Moving with Pets
A Complete Homeowner’s Guide to a Stress-Free Move
If you’ve ever packed up your home with a pet watching nervously from the corner, you know that moving doesn’t just shake up your routine, it rattles theirs too. Pets are creatures of habit, and they feel every bit of the commotion that comes with boxes, tape, and shifting furniture. At Biddeford Movers, we understand that a smooth move includes every member of the family, paws and all. With a little preparation and a calm approach, you can make the transition to your new home easier for your pets and for you.
Getting Ready for the Move
Start As Soon As You Can
Moving day always comes faster than you think, so start planning six to eight weeks ahead if you can. Add your pet’s needs to your moving checklist right alongside your own. If you will be traveling a long distance, research pet-friendly hotels or rest stops in advance. The more you plan now, the less chaos you will have later.
Visit the Vet
Schedule a quick check-up before the move. Make sure vaccines and records are up to date, and ask your vet for copies of everything to bring along. If your pet gets anxious with travel or new places, talk to your vet about safe calming options or natural supplements. A little preparation at this stage can make a big difference on the big day.
Packing Up with Pets in Mind
Pack a Pet Essentials Box
Before you start sealing boxes, set one aside just for your pet. Include a few days of food, bowls, treats, toys, and any medications they need. Toss in grooming supplies, a blanket, or their favorite bed, anything that smells like home. For cats, remember to pack a litter box and litter. Having these items ready helps you settle your pets quickly once you arrive.
Keep a Calm Corner
Packing can be loud and hectic, so carve out a quiet space for your pet away from the action. Fill it with familiar things and make it the last area you pack up. Calming diffusers such as Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs can help ease their nerves during all the noise and movement.
Moving Day
Stay Steady and Calm
Your pets take their cues from you, so if you are frazzled, they will feel it too. Try to keep your routine as normal as possible. Feed and walk them at their usual times, and take short breaks to check in with them. Keep their favorite toy or blanket close for comfort, and skip sedation unless your vet specifically recommends it.
Set Up a Safe Space
On moving day, give your pets a designated room away from open doors and heavy foot traffic. Stock it with food, water, toys, and bedding, and put a note on the door to remind movers to keep it closed. This simple step prevents accidental escapes and keeps pets calm during the busiest part of the day.
Settling into Your New Home
Let Them Explore Slowly
Once you arrive, do not rush things. Start by letting your pet adjust to one familiar room before opening up the rest of the house. Keep their favorite toys and bedding nearby, and let them explore at their own pace. This helps them feel more secure as they get used to new sights and smells.
Stick to Their Routine
Even in a brand-new space, routine is everything. Try to keep feeding, walking, and playtime schedules consistent. It gives your pets a sense of stability while everything else feels unfamiliar. A little extra love and patience in those first few weeks will help them feel at home faster than you might expect.
Exploring Southern Maine
Take Short, Easy Walks
Start getting your pet used to the new neighborhood with short, calm walks. Let them sniff around and explore slowly. Dogs especially use scent to map out their world. Gradually extend your walks as they become more confident, and keep them leashed even if they are normally off-leash until they really know the area.
Find Local Pet Services Early
Before you need them, look up your nearby pet essentials such as veterinarians, groomers, and sitters. Around Biddeford and the Southern Maine area, you will find great options like Biddeford Animal Hospital for veterinary care and Fetch! Pet Care of Southern Maine for reliable sitting and dog walking. Having those contacts ready makes everything easier once you are settled.
Stick to Their Routine
Even in a brand-new space, routine is everything. Try to keep feeding, walking, and playtime schedules consistent. It gives your pets a sense of stability while everything else feels unfamiliar. A little extra love and patience in those first few weeks will help them feel at home faster than you might expect.
Final Thoughts
Take Short, Easy Walks
Moving with pets takes a little extra thought, but it is worth it when you see them relax and explore their new space with curiosity instead of fear. With some planning, patience, and the right moving team by your side, your whole family can make the move smoothly, fur, feathers, and all.
At Biddeford Movers, we treat your move like it is our own. From careful packing to thoughtful planning, our team helps make the process easy on everyone, especially your pets. Because moving into your new home should feel exciting, not overwhelming.