We all know that moving can be stressful, but we can’t imagine how it feels for our pets. They know something’s changing but don’t know why. So here are our 10 easy tips.

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10 tips for making your pet’s move better

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1.       Stick to the routine

As much as you can, keep them to their current routine whilst packing. It will be reassuring for them, and your time with them, whether it’s yomping with a hound, cuddling a kitty, or communing with your reptile, will be good for you as well.

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2.       Keep an eye on them

Make sure you know where they are while you pack. Check packing boxes before sealing them. Cats are notorious for loving boxes, but we’ve also heard of pet snakes getting out and curling into boxes and hamsters escaping. Some people suggest locking pets in a separate room while you’re packing things, as the disruption can upset them. You know your pet best. (My hound would find being locked in a room far more distressing than the mess of packing, for example.)

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3.       Plan in advance

Think about how you will be moving them, and who will be moving them. If you have a car full of ‘stuff’, will the terrarium really fit?  Do you have a harness to keep Bella the Boxer safe in the back, or a cat carrier for shifting Poppy the Pusscat? Making sure you have these things early on will save you issues later. Make sure that the animal’s things don’t go into general packing boxes (other than the last minute one kept specifically to move their bits). Their things are comforting to them, and will be when they arrive at your new location.

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4.       Travel sickness

If your pet travels poorly and may need sedating, speak to your vet well in advance. They may have some sedatives or good advice relevant to your pet’s breed. If you do it well in advance you have time to purchase any special gear needed for the move.

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5.       Moving arrangements

On moving day, arrange for your pet(s) to be looked after elsewhere while the move happens, to someone who can look after them properly, preferably from the night before the move to the day after. This helps avoid them getting stressed, you getting pressured by meeting their needs as well as packing, and them getting lost or bolting. Pets are also good at picking up on stress levels, so SAFELY out of the way is best for everyone.

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6.       On arrival

On arrival at your new home, set up a place for your pet to be comfortable, ideally close to where their things will ultimately be. For example, dog beds in their allocated spots, a place for food bowls, a stand to put and plug in tanks for reptiles etc.

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7.       Treats, treats and more treats

When your animal arrives back with you from its temporary accommodation, make sure its needs are met and that its made to feel special. Lots of petting, favourite foods, favourite toys – whatever makes your pet feel good will help them settle in. It’s one day! Spoiling them so that they have a positive association with their new surroundings is totally acceptable.

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8.       Getting to know the area

If you get the chance to familiarise them with their new location, take the opportunity. If your cat or dog, for example,  walks on a lead, get them used to their new adventure before you move. (Current occupants of your new home may not be quite so delighted to have your python or the parrot you’ve taught to sing a rude song repeatedly in their home, so obviously use your common sense!)

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9.       Settling in

After that initial bit of spoiling, get your pet back into their normal routine as soon as you can. It’s stability for them, and far less confusing. Take advice on how to acclimatise them, and when it’s OK to let them out.

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10.     Get a vet

Register with a new vet as soon as you can. Make sure you update any chips soonest – if your pet tries to get back to its old home, it will be easier for a finder to return them to you. Change any disk on collars that have addresses

And if you need a helping hand with moving things, easyStorage can take the stress by offering storage at fabulous prices https://book.easystorage.com/. Just call 0800 061 4091 to see how our teams may be able to help you with both storage and even sometimes with removals. They can even pack and load for you.