You’ve found your new home and whether it’s across town or across the country, it’s an exciting time for a change. However, before the daunting process of packing and unpacking hits you, you’re met with an even more anxious-yet-adorable packed dilemma: your dog(s).

If moving is as stressful for you, imagine the stress for your furry friends as they watch you dismantle everything in their secure space without so much but a clue of why or what is happening.

Here are a few tips to ensure your dogs (and you) are at ease during your move:

1. Keep your dog in a safe and comfortable area at all times.

While rummaging through your things and organizing their place in boxes, the sounds of loud clinks along with the noises from lifting heavy furniture will more than likely make your dog uneasy.

Be sure to keep them contained in a safe area where they won’t cause any harm to themselves or feel the need to escape as the front door may be accidentally open. Simply closing them in rooms and placing something familiar like their bed or their toys, will keep them secure. Keeping them in their crate or perhaps asking a friend/family member to babysit them at their home could also be an option.

Containing them in their favorite room of the house and packing it up last is another way to decrease the stress of commotion they will have to endure.

2. Maintain your dog’s routine and spoil them a little more.

With all the ruckus going on, it’s important that your dogs don’t feel a huge dent in their routine during or after your move.

Their neediness and attention-seeking will be at an all-time high as they are in need of some normalcy.

An effective way to keep them distracted and feeling secure is by making sure to take them for their daily walks (perhaps more
often than normal) — and/or by taking them to a local dog park to release some of that anxious energy. This will help the dog relax and not commit destructive behavior because they feel like their world is falling apart.

It also doesn’t hurt to give them a couple of more belly rubs and/or spoil them with their favorite treats!

3. Make sure to tend to your dog’s needs while traveling to your new home.

Whether the distance to your location is short or long, traveling can easily induce your dog to high excitement/anxiety.

If you are driving, it is recommended that your dog is placed in a crate as to not cause any additional distractions while you are on the road. Though you might be eager to arrive at your new home and want to decrease the time by not having to stop, keep in mind that your dogs need to go potty every four to six hours.

When traveling by plane, create a check-list of all things your dog will need before and after the trip. Copies of up-to-date vaccinations, liability forms, bagged dog food, towels, toys, etc. are just a couple of things you will need to add to your list. If you are planning to stay somewhere for the night, be sure to arrange accommodations ahead of time as not all lodging is pet-friendly.

Regardless of the method of transportation, your dogs need to feel as loved and as tended to during your travels. Consider bringing a comfy blanket or a piece of clothing that smells like you. This will add that extra loving touch and naturally offer your pups more comfort.

4. Keep yourself as calm and as stress-free as possible.

Dogs have an amazing vulnerability to human emotions, which therefore makes them receptive to whatever we are feeling.

According to Green Acres Kennel (http://www.greenacreskennel.com/dog-behavior-and-training/understanding-canine-stress), your stress can be easily manifested and picked up by your dog. Try to maintain your stress and irritability levels low during the upheaval of moving.

If the process of moving causes more angst than you can handle, consider hiring a local moving company like Meehan’s Family Moving to lighten the burden and to ensure that your family (including your furry friends) will have less tension. No howling or whining to worry about!

Palm Beach County’s Most Trusted Family Movers

Planning a local or long distance home or office move? Meehan’s Family Moving is here to make it easy. Our team of professional Palm Beach movers offer full-service packing and moving solutions to fit your budget and make your next big move fast, affordable, and convenient.

No matter your moving needs, you can rest assured that you and your furry friend will be handled with expert care from start to finish.

Interested in learning more about our local and long distance moving services? Contact the Meehan’s Family Moving team today at (561) 904-6000 to schedule your free, no-obligation quote on our packing and moving services. We look forward to making your next big move easy!