Moving With Pets? Avoid These Mistakes!
The moving process is often a stressor in many people’s lives. This rings especially true for relocations involving pets. From deciding what to bring with you and packing to loading the moving truck and unpacking, relocations encompass many different moving parts and a significant amount of planning. Adding one or more pets into the mix requires even more preparation for those moving. If you’re planning a move with a cat, dog, or another type of pet, there are a few simple ways to help make your relocation as smooth and simple as possible. Follow these tips from UF Mover Guys on what to avoid while moving furry friends.
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Packing Up All Your Pet Supplies
Oftentimes, pet parents will be so caught up in the moving process that they will inevitably forget to leave some important pet essentials unpacked. During the packing process, be sure to pack an overnight bag that includes everything your pet might need during the move (such as food, a water bowl, medicine, litter boxes, waste bags, and a few of your pet’s favorite toys). What you use (whether it’s a box, bag, suitcase, or storage tote) to store your pet’s essentials is less important than where you put the overnight bag. Ensuring the bag is easily and quickly accessible is key to helping your move run smoothly. You don’t necessarily know how long it will take to unpack your belongings, so having your pet’s essentials nearby is crucial to ensuring they are comfortable throughout the move.
Losing Track Of Your Pet
Moving from one place to another involves a significant amount of action. There are usually several people entering and exiting the old home, moving and loading boxes. The presence of unknown individuals in their space and all the noise involved with moving can be troublesome for many pets, not to mention pets may be lost in all the hustle and bustle of the move. When relocating with pets, be sure to put them somewhere safe, secure, and quiet, such as a kennel or enclosed in a bedroom. Better yet, boarding your pets with professionals for the duration of the move might help them feel more comfortable, and you feel a bit less stressed out.
Forgetting To Update Pet Information
It’s always important to keep your pet’s health and registration information up-to-date, especially during a move. The stress of moving can cause stress in pets and possibly cause them to act in unpredictable ways. Even the best-behaved pets or the most obedient pets can become triggered by the chaos and unfamiliarity of a relocation. As a protective measure, we recommend getting tags made with your new home address on them and putting them on your pet’s collar prior to moving day. If your pet is microchipped, be sure to update your address to your new one. Additionally, keep a current copy of your pet’s health information on hand.
Letting Your Pets Loose Upon Arrival
When you arrive at your new place, you’ll probably feel excited and want to allow your pet to explore right away. However, this might not be the best idea. You can’t be sure of what’s left behind by previous residents; there could be hazardous pest control devices or poison hidden throughout the home. There could also be unlocked entrances and escape routes. Before letting your pets loose in your new place, check under the beds, behind appliances, inside cabinets, and in other hidden-away spaces to ensure pets will be secure once freed. Also, avoid letting pets roam freely outside your home right away, as pets must become adjusted to their new surroundings. Give them some time to settle in before taking the risk of letting them explore the outdoors.
