Moving is no small feat at the best of times; however, doing so with children and/or animals adds extra complications. As much as our pets bring us joy and comfort throughout our daily lives, moving with them is often a completely different experience – taking up unanticipated time and a lot of consideration.
At Edwards Removals, we understand that efficiency and convenience are paramount to our clients. Our experienced team handles all sorts of moves, allowing you to focus solely on your pets whilst we take care of the rest. Whether your beloved companion is a dog, cat, bird, lizard, or anything in between, ensure their move to, from, or across London is as seamless as yours.
That being said, you need to understand ways in which you can make moving with a pet as stress-free and straightforward as possible, too. So, let’s take a look at a few ways pets can be cared for and kept safe and experience as minimal a disruption as possible during the moving day.
Different Pets Have Different Needs
The way you handle the build-up to your move and the moving day itself will be dependent on the type of pet you have. For those with small furry friends, whether they are hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits, the move will remain fairly straightforward. However, if you have a family dog or cat, it will require a lot more thought and planning. It’s essential as a pet owner to consider the specific needs of your animal during the relocation process. For example, cats are known for being quite territorial, and because of this, during a change in environment, they can develop stress and anxiety. While this can also be said for dogs, in most cases, the new environment may seem more exciting to them. Remember, this is not a one-size-fits-all process for all pets, and you know their personalities best, so implementing a move-day routine for them that aligns with their needs is key.
Moving Day
While moving, comfort and safety are a priority, not just for you but for your pets too.
Settling into a new environment can be tough for animals of all kinds, so we advise keeping their routines as consistent with their everyday lives as possible. That could be ensuring feeding times and walking times remain the same and bed/blankets/toys remain available to them (the scent will help with familiarity when in your new home).
For pets prone to or expected to experience a little stress, confusion or anxiety on this day, you may consider visiting a vet beforehand. Your local vet may be able to prescribe or recommend solutions, such as calming tablets or calming treats.
Your dedicated Edwards Removals Move Manager will be there to ensure everything else runs smoothly so you can focus on looking after your animals and getting them to their new home safely. We can coordinate timings, instructions and other updates with you ensuring we are all on the same page.
Your Animal’s Safety
Moving days can be hectic, with lots of back and forth, lots of movement and lots of people. This makes it a somewhat unsafe environment for pets. One precautionary step you can take to guarantee your beloved animals avoid getting in the way is limiting them to one room. For this, you will need to gather their essential items, such as bedding, toys, food, etc., as this room will be their space to eat, sleep, and play whilst everything else is moved elsewhere. Sectioning them off from the noise, movement, and danger will also help with reducing their stress throughout the day. It’s important to make your removal team aware of this setup to avoid them entering the room and causing disruption. It’s also important, especially on warmer days, to ensure the room is well-ventilated and there is a supply of fresh, easy-access water to keep your pets hydrated and comfortable.
Please note: during moving days, front doors often remain open for a flow when loading and unloading vans. This could pose a risk for cats, dogs and other animals to escape.
Ask For Help
For a more efficient, stress-free moving day, some opt to send their pets to a friend or family member. This not only ensures they’re safe and comfortable but allows you to focus on getting from A to B seamlessly for an efficient moving day. While pets are wonderful, on days like this, knowing you have one less thing to worry about will be beneficial. It’s important that the person looking after your pets knows them and has met them one or two times in the past. You should also ensure that they are comfortable feeding and walking these pets if needed.
If this isn’t an option, consider using a dog kennel, cattery, pet sitter, or pet hotel. These services ensure your pets are safe and comfortable, allowing you to focus on the move. Book in advance and provide necessary care instructions.
Finally, discuss with your family/friends whether having them stay the night or picking them up the same day is best – if they agree to have them overnight, this leaves you with the opportunity to settle into your new home before your pets do, making the whole experience that little bit easier.
At Edwards Removals, we have been helping homeowners move from place to place for what feels like a lifetime, combining our international expertise with streamlined solutions for extensive moving experiences.
Our numerous industry accreditations and awards testify to our commitment to excellence and reflect our reputation and the trust placed in us.
Every move we make is bespoke to the needs of our clients, and our tailored services are designed to ensure a stress-free experience when moving, especially with your pets.
Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can make moving with your pets a seamless and straightforward experience.