Moving house can be chaotic at the best of times, especially in the midst of Covid-19. For that reason, it’s important to plan out each step of the journey, if not only to make the process more organized but to deal with your emotions and cope with the enormous effort ahead of you. Thankfully, it’s rare that we move incredibly frequently, so you do have time to rest and recover after everything is taken care of.
It’s very easy to forget, however, just what effect this process can have on our pets. While we may be able to contextualize the idea of moving to a new home and restoring our anchor in this new environment, a pet can’t. You are their entire world, and when that world shifts completely, it can be a little much for them to contend with, particularly if they’re a little pet with a small disposition.
So, if you’re inclined, how can you settle your pet even during a more chaotic home move? How can you make sure they adapt to the new space well? Let’s consider:
Introduce Them To The Space
If you have the chance to, bringing your pet along and introducing them to the space can be a great idea. This is of course only advisable if the house is already yours, you haven’t too long to travel, and that you can introduce them in peace. Allowing them to become familiar with the space and its smells can help them get a head start on feeling comfortable there, especially when it comes to heading outside for the bathroom visits, having time to explore the garden, or simply recognizing what protections (like security gates at the tops and bottom of the stairs) that you need to implement.
Create A Comfort Zone
Creating a comfort zone can be a great means of helping them feel comforted and protected when in a new environment. This might involve purchasing a large bed, a couple of toys, and a comfortable place in the living room for them to sit. For puppies, providing a comfortable environment in a large cage can help them stay protected and avoid causing havoc or harming themselves in their excitement. Comfort zones, even if it’s just a cat scratching post, helps pets feel the sense of familiarity they often need to stay comfortable.
Keep Them In Proximity
Keep your pet as close as you can during this time. Instead of placing them in a pet carrier at the back of the vehicle locked in with all of your other belongings, for example, it can be worthwhile to keep them in visible distance of you, to attend to them with a stroke or to give them a treat from time to time. This helps them stay reassured that they’re in safe hands, that they’re not heading to the vet, and that your children or other pets are within eyeshot. This perceived familiarity will help them in the long run. However, this isn’t always possible. In this case, it can be worthwhile to use the best and most specified services to help you. Click here to see how organized and hygienic pet transport can be utilized for your most satisfied peace of mind.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily settle your pet even during a chaotic house move.
