How to Move with Pets

We all know that moving is one of life’s most stressful events. And, when you move with pets, this stress can be compounded for you and for your four-legged friend.  There are some things that you can do to help your pet acclimate to a new environment, so that they stay safe and make the transition as easy as possible.

Tips when Moving with Pets

• Walk around your new neighborhood: Before you move in, you may want to walk around the new area without your pet and see if you see kids, other dogs or cats, busy streets, that might be a potential hazard for your pet.
• Pack their favorite room last: The packing up process can be extremely stressful for both cats and dogs.  It is usually helpful to keep a pet’s favorite room intact until last, so that they have a place to retreat to during the chaos that feels safe and comfortable.  Bring boxes in early so that cats and dogs can smell them and get used to them being around.
• Moving Day: When moving day arrives, keep your pets in your old home, in a room with the door closes so that they are not able to sneak out and take off.  Keep your pet’s routine (feeding, walks) as consistent as possible.
• Transporting your pet: If you are concerned about your pet having trouble riding in a car/truck/plane to get to your new home, spend time before the move acclimating your pet to a crate (if he/she is not used to one). Feed your cat/dog in the crate occasionally, put a blanket inside, and even take a short drive to see how your pet will do in a car.  Keeping your pet in a crate for transport will keep them safe.
• New Home: In your new home, plan to introduce the area slowly.  A large, new space can be overwhelming for a cat or for a dog.  You can start by setting up a room for them with things from their favorite room in your old home.  Once they get used to this new space, slowly introduce them to other rooms in the home.  If you have a cat, keep the litter box in this new “safe” space move it slowly (approximately one foot/day) to a permanent location.

Brooks Transfer & Storage - Experienced And Reliable Moving Company in VA

Brooks Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. can help you move all of your belongings to your new home, so you can focus on making the transition easier for your family and your pets. Our professional residential moving team has been serving the Hampton Roads, VA area for more than a century.  For more information or to request a quote, call us today at 800-544-1265 or 757-427-9500.