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Pawsitively Prepared: Best Practices for Downsizing with Your Pet
Downsizing with a pet? ‘Pawsitively Prepared’ suggests a slow introduction to the new space, maintaining a consistent routine for a smooth transition, and more.
Moving to a smaller home or apartment can be a daunting task, especially if you have a furry friend by your side. While downsizing may bring a positive change to your life, it can be stressful for your pet. Moving to a smaller space means that your pet may need to adjust to a new environment, and that can take time. Here are some best practices for downsizing with your pet that will make the transition smoother for both you and your furry friend, shared courtesy of Anna D. Smith Fine Art and Real Estate Broker.
Slowly adapt your pet to their new space
For pets, moving to a new home can be a stressful experience. The unfamiliar surroundings can cause them to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce your pet to their new surroundings slowly. Let your pet explore the new space gradually, starting with one room at a time. This way, your pet can feel more comfortable and at ease in their new home.
Create a pet supply box
When moving into a smaller space, it is essential to prepare a pet essentials box. This box should contain all the necessary items that your pet will need for the first few days in your new home, such as food, water, medication, and toys. This way, you won’t have to search through boxes to find your pet’s essentials, making the move easier for both you and your furry friend.
Downsize Pet Toys Gradually
Pets can be fiercely protective of their toys, and getting rid of them all at once can cause your pet to feel stressed. Instead of getting rid of all their toys, gradually downsize your pet’s toys by removing a few at a time. This way, your pet can gradually adjust to the new amount of space they have to play in without feeling overwhelmed.
Digitize Your Pet’s Records
Moving to a new place can be a challenging and messy process, particularly when you consider that paperwork and records may easily get misplaced or lost in the process. It is therefore essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your pet’s records are not lost during the move. One effective means of achieving this is by digitizing your pet’s records using an optical character recognition system. You can use this system to convert your pet’s records into editable PDFs, which can then be stored on your computer or in the cloud for easy retrieval.
Update Your Pet’s Identification
With the chaos of moving, it’s easy for pets to get lost. Therefore, it is essential to update your pet’s identification with your new information. Make sure that your pet’s microchip, collar, and ID tag have your current address and phone number to ensure that your pet can be returned to you if lost.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Pets thrive on routine, which can be disrupted when moving to a new home. It is important to establish and maintain a consistent routine to make the transition easier for your pet. This includes maintaining regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedules, and making sure that your pet has consistent access to their food, water, and litter box.
Downsizing with a pet doesn’t have to be difficult. By introducing your pet to their new space slowly, downsizing pet toys gradually, digitizing your pet’s records, etc., you can make the transition to a smaller space more comfortable for your furry friend. Remember, your pet is a part of your family, and by taking these steps, you can ensure that their move is as stress-free as possible.
