Stanfield Real Estate
For many pet owners, moving day looms ahead like a task they’d rather not have to deal with. Even though moving can be exciting and may signal a positive change, it often brings a lot of stress and anxiety, for both the pet and the owner. There are so many considerations to make and details to take care of that it can all become too much if you don’t have a well-thought out plan. If you take some time to think about what your pet’s needs will be in the days leading up to the move–as well as moving day itself–you can save yourself a lot of worry and stress and keep your dog happy and safe at the same time.
Start by getting organized. If you haven’t begun the house-hunting process yet, sit down and write out all the things you want/need in a home. What are the dealbreakers for your family? Put the highest priorities at the top of the list and work your way down. Big families obviously need a lot of bedrooms, but will you also be needed an office or a playroom for the kids? Do you need to have a fenced-in backyard for the dog? Besides your needs and wants, it’s imperative to also think about what you’re willing to lay out money to fix and what is over the line. Water damage, foundational damage, and layouts that don’t work for your family’s size are all things you’ll probably want to stay away from. It sounds like a lot to think about, and it can be, but it’s one of the most important steps in buying a home. For more tips on narrowing down what you want in a house, head to Hireahelper.com, where they’ve put together a helpful list of things you won’t want to overlook when you’re touring potential homes.
Here are some more ways to keep the home-buying process smooth and easy.
Get packing
Packing up a home can be tedious and overwhelming, especially if you’ve lived in the same place for many years and have accumulated lots of belongings. Start in one room to avoid becoming stressed out and make sure you have all the packing materials nearby ahead of time. Clean as you go, and divide everything you don’t want to take to the new house into manageable piles to be donated, thrown away, or sold.
When it comes to your dog, leave his things until the last minute. Pack a separate bag or box for his food and water bowl, bedding, and toys, and make sure to leave any medication in a location that will be easy to find once you get to the new house. It might be tempting to buy him all new things, but pets are sensitive to change, and moves can throw them off balance a bit. Let him hang on to his favorite toys and bedding, at least until he’s used to his new home. For more tips on how to move your pet smoothly, check out this blog.
Do some research
Once you’ve found your dream home, it’s time to look around the neighborhood and get familiar with where any parks or other fun dog-friendly locations might be, and, if necessary, look for a new veterinarian. Do some research on local bars and restaurants to see if they allow dogs; many do nowadays.
Keep him safe
Your dog may not understand exactly what’s going on; he just knows that there’s something exciting happening and that things are changing. This can cause erratic behavior even in well-trained animals, so keep your dog calm by having him stay in a kennel or with a friend during most of the activity involved with moving. Arrange for someone to stay with him–or pet-sit–on moving day so he won’t get lost in the commotion or injured while underfoot.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your movers about your pet and let them know what breed he is and where he’ll be during the move, especially if he’s showing signs of anxiety or nervousness. Make sure they understand the rules regarding petting or getting too close. With a good plan in place, you’ll feel at ease and ready to take on this move and all that comes with it.
(Photo via Pixabay by RogerioAndrade)