Moving into a new home can be stressful and exciting. There are so many decisions to make and tasks that need to be completed to prepare for moving day. If you don’t hire a professional moving company, moving boxes and furniture can last for days.

If you have pets, don’t forget about them. Moving can be just as stressful for them. While dogs can tolerate it better than cats, there’s no way to avoid the stress for either of them. However, there are things you can do before, during, and after the move that can help keep your fury friends safe and calm.

BEFORE THE MOVE

👉🏼Get Your Dog Used to Moving Supplies

In the few weeks before you move, start to desensitize your dog to the sight of moving boxes and other moving supplies (like the sound of packing tape).

As your dog gets used to the presence of the boxes, you can start opening them up and moving them around the home. Your goal here is to make these moving supplies a positive, or at least a neutral thing in your dog's mind. 

👉🏼 Take Your Dog for Walks in Your New Neighborhood

Obviously, if you're moving far away from your current home this step isn't possible. But if you're moving somewhere that's easy for you to get to on a regular basis, such as across town or even just down the road, it's helpful to introduce your dog to that neighborhood ahead of time.

THE DAY OF THE MOVE

👉🏼 Keep your pets secluded.

While you’re probably excited to let them explore your new home, it’s best to keep them in a secluded place for a few days. 

👉🏼Take a Long Walk to Your New Home

When you arrive at your new home, give your dog a long walk that ends at the new place. Not only does this burn some physical energy but it also creates a nice journey together for you that ends at your new home. Allow your dog to take in all the new smells of the neighborhood during this walk to familiarize themselves with their new outdoor environment.

👉🏼In with the new and out with the old.

While getting new furniture and other new items may be the plan for your new home, don’t get rid of everything. Keep some items that your pets are familiar with. While our cat’s favorite chair is no longer in our living room, we did keep it for him. It’s just in a different location. Having familiar items around can reduce your pets’ stress.

👉🏼 Update their records.

If your pets have microchips, make sure you update their information. This never crossed my mind until a friend mentioned it. If they’re not microchipped, buy them some new tags.

No matter what type of pets your family has, moving can be stressful. Obviously, you know your pets’ personalities better than others. Use that knowledge to make them comfortable. 

A Few of my Obsessions

Moving into a new home can be stressful and exciting. There are so many decisions to make and tasks that need to be completed to prepare for moving day. If you don’t hire a professional moving company, moving boxes and furniture can last for days.

If you have pets, don’t forget about them. Moving can be just as stressful for them. While dogs can tolerate it better than cats, there’s no way to avoid the stress for either of them. However, there are things you can do before, during, and after the move that can help keep your fury friends safe and calm.

BEFORE THE MOVE

👉🏼Get Your Dog Used to Moving Supplies

In the few weeks before you move, start to desensitize your dog to the sight of moving boxes and other moving supplies (like the sound of packing tape).

As your dog gets used to the presence of the boxes, you can start opening them up and moving them around the home. Your goal here is to make these moving supplies a positive, or at least a neutral thing in your dog's mind. 

👉🏼 Take Your Dog for Walks in Your New Neighborhood

Obviously, if you're moving far away from your current home this step isn't possible. But if you're moving somewhere that's easy for you to get to on a regular basis, such as across town or even just down the road, it's helpful to introduce your dog to that neighborhood ahead of time.

THE DAY OF THE MOVE

👉🏼 Keep your pets secluded.

While you’re probably excited to let them explore your new home, it’s best to keep them in a secluded place for a few days. 

👉🏼Take a Long Walk to Your New Home

When you arrive at your new home, give your dog a long walk that ends at the new place. Not only does this burn some physical energy but it also creates a nice journey together for you that ends at your new home. Allow your dog to take in all the new smells of the neighborhood during this walk to familiarize themselves with their new outdoor environment.

👉🏼In with the new and out with the old.

While getting new furniture and other new items may be the plan for your new home, don’t get rid of everything. Keep some items that your pets are familiar with. While our cat’s favorite chair is no longer in our living room, we did keep it for him. It’s just in a different location. Having familiar items around can reduce your pets’ stress.

👉🏼 Update their records.

If your pets have microchips, make sure you update their information. This never crossed my mind until a friend mentioned it. If they’re not microchipped, buy them some new tags.

No matter what type of pets your family has, moving can be stressful. Obviously, you know your pets’ personalities better than others. Use that knowledge to make them comfortable. 

01

JIF creamy peanut butter

If you're team crunchy... we need to talk, ha-ha! I am #teamcreamy all the way. You will find my pup, Oakley and I enjoying a  teaspoon of peanut butter every night.

02

03