{"id":2834,"date":"2021-08-07T16:48:33","date_gmt":"2021-08-07T16:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/muscularmoving.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=2834"},"modified":"2025-12-15T12:30:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T12:30:40","slug":"moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving With Pets: How to Help Your Pet Adjust"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If moving is stressful for humans (spoiler alert: it is) then it\u2019s even more so for pets who have no context for what\u2019s going on. Take a deep breath, snuggle up with your furbaby, and read on for our pro tips for helping your furry friends settle into their new home after moving day.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"text-align: center;\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6656\" src=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/moving-with-your-cat.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"622\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/moving-with-your-cat.png 622w, https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/moving-with-your-cat-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/moving-with-your-cat-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 622px) 100vw, 622px\" \/><\/div>\n<p>The movers have just unloaded the last box from the moving truck and have left you alone for the first time in your new home. What\u2019s the first thing you unpack?<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#How_to_Tell_if_Your_Pet_is_Stressed\" >How to Tell if Your Pet is Stressed<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Signs_of_Stress_in_Dogs\" >Signs of Stress in Dogs:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Signs_of_Stress_in_Cats\" >Signs of Stress in Cats:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Prepare_in_Advance\" >Prepare in Advance<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Start_training_new_behaviors_early\" >Start training new behaviors early<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Go_for_a_walk_in_the_new_neighborhood\" >Go for a walk in the new neighborhood<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Find_a_trusted_pet_sitter_for_moving_day\" >Find a trusted pet sitter for moving day<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Ask_your_vet_about_anti-anxiety_measures\" >Ask your vet about anti-anxiety measures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Re-establish_your_pets_routine_quickly_%E2%80%93_and_stick_to_it\" >Re-establish your pet\u2019s routine quickly \u2013 and stick to it<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Establish_set_times_for_things_like\" >Establish set times for things like:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Keep_human_stress_levels_low\" >Keep human stress levels low<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Minimize_clutter\" >Minimize clutter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Take_downtime_together\" >Take downtime together<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#Treat_yourself_and_your_pet\" >Treat yourself (and your pet)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/blog\/moving-with-pets-heres-how-to-help-your-pet-settle-into-a-new-home\/#When_in_doubt_love_and_attention_go_a_long_way\" >When in doubt, love and attention go a long way<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Is it your kitchen essentials? Linens? What about the electronic devices that will undoubtedly help you get through the tedious process of setting up your new home, thanks to your favorite tunes?<\/p>\n<p>Well, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/pet-friendly-housing-statistics\/#pet-ownership\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">if you happen to be a pet owner<\/a>, the answer to what to unpack first should probably be your dog or cat\u2019s prized possessions.<\/p>\n<p>As stressful as moving can be on humans, it\u2019s even more so for pets. We\u2019ve talked before about\u00a0<a href=\"\/blog\/tips-when-moving-your-dog-or-cat\/\">handling the moving day with pets<\/a>, but we all know the stress doesn\u2019t end there. Today we\u2019re diving into a few ways to ease the transition for your \u2018furbaby\u2019 and help them settle into their new home.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Tell_if_Your_Pet_is_Stressed\"><\/span>How to Tell if Your Pet is Stressed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A reasonable amount of stress is to be expected after a move. After all, your pet now finds themselves in unfamiliar surroundings, with new sights, sounds, and smells to take in. It will take some getting used to.<\/p>\n<p>But if your pet\u2019s stress levels start to get out of hand, they may exhibit some troubling behavior. Knowing these signs can help you help them to feel safe and secure again.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_Stress_in_Dogs\"><\/span>Signs of Stress in Dogs:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<div id=\"ub_styled_list-73845d6a-f15c-4ad9-b72d-84cea153e95a\" class=\"ub_styled_list \">\n<ul class=\"fa-ul\">\n<li>Pacing<\/li>\n<li>Hiding<\/li>\n<li>Whining<\/li>\n<li>Panting<\/li>\n<li>Shedding<\/li>\n<li>Changes in toileting habits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_Stress_in_Cats\"><\/span>Signs of Stress in Cats:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<div id=\"ub_styled_list-c90d3b07-ddbd-4595-bf4a-f443c0e4b696\" class=\"ub_styled_list \">\n<ul class=\"fa-ul\">\n<li>Vomiting<\/li>\n<li>Diarrhea<\/li>\n<li>Over-grooming<\/li>\n<li>Dull coat condition<\/li>\n<li>Poor appetite or eating non-food items (\u201cPica\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>Toileting outside of the usual area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<p>If your pet is exhibiting signs of stress that fall outside of their normal behavior patterns either before or after a move, read on. Taking the steps outlined in this article can help get them back to their usual selves by settling into their new home faster.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prepare_in_Advance\"><\/span>Prepare in Advance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Helping your pet settle into their new home starts well before moving day.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few things you can do ahead of time to ease your pet\u2019s transition and make the process less stressful for all.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_training_new_behaviors_early\"><\/span>Start training new behaviors early<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Are you moving from a small apartment to a larger home or vice versa? Consider the new behaviors that your pet\u2019s new environment may require, and begin training and reinforcing those behaviors now before they\u2019re needed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Go_for_a_walk_in_the_new_neighborhood\"><\/span>Go for a walk in the new neighborhood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If your new home happens to be within driving distance, consider taking your dog for a walk in their new neighborhood. It will help get them acclimated to the new sights and sounds and make moving day a little less jarring.