Truck rentals to make moving with your pet easier

Moving is a daunting task and can be difficult for all involved, including your pets. A little research and advanced planning can make a difficult task less stressful for the entire family. Just as you prepare your kids, prepare your pet. Try to create as little havoc as possible in your old home as well as the new one. There are several simple steps that will make moving with your pet easier.

Don’t spring something new and unexpected on your pet. As you are packing, try to pack gradually and not change too much at once. Start working in the rooms that your pets use the least. If your pet spends all of his time in your bedroom and has his own bed there, save that room for last if possible. Pets like predictability and are resistant to change. They like to sleep, eat, and roam in the same places, day after day. If you suddenly uproot his bed, he may become overwhelmed and even exhibit behavioral problems.

Try to keep your pet out of harm’s way as much as possible. When moving heavy items or boxes your field of vision is reduced and pets can get stepped on or injured. Try to leave your pet in a room with the door closed or outside. If you have hired a moving service and will have “strangers” in the house, leave your pet in a room and alert the movers to the location of your pet. Go the extra step of placing a sign on the door as well that states that your pet is in the room, please do not open.

Many people use a truck rental company or moving services to move their items including their pets. For the safety of your pets, choose an appropriate animal carrier or crate for the pet to be moved in. A few weeks before moving, take the time to introduce your pet to the carrier. Imagine how you would feel if someone suddenly locked you into a big box, then shoved you into the back of a moving truck. Give the pet time to get acclimated by placing them in the carrier for a few minutes then gradually increasing the time until your pet can sleep in the carrier with no undue stress.

There are a few final steps to take right before you hit the road. Contact our vet to get a copy of your pet’s records so you have them handy for the new vet. Take a box of your pet’s needed and favorite items and keep them handy. You don’t want to be without food and water for pet. Don’t forget a leash if you need to walk your animal. If you need to stay at a hotel along the way, choose one that is pet friendly. As soon as you arrive at your new home, allow your pet to roam around and get acclimated to the new digs and offer a favorite toy or blanked to help them settle in.