Moving House with Pets in Manchester

Moving house can be an exciting time, but for pets, the changes that come with a move can be confusing and unsettling. New smells, unfamiliar surroundings, packing boxes and lots of activity can all affect animals differently.

With a little preparation, however, you can make moving day and the first few days in your new home easier for your pets. If you are arranging removals in Manchester, planning how your pets will be looked after should be part of your moving preparations from the beginning.

Start preparing your pet before moving day

Pets are often creatures of habit, so maintaining as much normality as possible in the weeks before your move can help. Try to keep feeding, walking and sleeping routines consistent while you begin preparing your belongings.

If your pet is nervous around change, introduce packing boxes gradually rather than suddenly filling the house with them. Letting your pet become familiar with boxes and other packing materials before moving day can make them less unusual when the house starts to change around them.

It is also worth keeping your pet's familiar belongings together. Beds, blankets, toys and feeding bowls can all provide reassurance when you arrive at your new property.

Decide where your pet will be on moving day

One of the most important things to arrange is where your pet will be while your belongings are being packed and loaded.

With doors opening and closing regularly and people carrying furniture and boxes throughout the property, moving day can be stressful for animals. There is also a risk of a nervous pet getting outside while everyone is busy.

For dogs and cats, a quiet, secure room away from the main activity can be a good option. Make sure they have access to familiar bedding, water and anything else they normally use. Alternatively, you may prefer to arrange for a friend, family member or professional pet carer to look after them away from the property for the day.

If you are using a professional removals company, let the team know that you have pets and where they will be kept. This makes it easier for everyone to work around them.

Think about the journey to your new home

How your pet travels will depend on the animal and the distance you are moving.

Cats will generally need to travel securely in a suitable carrier, while dogs should be restrained appropriately in the vehicle. If your pet is likely to be unsettled by travelling, it can help to make sure they are comfortable with their carrier or travel arrangements before the move.

For a longer journey, think about food, water, toilet breaks and any medication your pet normally needs. Keeping familiar items with them can also provide some reassurance.

Try to avoid making unnecessary changes to your pet's routine on moving day. A familiar meal at a familiar time, where practical, can help keep things as normal as possible.

Help your pet settle into their new home

Once you arrive, it can be tempting to let your pet explore the whole house straight away. However, some animals will settle more easily if they initially have access to a smaller, quiet area.

Set up their bed, food and water bowls and some familiar belongings before introducing them to the rest of the property. This gives them a safe space to retreat to while they become accustomed to all the new sights and smells.

Dogs may need time to become familiar with a new garden and its boundaries, while cats can be particularly sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Keep doors and windows secure while your cat gets used to the new property, and follow appropriate advice about when it is safe for them to go outside.

Above all, give your pet time. Some animals settle almost immediately, while others may need several days or longer to feel comfortable.

Remember the practical details

A house move also means updating the information associated with your pet. Make sure their microchip details are updated with your new address and check that any identification tags contain the correct information.

You may also need to register with a new veterinary practice, particularly if your move takes you some distance from your existing one. Keeping your pet's records and any medication together can make the transition easier.

It is useful to prepare a small bag of essentials that you can access easily rather than packing everything away in the removal boxes. Include food, water, bowls, leads, litter if appropriate, cleaning supplies, medication and a few familiar toys or blankets.

Plan your move around your pet

Moving house with pets requires a little extra planning, but it does not need to be complicated. The key is to think about what will make your pet feel secure before, during and immediately after the move.

For homeowners arranging removals in Manchester, using a professional removals company can take some of the physical work out of moving day, giving you more time to concentrate on your family and pets. Having the removals process organised in advance can also help reduce the amount of last-minute disruption around the house.

At Bradshaw International, we provide professional domestic removals and can help you plan your move around your individual requirements. We are also a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and follow recognised professional standards for removals operations and customer care.

With some forward planning and plenty of familiar comforts, you can help your pet adjust to their new surroundings and make moving day a more positive experience for everyone.