Between organizing and sorting, packing, lifting, and hauling—it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of relocation. If you’re planning a local or long-distance move with pets, keep in mind that they’re probably feeling the stress of relocation as well. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help them make an easier transition into their new home.

At Bekins of South Florida, we’re proud of our history of over 50 years of excellence in the moving industry. We know what it takes to make any relocation a success—and how important it is to plan ahead according to the specific requirements of your moving project. In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite tips we’ve gathered over the years we’ve been in business for people moving with pets. 

Keep Things Quiet

Moving can get quite noisy and chaotic, and all that movement can startle your pet. While packing or transporting things from the house into the moving van, keep your pets secured safely in their crates in a quiet room—or in a fenced-off area of the yard until things calm down.

Get Them Used to Their Crates

If your pet is unused to being inside a crate, and if you’re using one to transport them to the new home, they’ll need some time to adjust. Using a crate while moving away long-distance is a lot scarier for a cat or dog that hasn’t used one before. Instead, get them used to the crate little by little in the weeks leading up to your move. Put their beds inside the crate and leave the doors open. Once they begin sleeping inside the crate, try shutting them inside for small increments of time to help them feel more secure.

Explore the New Neighborhood with Them

Plan for a smooth introduction to the new home with your pet by allowing them to get acquainted with it in a natural way. Dogs and cats enjoy getting their bearings as much as we do and will feel much more at ease if they’re allowed to explore the neighborhood on a quick walk around the block. 

Keep your pet on a leash and walk with them as soon as they step foot on the property. Before you enter the house, walk them around the block at least once. After going around the block, take your pet and walk them around the front yard and back yard of your new home, if you have them. Finally, take them inside your house and walk them from room to room (if they’re indoor pets). Once you’ve done this, make sure to set up their crate or bedding and show them where it is.

Don’t Buy a New Pet Bed Just Yet

Speaking of your pet’s bedding, it’s a good idea to keep their old bed for at least a while after your move. While it’s tempting to buy a brand-new one to fit your new home, your pet will feel more comfortable in a bed that smells and feels like home. If you’re unable to do this, try giving them an old t-shirt or blanket that you haven’t washed since the move.

Get Expert Moving Assistance From Bekins of South Florida

If you’re planning on moving to a new home with your pets, let our team of expert moving professionals help you make your relocation easy and affordable. Bekins of South Florida is proud to serve our customers with top-notch relocation services including full-service packing options in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and more cities throughout the state—and has helped countless people make smooth transitions to new homes in Florida and all over the world.

To find out more about our residential or commercial moving and storage options, give us a call to speak to one of our team members today. Or, if you’d prefer to get started planning your next local or long-distance moving project now, fill out our online form to request a free, no-obligation moving quote and in-home consultation.