Tips for a smooth move with pets

Congratulations, the place is yours! Now all you have to do is move in. Moving to a new home is exciting but for pets, especially cats and dogs who are often territorial it can be traumatic and confusing. However, if you’re organised and start planning early you can help your pets enjoy their new home as much as you!

Whether this is your first move or your tenth here are some practical tips from NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, to help you prepare for your upcoming move with pets:

• When you start packing, this could cause anxiety for your pet.  Pack their items last and keep to their usual routine to the last moment.

• Don’t forget to update your pet’s ID tag or microchip details with details of your new home address – just in case they get lost in their new environment. 

• Ask a friend or relative to look after your pet on moving day or consider putting them into a kennels or cattery for the day.

• If you would prefer your pets with you during the move, put them in a quiet room in your old house keeping the doors closed until the last minute. If you know this will be the plan then gradually move your pet’s food bowls, toys and beds into that room prior to moving day.

• Avoid feeding your pets close to travelling time, this could cause travel sickness. Instead, give them small amounts of their usual food throughout the day.

• Once you’re in your new home, place some of your pets’ toys and bedding in one room to help them feel at home and keep to their usual walking and feeding routine to create stability and avoid confusion.

• If you have a cat, they should be kept indoors for a few weeks to help them become familiar with their new environment.

• Before letting your pets into the garden, check all perimeter fencing and walls, looking out for gaps. When you do let your pets out into their new garden, accompany them until they show confidence in their new surroundings.

• Pets are creatures of comfort and sometimes they can take a little while to settle in. If you are usually at work during the day, try to take a few days off or work from home to ensure your pets are fully settled in. 

And finally introduce your pet to your neighbour, it’s a great icebreaker and hopefully they’ll keep an eye out for them in the future!