes, and personal device chargers. Don’t forget to pack a go-bag for your pets, as well. Prepare your pet’s bed or favorite carrier in the car. Pack them a bag of their favorite toys, a few days’ worth of pet food, and bowls for food and water on the road.

Set this bag aside so that it’s easily accessible when you drive to the new house, and make sure it doesn’t get loaded into the truck – or the trunk.

Keeping Your Pet Comfortable on Moving Day

On a moving day, manage your pet’s exposure to movers and change. Often, the smart option is to keep your pets confined to a closed room with their bed, food, and toys until it’s time to load the car. For energetic dogs, tiring play in the backyard can help to make the car ride more comfortable. 

When it comes time to load up, remain calm and comforting. If you have family members in the car with you, assign one person to soothe the pets in the back seat so the driver can focus. Cats should travel in carriers they have become familiar and happy with. Dogs should have their bed secured in the back, with or without a crate, depending on how well your dog handles car rides.

For long-distance moves, remember to book pet-friendly hotels and to stop at rest stops several times a day for leashed exercise, snacks, and potty breaks. As long as you are comforting and happy with your pet, they will be comfortable on moving day.

Making the Right Choice When You’re Moving

If you are moving with pets, it’s important to work with movers who love animals and understand moving day pet safety. At Robb & Messer Moving and Storage, our teams know how to avoid being alarming to nervous pets and will respect designated enclosed spaces on moving day that keep your pets safe. While we will not be moving with your family pets, we know how important it is to treat pets with care during a move.

Contact us today to coordinate your moving plans and consult on the best ways to plan a move when there are pets in the house.

 

Image Credit: Irina Gutyryak/ Shutterstock