Moving with pets can be challenging, whether you're relocating across town or the country. While you're hiring movers, packing belongings, and loading up the truck, you might not realize that moving can also be stressful for your pets. To make the transition as smooth as possible, follow these tips.

How to Handle a Move With Pets

1. Acclimate Them to Boxes

Dogs and cats are highly intuitive and instinctively know when their surroundings are changing. While cardboard boxes aren't altogether scary, numerous boxes appearing at once may cause your pet to become anxious.

Help skittish dogs and cats adjust by bringing moving boxes into the house early to give them time to get used to their presence and smell. By familiarizing them with packing materials, you can minimize their anxiety closer to the move.

2. Exercise Them

It might not be easy to take your dog for a walk on moving day, but doing so is good for their physical health and their mental well-being. Whether you throw a ball in the yard or take them for a morning run around the block, exercise will help your dog expend excess energy and keep their stress levels down. It'll also tire them out so they may sleep in the car once it's time to hit the road.

3. Create a Safe Space

Moving day can be chaotic. With boxes being loaded, movers coming in and out, and unfamiliar scents and sounds, your pet can quickly become overwhelmed and anxious.

That's why it's important to ensure they have a clean, quiet space where they can retreat when needed. If possible, find a room that has already been emptied, and relocate your pet's bed, food, water, and favorite toys to this space.

If you're planning to crate your pet for a long-distance move, place it in the room as well to give them time to adjust to its smell and presence in a familiar space.

Make your upcoming move easier for you and your pets by hiring the professional movers at Wagoner Moving Systems in North Canton, OH. Since 1978, their professional team has provided high-quality packing, moving, and delivery services for both residential and commercial clients. They also offer cross-country and international moving services, in addition to local jobs. Contact them today at (330) 494-1321 to request a quote, or visit their website to learn more about their services.