Listen, I love my Golden Retriever more than anything on this planet, but moving with him was an absolute circus. If there is one universal truth in the animal kingdom, it’s this: pets despise change. To them, a stack of moving boxes isn’t a sign of an exciting new chapter; it’s an unprovoked attack on their sanctuary.
If you are gearing up for a move, take it from someone who survived the chaos: you need a solid game plan. Here is my friend-to-friend advice on how to get you and your furry roommates to the new place with your sanity intact.
1. Introduce the Cardboard Jungle Early
Don’t wait until the night before the big move to pull out the packing supplies. Bring your boxes, tape, and bubble wrap into the house a few weeks in advance. Let your pets sniff them, ignore them, and eventually accept them as part of the furniture. The goal is to normalise the mess so they aren’t suddenly thrown into a panic when their living room transforms into a warehouse.
2. Pack a “Pet Go-Bag”
In the whirlwind of unpacking, you do not want to be desperately tearing through identical brown boxes at 10:00 PM looking for dog food. Pack a dedicated backpack just for them that stays with you in the car.
Make sure it includes:
- A generous supply of their regular food and treats for the first few days.
- Any daily medications.
- Their absolute favourite, unwashed, smelly blanket or bed (the familiar scent will anchor them in the new house).
- A few beloved toys to keep them distracted.
3. Have a Solid Moving Day Strategy
On the actual day of the move, your front door is going to be wide open, strangers will be walking in and out, and the noise level will spike. This is a recipe for a runaway pet.
Your best bet? Farm them out. Book them a day at their favourite doggy daycare or leave them with a trusted friend. If they absolutely have to stay at the house, clear out a quiet bathroom. Put their bed, water, and some toys inside, lock the door, and tape a massive, unmistakable sign on the front that says: “PETS INSIDE. DO NOT OPEN.”
4. Delegate the Heavy Lifting
The faster the move is over, the faster you can get back to your animals. Spending twelve hours wrestling couches up and down stairs leaves you exhausted and unavailable to comfort a stressed-out pet. Having a crew of professional movers likeMoovers Chicago knocking out the heavy lifting in a few hours means you can get right back to setting up your pet’s new safe space. When the professionals handle the gruelling physical labour, you get the time and energy back to reassure your dog or cat that this weird new house is actually their new home.
Take a deep breath, give them an extra treat, and remember: the chaos is only temporary!
