Top Tips for Moving Home with Pets

Your stress-free guide for moving house with your furry (or scaly!) friends with our guest blogger; The Home Move Planner

Moving home can be a stressful time for the whole family, including your beloved pets. Whether you have a curious cat, an energetic dog, or more exotic companions like reptiles, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure their move is as stress-free as possible.

At The Home Move Planner, we understand how much your pets mean to you, and we’re here to help make the process smoother for every member of the family – whether they walk, crawl, swim, or fly!

Cats

Cats are territorial creatures who don’t much like change, and moving can be unsettling for them.

• Prepare a Safe Space: On moving day, keep your cat in a quiet, secure room with their essentials – food, water, a litter tray, and a familiar blanket or toy with scents they recognise. Remember to be very careful of open doors as your belongs are being moved, especially if you have a house cat!
• Transport Safely: Use a secure cat carrier and place a blanket over it to minimise stress during the journey.
• Introduce Gradually: Start by confining your cat to one room with familiar items before gradually introducing them to the rest of the house. Sofas and blankets are recommended starting point.
• The Great Outdoors: It is recommended to keep your cat indoors for at least two weeks to help them adapt to their new environment before they venture out and explore.

Dogs

Dogs are social animals, but they can also find moving day overwhelming.

• Stick to Routines: Try to maintain feeding, walking, and playtime schedules to give your dog a sense of normality.
• Arrange for a Dog-Sitter: If possible, have someone look after your dog on moving day to minimise stress and keep them out of harm’s way.
• Transport Comfortably: Ensure your dog travels in a secure crate or with a harness, and take breaks if it’s a long journey. Make sure they are not stuck between any moving boxes you may have in your car to prevent any mishaps in transit!
• Explore: Once settled, take your dog on walks around the new neighbourhood to help them become familiar with the sights and smells of their new surroundings.

Fish

Moving fish requires careful planning due to their delicate nature.

• Use Proper Containers: Transfer fish into secure bags or lidded containers filled with water from their tank.
• Keep the Tank Water: Save as much of the existing tank water as possible to help maintain the established ecosystem.
• Set Up Quickly: Reassemble the tank as soon as you arrive in your new home and allow time for the water temperature to stabilise before reintroducing the fish.

Reptiles

Reptiles are sensitive to temperature and environment changes.

• Prepare a Travel Habitat: Use a secure container with ventilation and insulation to keep your reptile safe during transit.
• Monitor Temperature: Use heat packs or cooling packs if necessary to maintain the right temperature range.
• Recreate their Habitat: Set up their enclosure immediately upon arrival, ensuring that all heat sources, lighting, and substrates are in place and ready for your reptile to enjoy.

Outdoor Hutch Pets

Outdoor pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs which typically reside in hutches, are highly susceptible to stress and temperature changes.

• Temporary Shelter: Use a secure, portable carrier for the journey to your new home. It’s a good idea to line it with familiar bedding with recognizable scents to help keep them calm.
• Keep Routine: Feed and handle your pets as usual to reduce stress.
• Gradual Reintroduction: Once in the new location, ensure their outdoor hutch is in a safe, shaded area and allow them time to adjust.
• Monitor Behaviors: Watch for signs of stress, such as changes in eating or grooming habits, and consult a vet if needed.

General Tips for All Pets

• Prepare for the Unexpected: On your moving day keep bottled water and pet food with you just in case of any delays getting into your new property.
• Update your Details: Update microchip information and pet ID tags with your new address.
• Introduce Slowly: Allow pets time to explore their new surroundings at their own pace.
• Maintain Routines: Consistency is key to helping pets feel secure.
• Be Patient: Pets may take time to adjust, so provide plenty of reassurance, treats, and affection.

Moving home with pets can feel overwhelming, but with the support of The Home Move Planner, you can tackle everything with ease. Whether you need moving checklists, hands-on assistance, or just a little expert advice, we’re here to help make your move smooth and stress-free for you and your pets.

Visit www.thehomemoveplanner.co.uk to learn more about our tailored moving services. Let us take care of the details, so you and your pets can settle into your new home with peace of mind.

Clare Meldrum

The Home Move Planner

W: The Home Move Planner

E: clare@thehomemoveplanner.co.uk