If you’ve got a residential move in your near future, you’re probably busy adding items to your to-do list faster than you can cross them off. The last thing that we want to do is contribute to any overwhelm that you might be experiencing. 

If the stress of your move has kept you from thinking about how the move will affect your pet, you need to know that there are some easy steps that you can follow to make sure the move isn’t stressful for them and that they don’t add to any stress that you’re already under.

The good news is that working with professional residential movers can bring your stress level to near-zero. When it comes to pets, most professional movers have seen it all: from spiders, snakes, and other reptiles to rodents, birds, cats, and dogs. Still, you’ll want to do what you can to make sure they can do their job efficiently while you and your pets handle your end of the deal.

Start Early, Proceed Sensibly, Finish Strong

The key to making your move a low-stress experience for you and your pets is to make them a part of the plan ahead of time and take care of important items when they fit in with other moving activities. There’s a lot to do and it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks but by thinking ahead and sliding pet related tasks in with other projects you’ll be able to manage it all.

Step #1 – Preparation and Packing

At this stage in your move, you should be dealing with things like transferring records, scheduling shut-off and turn-on services with utilities, and getting things packed up for your move. While it can be easy to procrastinate, waiting until the last minute will only add to the stress once the moving starts and your pets are no exception.

While you’re getting things lined-up for your move, be sure to spend some time on pet related items. Let your vet know that you’re moving and ask them to provide your records or forward them directly to your new vet at the other end of your move. Update the information for your pets licensing, tags, and microchips.

When you’re packing, don’t forget to set aside enough of what they need to get them through the period of time when the move will be in process. Putting together a care package with food and bowls, toys, and other essential items and keeping it close at hand will save you from hunting and digging once the move starts.

Step #2 – Loading

This can be the most stressful time for your pet. Whether working with professional movers means that you’re letting strangers into their house, or you’re simply too busy for them because you’re taking all of their stuff away, it can cause a lot of anxiety.

Do what you can to keep them separated from the action once the move begins. This might mean kenneling them or having them stay with a friend they know and trust. Or it might mean setting them up in a room where they’ll be comfortable until it’s time to load them up for transit.

If you keep your pet with you during the loading phase of them move, remember to check on them regularly. Do what you can to stick to their normal routine when it comes to feedings, walks, and other daily rituals.

Step #3 – Travel

How this looks will depend entirely on the details of your move. If you’re moving across town then it can be as simple as loading your pet into the vehicle the same way you would for a trip to the vets, groomers, or a visit with friends. If you’re move is longer it will require some additional planning on your part.

If you’re driving your personal vehicle while professional movers transport your household and the distance means that you’ll be traveling all day or for multiple days—plan ahead to make sure that you can offer your pet a smooth journey. Look for pet-friendly hotels along your route and make reservations ahead of time.

If you’re having the movers move your vehicle and traveling by plane or train to your new location, you will need to contact them to determine how you can make your pets journey as comfortable for them as possible.

Step #4 – Settling In

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, you’ll want to get things set up and begin settling in. So will your pet. Spend some time helping them get comfortable in their new environment and get them access to all of their familiar items as quickly as possible.

The good news is that the “big change” of the move can be a great way to introduce other changes that you’ve been meaning to make in their routine. Use the move as an opportunity to reinforce behavioral changes that you want to see. The fact that their new environment is separate from their old habits will help.

Get Expert Assistance with Your Move so You Have Time for Your Pets

Simonik Moving & Storage is Northern New Jersey’s top choice for residential moving and storage solutions. Call them today to learn how they can help make your move a stress-free experience for you and your pets.