By Sarah Macklin 
Buying a new home is a really exciting time, but unfortunately, the same can’t be said for your pets.
Our pets enjoy a stable, relaxed environment, so when it comes to moving home, they can experience stress and anxiety, even prior to moving day. They begin to feel unease when you start getting your belongings out of wardrobes, packing boxes and moving furniture, unsure of the changes that are happening and why. Then moving day itself can be particularly stressful – they’re leaving an environment where they feel safe and secure and going somewhere totally new with unusual smells.
More than half a million UK pet owners have moved house in the last year, and the process can be challenging for both you and your pet. But, it doesn’t always have to be, and there are things you can do to make it a little easier.
With this in mind, Vlatka Lake, a storage expert from Space Station reveals her top tips for moving home with a pet, whether it be a cat, dog, guinea pig, snake or other!
Tip 1: Prep in advance
Preparation is key, so you should start paying close attention to your pets in the days leading up to the move. Have a think about what could make them more relaxed, or give them plenty of attention while you’re packing so they don’t feel nervous about what’s happening.
It might even help to arrange for your pet to visit your new home before the big day. Arranging this with cats could be tricky, but it would be easy to take your dog on their lead to have a good sniff around the new property while it’s empty.
Vlatka adds: “Animals notice change, so bear this in mind when beginning to pack up your home. A good way to help ease their stress is by staggering your packing over a number of days or even weeks if possible.”
Tip 2: Organise safe travel
When travelling with any pet, be it a cat, dog, hamster or something else, safety is a necessity. If your pet is making the journey with you to your new home, make sure that they are safe while travelling in the car. This will not only protect them but also you and other passengers should there be an accident.
Dogs need to be harnessed or strapped in instead of allowed to roam loose in the car, and cats should be in carriers that are strapped in properly.
Vlatka says: “Always remember to buckle your pets in before driving to your new home. If you have a long journey ahead, plan to make regular stops so that your pet has the option to drink some water and stretch their legs. If your planned moving day is during a heatwave, make sure that your vehicle is well ventilated and never leave your pet inside a hot car.”
Tip 3: Consider where they will go on moving day
If you’re moving house within your local area, it may be possible to get your pets out of the way altogether on the day of the move. This can not only reduce their stress, but yours too. Trying to navigate boxes and removal vehicles with a cat or dog in tow can be really difficult. Therefore, if possible, think about where they can go for the day while all the heavy lifting is going on. A kennels/cattery, friend or family member or pet daycare are just a few examples.
If you really want to make moving with a pet easier, you could have them stay away for a few days. This will give you chance to pack up any final items in the old property, move and then start to get things organised in your new home.
Once you do bring them home to the new property, there is different advice for what to do next, depending on whether you have a cat or dog.
Cats tend to feel safer in one small, enclosed space. If there’s a spot for them to hide, such as under a bed, that’s even better. It may be good to keep them in this room and then eventually let them out to explore on their own terms and when they feel happy to do so.
For dogs, this approach could actually make them feel more anxious. They generally don’t like being left alone in a strange space and would likely be more comfortable when close to you. Therefore, try to ensure they’re with you as you’re unpacking in your new home and give them plenty of attention. You might even want to take them on a tour of the house with you, so they can explore each room in your company.
Tip 4: Give them time
As you begin to settle into your new abode, it’s important to give your pet time to adjust to their surroundings. Most pets will settle within the first few days, but others may take longer to adjust. To help your pet feel comfortable and safe, set up their old bed, toys and any other familiar items first.
Vlatka explains: “Some pets can be territorial, especially cats and dogs, so changes like these can be difficult for them. If you’re able to, try sticking to a routine that is similar to the one you had in your previous home, such as similar walk and feeding times, as this will help them to get settled. If you own a cat, they need to be kept inside the new home for the few weeks so that they become accustomed to the new space. When they are ready to go out and explore, make sure that they are microchipped in case they get lost.”
“It’s easy to forget the level of impact moving home can have on your pet, but they rely heavily on routine and their familiar surroundings. By following these handy tips, hopefully you can help to ease your furry friends into their new home in a comfortable and safe way.”
