What to Do When Moving With Pets - Tips for Packing and Traveling

Moving to a new home is always a mixture of excitement and stress, but when you add pets to the equation, things can get a little more complicated.

Our furry, feathered, or scaly friends don’t understand what’s happening, and the upheaval can be quite stressful for them. From the initial packing frenzy to the moment you arrive at your new place, every step can feel overwhelming when you have a pet in tow.

But don’t worry—with a bit of preparation and some expert tips from packing companies, you can ensure a smooth and safe move for your beloved pet. Here's a detailed guide to help you pack and travel with your pets during a move.

Start with a pet-friendly moving plan

Moving with pets calls for more than a last-minute veterinary visit. It's all about organising and making sure your little friend has their needs met at all phases. Make a pet-friendly relocation schedule with a chronology of chores, including updating the microchip data, safeguarding their medical documents, and arranging a check-up.

Think through the move's logistics: How will your pet travel? Will they be using a transport service, in a car, or on a plane? Early knowledge of these specifics helps you to decide what to do and communicate with your moving services for any possible extra lodging. Even with bedding, toys, and food, a reputable packing firm can assist you with the best approaches to packing and moving your pet's belongings.

Get your pet accustomed to the moving supplies

Pets are creatures of habit–hence, their reaction to the unexpected arrival of boxes, tape, and packing materials can be rather sensitive. Start using moving items a few weeks ahead to help with stress. Allow your pet to investigate some boxes around the house so they become used to their presence.

Throughout this period, try to maintain your pet's daily schedule as normal as possible. Keep their bed in the same location, feed them at the customary times, and preserve their playtimes. Your pet will feel more comfortable if you aid in slowing down abrupt changes.

Many moving companies advise this phase to help animals remain calm and stop any anxiety-related habits, including hiding or too frequent barking.

Pack your pet’s essentials separately

You would pack a "essentials" box for yourself, and your pet will require one as well. Everything your pet requires in the days before and following the move should be contained in one box. Consider it your pet's overnight bag: food, bowls, meds, preferred toys, a cosy blanket, and any grooming items.

Don't put this box in the moving truck; instead, properly label it and carry it with you throughout the move. The last thing you want to do is go through stacked boxes, looking for your pet's favourite toy or medication. Many moving companies suggest keeping this box within easy reach since your pet may feel more at ease in unfamiliar situations if they have familiar items around.

Ensure your pet’s carrier or crate is comfortable

Make sure your pet will be happy in a crate or carrier and that it is the correct size well before moving day. Nestle a familiar toy inside and line it with a nice blanket smelling like home. Leave the crate open in a room where your pet spends a lot of time so they may come in and leave freely.

Practise short trips inside the carrier with your pet, especially if they are not accustomed to it, to help them get acclimated to it. Particularly dependent on this are cats, bunnies, and small animals that might not be used for travel.

The carrier should feel like a safe place, not as a trap. Certain packing firms even have pet transportation containers and can offer guidance on how best to acclimatise your pet to these new circumstances.

Manage packing day stress

Usually chaotic, packing day brings lots of bustle, loud noises, and people coming in and out. Pets can find this quite stressful–hence, it is advisable to put them in a calm, safe room far from the noise. Make sure the door is closed and post a sign alerting movers not to enter.

Arrange familiar objects—their bed, toys, food, and water—into a peaceful setting. If your pet is especially nervous, think about asking your veterinarian about calming sprays or treats meant to help with anxiety.

Alternatively, you could choose temporary boarding for the day with a pet daycare company, friend, or relative. Certain packing firms even provide pet-friendly moving kits to make sure your pet's needs are taken into account throughout the process.

Traveling with your pet

Plan your road vacation around the demands of your pet. Make sure there is a safe space in the car if you are driving. To guard against mishaps, secure your pet in a carrier or with a pet seat belt. Plan frequent stops for lengthier travels so your pet may stretch, feed, and use their toilet.

If you are flying, well in advance study the pet policy of the airline. Different airlines have different policies; you may require particular documentation or different kinds of carriers. If at all feasible, schedule a direct flight to help your pet stay stress-free.

Set up a safe space in your new home

Setting up a safe area for your pet should be your first concern when you get to your new house. Select a quiet room so you may arrange their basics and establish a pleasant surrounding. To help them feel at home, arrange their toys, bed, and food bowls.

Let your pet investigate the new area at their own speed. Initially, close windows and doors to stop escapes, particularly if you have cats who might want to leave in reaction to the new surroundings.

Keep your pet in one room until they look comfortable if they are especially anxious. Then, progressively, let them roam the rest of the house.

Maintain routines and be patient

Pets depend on routine, so shifting can disturb their sense of normalcy. Maintaining feeding, walking, and playtime routines should be your top priority. Keep an eye out for any signs of stress or discomfort in your pet; hunger shifts, increased hiding, or excessive vocalisation are all signs of trouble adjusting.

Go slowly and reassure them plenty. Pets may take time to adjust to new surroundings, but with lots of love, patience, and a little bit of routine, they will begin to feel at home. To enable pets to adjust more quickly, moving companies sometimes counsel pet owners to keep things as consistent as possible during the unpacking process.

Keep your pet’s health in mind

As soon as you can, change the microchip and ID tags on your pet to match your new address and contact details. Research nearby vets and register your pet with one right away if you have relocated to a new state or city. Should any health problems surface during the changeover, a go-to veterinarian is absolutely vital.

Additionally, be alert for any symptoms of stress-related diseases, like strange behaviour or digestive issues. See your veterinarian if anything looks amiss.

Removal firms that provide pet-friendly relocation services can often suggest reliable local vets or pet care facilities in your new location, therefore facilitating a more seamless change.

Consider professional packing services for stress reduction

Moving is, after all, a lot of effort, and juggling packing, travel, and pet care may be difficult. Here is where expert packing services can really transform things. These businesses take care of everything from meticulously packing your stuff—including that of your pet—to making sure everything gets to your new house without incident.

Using a packing company lets you concentrate less on the practicalities of the relocation and more on the requirements of your pet. This is a good deal that will assist in relieving some of the pressure and guarantee a more seamless, less demanding travel for your pet and you.

Final thoughts on moving with pets

Moving can be a challenging experience, even if you have pets.

You will be able to ensure that your furry companions experience the most positive move possible if you take the time to carefully prepare, have patience, and possibly seek assistance from a professional packing company.

By placing a high priority on the comfort and safety of your pet, you may increase the likelihood that they will soon be curled up in their preferred place in your new home, ready to begin this next chapter right alongside you.