Tips for Moving Cross Country With Pets
A long-distance move is challenging by itself. Add pets into the equation and it becomes even more complex. While your dog or cat may generally be calm and happy at home, moving cross country can put a cramp in your furry friend’s style. After all, you are not the only one that gets stressed from all of the continuous errands, piles of boxes, and a slowly-emptying house.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to ensure that your dog or cat is comfortable throughout the packing process, on moving day, and during the transition to the new home. At Doorage, we’re all about making moving easier with our door to door moving solutions. Continue reading to learn how to make moving long-distance with cats or dogs easier and avoid overstressing your pet.
During the Packing Process
Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of moving, for both you and your pet. All of the commotion caused by moving things around can make both dogs and cats – especially sensitive ones – nervous. Here are a few things you can do to get your pet ready for a long-distance move during the packing process.
Pack Up Your Pet’s Items in a Separate Container
In addition to packing up all of your belongings during this stage of the moving process, you’ll want to be sure to get your pet’s belongings packed up as well. The container will likely be kept in the car that you and your part are traveling in, so make sure you don’t forget any essentials that could make the ride more comfortable, including food and water, dishes, treats, blankets, toys, etc. Having these items ready to go come moving day will help ensure your pet has a trip with minimal stress.
Get Them Used to a Crate
If you don’t plan on letting your pet roam free in your car, you’ll definitely want to get them used to a crate or carrier. If you plan far enough ahead of time, you can get your pet accustomed to using a crate, which would definitely come in handy for a long-distance move. If your pet is not used to crates, be patient. They can be an incredibly frightening aspect of an already frightening experience.
Start Making Your Car Cozy
While you are packing all of your belongings, you’ll also want to consider how your vehicle will be arranged. Ideally, you should have a comfortable and safe space for your pet to lay or sleep. If you plan on using a crate, make sure your vehicle has enough room for it. Dogs tend to need a lot of human touch, so try to create a space in your car that is close enough to you that they can be reached for a quick pet. Similarly, cats should be kept in an area where they can see you. Take the necessary measures during this time to make sure that your pet is comfortable.
On Moving Day
When moving day finally arrives, you’re definitely going to have your hands full. With movers arriving at your home and packing up everything into your car and the moving truck, there certainly is a lot going on. However, it is important to take the time to make sure that your pet is comfortable and ready for the long haul ahead.
Keep an Eye on Your Pet
The last thing you want when you’re about to embark on a cross country move with a dog or cat is to lose them on the day of your departure. Unfortunately, losing a pet is far too easy on moving day. With people going in and out of your home, it can be easy for your pet to get outside and run off. For that reason, you should place your pet somewhere safe where they can’t escape. You can put them in a back room that doesn’t need to be opened, an enclosed yard, or a crate. You could also get someone to watch your dog or cat while you are loading up everything.
Make Sure They Get Plenty of Exercise
Depending on where you are moving from and where you are moving to, you and your pet may be cooped up in your vehicle for a while. For this reason, it is important that they get plenty of exercise on moving day. Even if it means getting up earlier in the morning that you’d like, take the time to exercise your pet. This could be a walk around the neighborhood with your dog or using small toys to get your cat running around. When pets are well-exercised, the day will be much less stressful for them, not to mention it will give you a nice jolt of endorphins.
Give them Extra Attention
If you are utilizing a professional moving company or door to door moving solutions you will have plenty of time to give your pet some extra love and attention. Giving your pet attention is incredibly important on moving day, with strangers in your home and a lot of activity. Ideally, you’ll want to keep them in a calm environment with people they are used to being around. Encourage play with their favorite toys, toss them their favorite treats, or simply sit down and give your furry friend a good pet.
During the Move
Once everything is loaded up and you’re ready to go, it’s time to hit the road with your pet. Here are a few tips that will make the trip to your new home easier.
Take Breaks
Your pet needs bathroom breaks too, so be sure to offer them often. For dogs, bathroom breaks are as simple as stopping at a nearby rest stop to let them do their business. For cats, on the other hand, you’ll need to figure out a litter box situation. Ideally, you will want a travel litter box that is large enough for your cat to sit in, but small enough to fit in their crate or carrier. If you are going to be staying in hotel rooms during your move, make sure you take the necessary steps to allow for bathroom breaks.
Keep Tags On
It’s unlikely that your pet will break free and go missing, but if they do, you want to be able to find them. Make sure your pet has a collar with an ID tag on them. Since you are moving, your address may not be as important as phone numbers. It is best to use the tag space for your phone number, as well as your partner’s number if applicable, or if not, the phone number of someone back home or in your new home.
Start Making Your Car Cozy
While you are packing all of your belongings, you’ll also want to consider how your vehicle will be arranged. Ideally, you should have a comfortable and safe space for your pet to lay or sleep. If you plan on using a crate, make sure your vehicle has enough room for it. Dogs tend to need a lot of human touch, so try to create a space in your car that is close enough to you that they can be reached for a quick pet. Similarly, cats should be kept in an area where they can see you. Take the necessary measures during this time to make sure that your pet is comfortable.
Your pets are family, so of course, you want to make sure they are comfortable during a long-distance move. Taking your pet’s personality and stress into consideration will make your relocation more enjoyable for you as well as them.
If you’re moving long-distance, you can make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your pet with door to door moving and storage solutions from Doorage. With Doorage, you pack your belongings into eco-friendly storage containers, have them professionally stored and then delivered to your new home whenever you are ready for them. This will give you less to do on moving day and will create more room in your vehicle to ensure that your pet is comfortable while driving to your new home. To learn more about storage and moving solutions from Doorage, give us a call or send us an email today.
Move To Your New Home With Door to Door Moving Services
With door-to-door moving solutions from Doorage, local moves have never been easier. Rather than working with a moving company or trying to move everything yourself, Doorage offers a more convenient, affordable, and hassle-free way to move your belongings to your new address. Learn more about how door-to-door moving works.