Written by: Cuddles, the hedgehog

Whoa, hold on—are those boxes? Are we going somewhere? Again?! Moving is a big adventure for humans, but for us pets, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Your excitement comes from fresh starts and new places, but for us, it comes from you—your energy, your stress, your joy. We feel everything! That’s why it’s super important to make us part of the move from the very beginning.

Let’s start by diving into what’s going through our minds during your big adventure. We thrive on routine, so a move can feel pretty confusing—and, honestly, a little stressful. But don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll share some helpful tips to make the transition as comfortable and secure as possible.

I’ve been through a few moves myself (and let’s just say I have thoughts about it). So, I figured I’d share some wisdom—both from my own little paws-on experience and from other pets who’ve had a front-row seat in the moving van. Let’s make this move as smooth as a belly rub!

1. Make An Introduction Before The Big Move

If possible, let us visit the new home before the big move. Give us some time to explore, sniff around, and get familiar with the space. If an in-person visit isn’t an option, a video tour—with sound—can help introduce us to the new environment. And don’t forget the positive reinforcement (hint, hint…treats, please!).

While every pet is different, dogs, in particular, rely heavily on scent, sound, and surroundings to feel secure. A little preparation goes a long way in making the transition smoother for us!

2. Share New Scents

Many of us rely more on scent than eyesight—including me! Before settling into a new place, I like to get a little preview of what I’m getting myself into. But when a house or apartment is empty, it can be tricky to introduce new smells—so you might have to get creative!

Try bringing a freshly washed blanket, towel, or favorite toy to the new space and let it absorb some of the scent. You can also bring back something small from the new home—like a stick from the yard or a piece of fabric—so we can start getting familiar with it. Once home, place it in our favorite resting spot to create positive associations.

And don’t worry about size—our sniffers are top-tier, so even a little scent can make a big difference!

3. Keep Up The Routine

In the time leading up to the move, consistency is key. Keep our feeding, walking, and play schedules as unchanged as possible. Introduce change into our routine, such as playing with the toy you packed full of scents.

If you are moving nearby, consider walking in the new neighborhood during walking time, if the move is far away, you might consider a different route that encourages our adventurous side.

For those with pets who are not the ‘walk-around-the-block’ type, consistency is key and don’t forget to feed us on time please.

4. Smart Packing

We are pretty particular about our things, so leave our packing until the end. We are ok if you move our things to a single locations, but don’t try to pull one over us by packing most of our stuff and leaving us a toy or two, that is just not going to work. We like to know where our stuff is, remember we bury bones and retrieve them weeks later. So, putting all of our stuff in one place will do, but don’t put any of it into the box, it will just drive us even more crazy.

On moving day, keep our favorites available, moving them to the moving van or our mode of transportation, but keep that box of our stuff close by and we are all for that being the first box to unpack when we arrive, to help keep us as calm and happy as possible.

When placing our items in the new home, it is helpful for you to have a plan on where you want us to eat, sleep, play and rest. Place the critical items where you want them to go, so we get used to the new routine as quickly as possible. The litter box is one of the most important spots to locate and show the kitties where you stashed it.

5. Get Our Paperwork In Order

Gather our microchip information, outfit us with a new Smart Pet Tag, and make sure my collar and leash are in good working order. I won’t mean to make a run for it, but with so many new scents, untraveled roads, and barking neighbors, I might not be able to help myself, so make sure you can find me.

If we have any health issues, gather our records, meds, and contact info of our current veterinarian if we have to find a new one. Make an appointment of us to meet the new veterinarian pretty quickly after we arrive to make sure they know all about us, just incase we need them.

6. Pet-Proof My New Digs

Before letting us roam freely, check for any potential hazards such as loose wires, open windows, or toxic plants. If our new spot has a fence, look for holes and stay out there with me incase I find an escape route.

If possible walk our new home before we arrive and decide how we will use the space together. Consider a gate if our new abode has stairs or rooms I need to stay out of. I get it, you want me safe, I want me safe too.

7. A Little Something New

So I mentioned we don’t love change, but a new set of pet bowls that match our new kitchen, a new treat jar we will quickly know how to find, or a cozy new bed by the fire is ok with us.

We want to be part of our new space as much as you do, so if our bed has seen better days, our bowls have had a bit too much love or you just want to up our game, we are really all for it. In fact, a few new toys that we can associate with our new dwelling would be just fine.

8. The Road Trip

If traveling by car, make sure we are in a well-ventilated space and that our crate, aquarium or seatbelt is secure. Some of us don’t travel by vehicle often so make sure we don’t tip over. If we have a ways to go, plan extra stops along the way. If I am used to a little box, consider a disposable or portable option to help me stay regular.

Did I mention the road trip snacks? Pack us some good ones please. It is a road trip right, the calories don’t count.

When we arrive, allow us time to explore the new home at their own pace. Start with one room and gradually expanding their access. This slow introduction helps prevent us from getting overwhelmed feelings and allows them to adjust comfortably.

9. A Moving Day Pet Plan

On the day of the move, set up a quiet, secure area for us away from the hustle and bustle. Consider a separate room with all our stuff, a crate with a door, or a trip to our favorite pet sitter is another option. For those of you really worried about us, you might consider a day at the pet space, pet daycare or pet motel. We are all up for a little pampering.

Now I don’t want you to think this advice is to get out our of doing the hard labor, it is truly meant to keep everyone safe and secure. Minimizing exposure to the chaos will help keep us calm and out of the way. With so much change, strangers in our home, and our pet people out of sorts, things could get a little crazy if you know what I mean.

Once the hard work is done, gather us from our crate, sitter or the spa and let’s get our new routine started. Leave the boxes and let’s go for our first walk, toss the ball in the backyard or sit on the sofa together and chill.

10. Exploring Our New World

Once we are safe and sound and used to our new roost, it is time to explore. Start with walks around the neighborhood, a visit to the park, or even a trip to the local pub. Let’s explore together what this place has to offer. For those of us that are not leash trained, consider a pet-safe backpack to let us get a visual.

Find out the local leash laws, dog walking guidelines, and other pet owner need to knows. You might want to join a local pet group, spend time a the local dog park, or exploring different streets as you get to know your new domain.

Fun Tip: Choose a stand out dog poo bag color as you make your way around town, others will take notice of the new pet in town.

Moving with pets requires patience, planning, and understanding, but by taking these steps, together we can create a smooth transition that makes our new house feel like home. Some of us may experience anxiety during the move, so don’t hold back from offering extra cuddles, treats, and playtime. You might even try using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps if needed.

After the move, keep an eye on our behavior and appetite. If we show signs of stress, such as excessive hiding, decreased eating, or destructive behavior, give us more time to settle in. If concerns persist, consult our veterinarian for additional guidance.

Enjoy your new haven and while we don’t mind you being worried about us, make sure you take care of yourselves too. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, we will be just fine, I just hope these tips make the move easier for everyone. Enjoy!

Cuddles is a perceptive hedgehog writer who explores work-life balance, pet-owner relationships, and pet care, blending keen insights with warmth to enhance life, one pet at a time.