Top Tips On Moving Home With Pets 

WhatHouse? Award-winning housebuilder Lovell Homes has shared some tips and advice on moving home with pets…

Suzie Hewitt, regional sales director at Lovell Homes, says: “At Lovell, we care deeply about the families that move into our homes, and that of course extends to beloved family pets. Moving home can be confusing and stressful for our animal companions as they don’t undertand what’s happening or why, so we truly hope that sharing these tips can help make the process more relaxed and calmer for them.”

Familiarise them with cars and carriers

For some animals, the most upsetting part of the move can be the journey itself as they find the car and carrier to be unfamiliar and intimidating. You can start the process of desensitising your pets to these environments as soon as you know the move is happening. If the carrier is usually put away, bring it out and keep it out for your pet to get used to it, put their favourite treats inside it to build up a positive association, and add a comfy base to encourage them to sit or lay in it. For the car, start off by giving them treats for getting in, before moving on to practice short journeys to build up their confidence.

Leave their things out for as long as possible

Your pet most likely knows that something is going on, so it’s important to try and keep things the same for them as much as possible. Avoid packing away all their favourite toys and blankets until it’s necessary, as they will want these things to comfort them during a confusing time. Be sure to also allow them items that comfort them during the journey.

Set up a safe zone for them in the new home

On moving day, you can massively increase your pets’ sense of security by setting up a safe zone for them, away from the noise and people coming in and out. Simply unpack your pets’ things first in a secure room, so they can be safe and start to recognise their scent. You can also use a calming pheromone plug in said room to help them relax even more.

Check for risks before letting them out

Whilst you may have expertly dealt with any and all escape routes or risks to your pet in your old home, a new home comes with new issues. Check for gaps where pets can escape or where small animals who are feeling nervous may go to hide. Be sure to have put away hazardous items like cleaning products, sharp objects or small items that can be swallowed, and finish installing electrical items before letting your pet out of the safe zone.

Give them time to adjust

Your pet will adjust to your new home at their own pace, so it’s important not to rush them. Once you let them out of the safe zone, allow them to explore but don’t feel the need to direct them to every room right away. Give them plenty of assurance and be prepared for some accidents as they settle in, which can be handled by reinforcing previous toilet training. Once you’re settled in, try to keep their routine similar to how it was before the move.

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