At Abbey Removals, we understand that pets are more than just animals, but part of the family. That’s why moving house with pets can be one of the most emotionally challenging parts of your home move. From dogs and cats to smaller pets, keeping them calm and safe during the move takes careful planning.
To help you prepare, here are five essential tips to make your house removal pet-friendly and stress-free.
1. Set Up a Safe Space for Your Pet on Moving Day
Moving days are chaotic. With movers coming and going, boxes being shifted, and doors constantly opening, pets can easily become overwhelmed or even escape.
Solution: Set up a quiet, secure room away from the main moving activity. Choose a space that can be cleared out early, and fill it with your pet’s familiar items such as bed, toys, food, and water. This creates a calming space that feels safe and predictable.
Tip: Add a sign on the door so movers know not to open it.
2. Prepare a Comfort Zone in Your New Home
As soon as you arrive at your cosy new home, recreate your pet’s safe zone as quickly as possible. Use the same items from your old house to give them a sense of familiarity.
Check in on them regularly, offer lots of reassurance, and let them explore their new surroundings at their own pace. This is especially important for dogs and cats, who often struggle with new environments.
3. Stick to Your Pet’s Daily Routine
Just like people, pets love routine. Maintaining regular feeding, walking, and bedtime schedules can help your pet feel more secure throughout the moving process.
Even in the middle of unpacking boxes, try to walk your dog at their usual time or feed your cat at their regular hour. Small consistencies make a big difference.
4. Familiarise Your Pet with the New Neighbourhood
If you’re moving locally, take the opportunity to introduce your dog to the new area before moving day. A few walks around the new block can help them get used to the sights and smells of their future home.
After the move, ensure your new garden is pet-proof: check fences, gates, and for any potential hazards before letting pets explore unsupervised.
5. Keep Cats Indoors Initially
Cats often find house moves more stressful than dogs. To help them adjust:
- Keep your cat indoors for the first few weeks
- Introduce them to one room at a time
- Offer plenty of places to hide and rest
When it’s finally time to let them explore outside, do so just before feeding time so they have a reason to return. This helps prevent them from running off in confusion.
Moving house with pets doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and consideration, your furry friends can settle into your new home just as smoothly as you do.
Looking for a professional and pet-friendly house removal service? At Abbey Removals, we take extra care to make your move as smooth as possible for every member of the family, which includes the four-legged ones.
Contact us today for a stress-free moving experience tailored to your needs.