10 Tips for Moving with Family and Pets

You're about to move, and you've got a lot of details to think about. You've researched your options and searched for all the necessary packing supplies. But how will your kids react when they learn about your move? How can you ensure they understand what's happening, and how can you make this important change easier? And if you have a dog or a cat, how will your upcoming move affect them?

Here are some tips for moving with family and pets. 

Talk about your upcoming move with honesty

Being honest and transparent is one of the most important tips for moving with family. Let your kids know about your upcoming move as early as you can. 

Use age-appropriate language to explain why you must move and what will happen shortly. Allow them to ask questions and give honest answers. If they seem worried or upset about moving, ask them to explain their feelings. 

Get them involved in your search for a new home 

It's always a good idea to involve your whole family in your search for a new home. Look at online listings together and compare different homes. 

Allow your kids to provide their opinions. You might not be able to make their dream home a reality, but you can at least look for one they will like as much as you do. 

Allow them to explore your new city

Of course, you should bring your kids with you whenever you visit a potential home. But you should also allow them to explore their new city and neighbourhood before moving.

Show them different things they should like, such as parks and kid-friendly activities. This should help them look forward to moving.

Let them pack and unpack their things 

Of course, if your kids are old enough to pack their things, you can let them get involved. As you make your moving checklist, you could help them make their own. Then, give them some packing supplies so they can get started.

Remind them to keep their favourite toys in a backpack instead of packing them in boxes. Feeling involved in the process could make moving more fun and less stressful for them. After everything is completed, use portable storage containers or a professional moving service to transport these items securely.

Promise them they can decorate their new bedrooms

Finally, when you get settled in your new home, let your kids decorate their new bedrooms. Help them choose a colour scheme and some new accessories. This is another way to make them look forward to the move and ease a scary transition.

Of course, you can't involve your dog or cat in your preparations, and if they get anxious, talking to them about why you need to move will not change anything. So, what can you do? Follow these tips for moving with pets. 

Try to maintain the routine of your pets 

Your pets will get anxious if their daily routine changes. Do your best to maintain their routine to help make the move go more smoothly for them. Try to feed them at the same times each day. Take your dog for walks as usual, and play with your cat, even when you're busy.

Help them get used to packing supplies

Your dog or your cat might get curious or worried about all those boxes appearing in your home day after day. Give them time to get used to all these packing supplies so they won't attack boxes or try to play with them on moving days.

Keep them entertained and busy

Pets can have trouble adapting to changes. Keep them entertained and busy before, during, and after your move. Give them some extra attention. Play hide-and-seek with them or give them brain games such as puzzle toys to keep their mind active. Busy and happy pets will not misbehave and cause trouble while you get ready to move. 

Make sure they will be safe on a moving day 

Moving day can be chaotic for humans, but it can be even worse for pets who don't understand what's happening. Make sure your pets are safe on a moving day. Keep them in a crate with their toys or a room where they will have peace. Ask a friend to take care of them for the day if possible. 

Be sure to pet-proof your new home 

Finally, pet-proof your new home before your pets move in. Do everything you can to ensure their safety and that they won't be able to run away if they feel nervous in this unfamiliar space. They'll get used to their new home with time, just like the rest of your family.