Animals are territorial by nature and upheaving the life they’re accustomed to is bound to cause distress. To help your resident non-humans adjust to a new status quo and prevent any attempts to escape their new home, it can be worth familiarizing yourself with a few of the tried and tested methods.
Maintain a Routine
With all the stress that accompanies moving, sticking to your pet’s daily routine may feel like an impossible feat, however, this is the most important way to keep your pet sane during transitional periods. Ensure that feeding times are stock-standard and be sure to keep to your normal walking routines. You may also find the unfamiliar surroundings result in a few indoor accidents, so it’s important to establish a new potty schedule early on.
Stay Prepared
Anxiety from the move has the potential to cause uncharacteristic behaviors (from dogs, especially). To prevent any attempts to escape, it’s often worth installing a dog gate to give you peace of mind that your pup is secure whilst furniture is being moved in through the front door. A dog litter box is also a helpful tool for use in containing any anxiety-induced indoor accidents.
With loads of options on the market, be sure to choose one that is suitable for your dog’s breed and size while still meeting your budget. You’ll also want to double-check that the clean-up ‘functionality’ is easy to use and that your dog won’t be deterred by its materials/surface.
Keep Familiar Furniture
Separation anxiety could become prevalent in a previously well-behaved dog if its environment is disrupted. If too many changes at once, you could come home to furniture that has been ripped apart by a distressed animal. To prevent this, isolate your pet to one room of the new home and fill the space with objects that will be sure to provide comfort. Bring your pet out to explore the rest of the home only when it can be supervised. Once this period of transition is over, your pet should feel far less fearful of its new surroundings.
Organize the Space
The sooner your new home is transformed into its final state, the easier it will be for both you and your pet to adjust to the environment. If you’re someone who is usually quite lax about unpacking or you don’t have time to give this task your full attention, you may want to consider contracting an organization service to help out. This will relieve the burden of the grunt work, giving you more time to spend on adding personal touches to your new space.
Provide Extra Attention
In addition to the usual separation anxiety, it is also possible that your animal could experience a sense of abandonment during the moving process, especially if they are a rescue. Showering your pet with a little extra love and adoration during the transitional period will help negate these stresses. It may also prove helpful to task one family member solely with the care of your pet or, if it is affordable, consider hiring a pet sitter to care for your animal whilst the new home is being set up.
Moving house is stressful for everyone involved, but with some careful preparation and the right tools at your disposal, the tension can be significantly relieved for your pet. Going the extra mile to keep those feathers bright or that tail wagging will help prevent a house move from becoming a potentially traumatic experience.
As a pioneer in the organization industry, I founded the Ducks In A Row Organization to assist busy professionals with their organization needs. I’ve been helping clients turn their transitions into joyful experiences for over 20 years. Find out how I can ease your move at: www.ducksinaroworganizers.com
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