Having a new house is always an exciting part of life – after all, you’ll have a new place to call home, a new neighborhood to familiarize yourself with, and a lifetime of new experiences for you to cherish. Of course, going back to reality, before you experience all of these you will have to make your relocation a successful endeavor. This should be a moderately challenging task, providing you’re aware of what you need to pack, what you need to prepare for, and what you need assistance with. If you have pets, however, this task can be extra challenging as there are new considerations into the mix. Don’t fret, however, as below are key relocation tips on moving long distance with pets.
Before you read the tips, though, here are some fast facts about long-distance moving. More than 50-percent of all moves actually take place in the summer, with most movers being individuals, followed by corporate, military, and other federal agencies. Naturally, the most moved items are household goods, electronics, items for exhibits, and other office equipment. If you decide to move during the summer and find your long-distance mover a bit booked, then this might be because you’ve called them in the industry’s version of a Holiday Rush.
Remember however that just because you have a pet doesn’t mean your relocation is in vain. You simply have to consider a few more factors to make sure your relocation will be just as fun an experience for your pet as it will be for you.
- Get some of your pets’ stuff and toys to your new home: Try to make sure some items familiar to them such as toys and blankets are brought to your new home. If you want to bring their respective “homes” or shelters with them, you can actually ask some companies if they offer such an accommodation. This list of cheap and affordable movers by 9kilo.com can help you get started with this.
- How will your pet travel to your new home? Try to plan this in advance, as sometimes there are a lot of options you might not be seeing as a comfortable option for your pet. This also depends on the distance you have to travel. Some pets that have gotten used to travelling in a car can opt for personal vehicles. Other pets can just fly with their owners for much faster travel time. Others can also take the trains, especially those that allow pets. Having this planned beforehand can make it easier for you to prepare.
Has your pet been vaccinated? Try to make sure your pet gets the right vaccinations right before you decide to make the move. Having a clean pet before the move is a happy pet after the move. Try to keep a recent copy of your pet’s health certificate as this may be required by some states, should you be stopped along the way. If you want to fly with your pet, check with the airline what other accommodations you need.
- Get your pet its own special bag: Even pets need tender love and care, as well as food, water, and stimulation when they’re travelling. If your pet is travelling via car, try to make sure you bring a few treats and meals for them to enjoy. For pets that will be on a flight, try to feed them beforehand. If they have to be in a carrier, leave them with a blanket of theirs or a familiar toy to help them become more relaxed.
- Try to keep your pet with you when you visit the house you’re moving to. Your pet can get used to their new home if you bring them there long enough. Try to book a place nearby and bring your pet to your new home every now and then. Try to have the pet tour around the lawn or meet the neighbors, and even perhaps get to know a few dogs. This at least helps you help them get acquainted with a their new environment much faster.
- Actually get different accommodations in the meantime: If you feel as though the moving process can be stressful to your pet – especially if they have to be with you as you unpack and fix all of your stuff – then perhaps it’s best to stay someplace else with your pet so they can relax and unwind as you or other members of the household routinely make sure things in your new home get properly organized.
The Bottomline:
It’s perhaps important to remember that when it comes to moving with pets, you have to consider slowly reacquainting themselves with a new environment to call home. This actually begins even before you move. Following the tips above would help you find better ways to condition your pet into leaving your home and getting used to their new environment, which will help at least make your relocation efforts a successful one. Happy packing!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steve Acker
Steve Acker has been writing as a frustrated novelist for the past 15 years, and he’s got into blog writing very recently thanks to the suggestion of a friend. As a contributor to sites such as 9kilo, Steve has applied his creative flair to his pieces, making them entertaining and informative at the same time. He loves reading books and talking with his friends in the nearby coffee shop if he has the time.
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