Moving House With Pets: A Practical Guide for Australian Families

Moving house can be a major change for pets. Dogs and cats can become unsettled when their familiar surroundings, furniture and daily routines suddenly change. Planning ahead can help make moving day calmer for both your family and your pets.

Prepare Your Pet Before Moving Day

Start preparing your pet several days or weeks before the move. Keep their routine as normal as possible, including feeding, walking and sleeping times.

If your pet is sensitive to change, gradually introduce moving boxes and packing materials instead of suddenly filling the entire house with them.

Keep Pets Away From the Moving Activity

Moving day can involve open doors, people carrying furniture and vehicles coming and going. This creates opportunities for pets to escape or become frightened.

Consider keeping your pet in a quiet, secure room away from the main moving activity. You can also arrange for a family member, friend or pet-care service to look after them temporarily.

Pack Your Pet's Essentials Separately

Prepare a dedicated bag or box containing everything your pet may need during the move and immediately after arrival.

This can include:

• Food and water
• Bowls
• Lead and collar
• Bedding
• Toys
• Medication if required
• Cleaning supplies
• Treats
• Waste bags

Keeping these items together means you will not need to search through moving boxes when you arrive.

Help Your Pet Settle Into the New Home

Once you arrive, give your pet time to explore the new environment gradually. Set up a familiar area with their bed, toys, food and water before introducing them to the rest of the home.

Maintaining their normal routine can also help them adjust to their new surroundings.

Plan the Move Around Your Pet

A professional removalist can help reduce the physical workload involved in moving furniture and household belongings. Movers Near You provides house removalist, furniture moving, packing and interstate relocation services across Australia.

With the heavy lifting handled by professionals, you can spend more time helping your family and pets settle into the new home.