4 Tips for Moving With Pets

One of the most challenging aspects of household moving is making sure that your loved ones have a stress-free, easy experience during the process—and that includes your family pets! Whether you are moving to a nearby neighborhood or moving from California on a cross-country adventure, you need to ensure that your furry friends are safe throughout each stage of the relocation.

At NOR-CAL Moving Services, we know that concerns over the security of your pets during a move can make the process much more stressful, and we’re here to help take the worry off of your plate. When planning a move around the needs of your pets, there are a few tips and tricks to keeping them comfortable during your journey:

1.  Plan Ahead for Moving Day

There’s no getting around the fact that moving to a new home can be as scary and overwhelming for your pets as it can be for the human members of your family. That’s why it is essential to plan for your big day well in advance!

Contact your vet for records and any needed medications, find recommendations for a vet in your new area, and pack an overnight bag for your furry friends that contains all of the food, litter, toys, treats, and other items that they’ll need in the first few days after moving.

2.  Take Steps to Minimize Stress

The last thing that you want to do is cause more stress for your pets by having them in the middle of the action when moving day arrives. Ideally, the best place for your pets is with a trusted friend or at a kennel where they can stay far away from the stress of moving. If that’s not possible, it is wise to create a secured area for your pet in your home while you are loading the moving van where it is quiet, comfortable, and safe.

3.  Transport in Your Personal Vehicle

The back of a moving van is no place for a pet, and you will need to make arrangements to transport your pets to your new home in a personal vehicle. For cats, dogs, and other small animals, a secure cage or carrier is the best way to keep them calm during the ride to your final destination. Other pets, such as fish, require special requirements for transport. Regardless of whether you have a short drive or a multi-day journey to get to your new home, don’t forget to take plenty of breaks so your pet has a chance to move around and relieve stress!

4.  Go Slow When Adjusting to a New Home

Just like us, pets can initially feel uncomfortable in a brand-new location, so take the process slowly when introducing them to their new surroundings. It can be best to start with keeping your pet in one small set-up area of your new home until they adjust to the different sights, smells, and routines of the household. Above all, it is important to make sure that you keep a close on your pets as they get adjusted to avoid having them run away and get lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood!

While planning ahead and taking time to support and care for your pets throughout the moving process will undoubtedly make the experience easier for your furry friends, it still pays to work with an experienced mover that can help you build relocation services around your unique needs.

That level of care and expertise is exactly what you find with the local and long distance movers at NOR-CAL Moving Services, and we invite you to call or fill out our online form today to get more information on what we have to offer! During your free estimate and consultation, we can go over your concerns, budget, and specific needs to keep your pets safe during the process—guaranteeing a moving experience that is ideal for all members of your family.