Month: April 2020

When you’re getting ready for your residential move, your to-do list can seem endless. Canceling utilities, working with a realtor, and setting up internet service in your new home can all take a toll. It can be hard to work through all that needs to get done before moving day. It’s normal to get caught up in finalizing plans and getting settled in your new home. 

It’s also important to remember that your pets are going through a huge adjustment, just like the human members of your family. Check out these five ways to help make the transition to a new home easier on your pet.

Give It Time

Remember, your pet is not going to become comfortable with their new home overnight. It will take some time for your furry friend to get used to their new surroundings. Some anxiety and misbehavior are to be expected. With time, they’ll get back to their regular personality.

Provide Extra Attention

It can be easy to forget about your pet’s needs when you’re trying to get everything into place in your new home, but it’s essential to spend time with them. 

Take your dog out for an extra walk, or spend a few additional minutes brushing your cat to help put them at ease. This can be hard to remember when you’re caught up in moving tasks. 

Setting a reminder on your phone can go a long way to helping you stay consistent with pet care while you’re moving. If you miss a walk or two, it’s ok. Some extra pets and snuggles can give your pet the reassurance they need.

Introduce Slowly

Giving your dog or cat access to your entire new home may seem like the right thing to do, but it can be overwhelming. Exposing your pet to small spaces at a time is a great way to help them feel comfortable and secure. 

Don’t be worried if your pet wants to be left alone. Entering a new home can be scary. It’s normal for your pet to need some time to decompress.

Ask Your Vet About Supplements

There are many calming supplements available for pets. Talk with your vet to see if there’s a natural medicine option to help your pet through the moving process. Your vet can give you information on when and how much of the medicine to give your pet.

Provide Normalcy Whenever Possible

Adjusting to a new home is a huge change for your pet. Providing as much of their old life as possible can help them to feel comfortable. 

This may mean packing a dog bed in your car instead of in the moving truck. The dog bed in the car allows your dog to lie down and feel at ease right away. Making your cat’s toys available immediately in your new home can help them feel relaxed.

Just like humans, your pets will adjust to their new home over time. If you have questions or concerns about their behavior, give your vet a call. They’ll be able to provide the help you need to ensure that your cat or dog is happy and comfortable.

Your moving date is fast approaching – it’s time to make a to-do list. Keep your list organized week by week as it gets closer to your moving day. 

There are a few reasons why this checklist approach works. You’ll feel accomplished as you check things off, encouraging you to keep going. With everything written down, it’s easier for family members to pitch in and help. And, you’re less likely to become overwhelmed when you see everything broken down in small chunks. 

Let’s dig into a to-do list as you get ready to move, starting a month out from your first day in your new home.

Four Weeks Out

Get your boxes and packing supplies. Use this time to sell or donate items you don’t need. Start with packing the things you don’t frequently use like china and seasonal items.

Contact the utility companies at both your old and new locations. You’ll need to cancel your current utilities and set up with new companies at your new address. Don’t wait until the last minute to do this. The last thing you want is to find yourself in your new home without water or electricity.

Make sure you back up your computer and other electronic devices. Accidents can happen while moving, and you don’t want a broken laptop to cause you to lose all of your files during a move.

Three Weeks Out

Start clearing out your freezer. Thaw and use meats and other items that you don’t want to move to your new home.

Set up mail forwarding with the post office. You’ll be able to have your mail forwarded to your new address for free.

Get your vehicle tuned-up. Visit the mechanic for an oil change, a brake check, and air pressure check for your tires. Do anything else that your car needs before traveling to your new home.

Two Weeks Out

Clear out any local storage – this includes dry cleaning and safe deposit boxes at the bank.

Confirm your time off with your employer. Let them know if you think you may need to leave your job sooner than you anticipated.

Take some time to shampoo your rugs. This way, they’ll arrive at your new home clean and ready to be used.

One Week Out

Pack your overnight bag with at least a week’s worth of supplies. Include a few changes of clothes, medicines, and other toiletries.

Get refills on any prescription medications for you, your family members, and your pets.

Reach out to your moving company to confirm those arrangements. Make sure you know the date and time they’re coming.

Moving Day

Make sure you have space cleared on the street for the moving truck to park. And make sure all walkways are cleared of obstructions — including as well as snow or ice.

Ask a friend or family member to do a walk-through of your home. They may spot something you forgot to pack or might have an idea you haven’t thought about. A fresh set of eyes is helpful before you leave your old home.

Making the Move

Keeping things organized in chronological order of when they need to be done will help you make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Remember, even when it seems tough, everything will eventually get done. 

Do you need help with your move? Contact us for a free quote today.