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_a_trusted_pet_sitter_for_moving_day\"><\/span>Find a trusted pet sitter for moving day<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If you plan for your pet to stay with a sitter during the moving day or any time before or after, it\u2019s a good idea to introduce them to their new caretaker early. Schedule a few play dates at the location where they will be cared for, so they feel more at home when the big day comes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDogs and cats are creatures of habit, and having strangers in the house taking their furniture can be confusing and disorienting,\u201d says Muscular Moving Men Co-Founder Justin Hodge in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/common-moving-mistakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">this recent article on Redfin.com<\/a>. \u201cPlan on having relatives, friends, or even a pet hotel take care of your furry friends for the day. It keeps traffic to a minimum inside the house, and everyone will get through the process smoother.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ask_your_vet_about_anti-anxiety_measures\"><\/span>Ask your vet about anti-anxiety measures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If your pet is prone to stress, consider talking to your vet about anti-anxiety measures like medication or calming gear like the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/thundershirt.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Thundershirt<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Re-establish_your_pets_routine_quickly_%E2%80%93_and_stick_to_it\"><\/span>Re-establish your pet\u2019s routine quickly \u2013 and stick to it<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Much like toddlers, a routine is essential for pets. Whether creating a routine was intentional on your part or not, your pet is accustomed to a particular order of things day in and day out. Some change to this order is unavoidable in a new environment. But doing your best to re-establish your pet\u2019s routine, and sticking to it religiously, can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.moving.com\/tips\/moving-with-pets-how-to-help-your-dog-adjust\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">go a long way towards making them feel safe<\/a>\u00a0and secure again.<\/p>\n<p>Keeping a consistent schedule is more important than ever after a move. After all, schedules are how your pet makes sense of their day. Even if you didn\u2019t have a definite schedule before your move, establishing one now will help your pet learn what to expect from their day.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Establish_set_times_for_things_like\"><\/span>Establish set times for things like:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<div id=\"ub_styled_list-a1ad13d0-4516-4e14-97c5-564348beaaf9\" class=\"ub_styled_list \">\n<ul class=\"fa-ul\">\n<li>Feeding times<\/li>\n<li>Walks<\/li>\n<li>Playtime<\/li>\n<li>Grooming<\/li>\n<li>and our favorite, snuggle time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_human_stress_levels_low\"><\/span>Keep human stress levels low<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>You\u2019ve probably heard that animals can smell fear. Well,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wagwalking.com\/sense\/can-dogs-smell-anxiety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">the same is true for anxiety<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In particular, dogs can detect changes in human body chemistry, and one thing that can trigger those changes is stress. Unfortunately for your pet, studies have shown that dogs will mirror human emotions, so if you\u2019re feeling stressed, your pet will feel the effects as well.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, you and your pet can help rid each other of all that extra stress since the very things that will help your dog cope with stress will also help you.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few things you can do to help you both manage anxiety while settling into a new home:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Minimize_clutter\"><\/span>Minimize clutter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Keeping the clutter down can be challenging, especially right after moving in when you find yourself buried in boxes. But creating a clutter-free zone \u2013 even in just one small room \u2013 where you and your pet can escape and decompress can make all the difference.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_downtime_together\"><\/span>Take downtime together<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Are you feeling overwhelmed? Your pet probably is, too. Retreat to your clutter-free zone together, or take a break in the backyard. Making sure you get enough downtime is key to a low-stress move for you and your pets.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treat_yourself_and_your_pet\"><\/span>Treat yourself (and your pet)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>It\u2019s normal to feel uprooted after a move. Take some time to treat yourself and your pet to something special. Grab your favorite beverage and take a trip to the local dog park to spend some time outdoors. Buy a new, interactive toy for your cat and spend some time engaging with them and encouraging them to explore.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_in_doubt_love_and_attention_go_a_long_way\"><\/span>When in doubt, love and attention go a long way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Moving with your dog or cat can be stressful for you both. But by planning ahead, following a few tips for managing pets on moving day, establishing a routine, and healthily managing your own stress, you and your pets can settle into your new home in no time.<\/p>\n<p>If all else fails, extra love and attention from your pet\u2019s favorite human can go a long way toward easing the transition for both of you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If moving is stressful for humans (spoiler alert: it is) then it\u2019s even more so for pets who have no [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2834","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2834"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2834\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11396,"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2834\/revisions\/11396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/muscularmovingmen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}