Selling your home and moving can be complicated. Moving with pets? Even more to consider. Here are some tips for showing your home and moving while considering how your pets are affected:
- The goal should be to get your home smelling like there are no pets in the house. Try using vinegar (diluted with a bit of water) in a spray bottle and spray on carpets or floors. Or use in combination with baking soda on cushions or bedding for an extra powerful, odour eliminating punch. Always test in an inconspicuous area for colorfastness.
- Have a storage container handy that you can quickly go around the house and pickup pet toys and store away for showings.
- Make sure to clean out the litter box daily as well as before every showing.
- People are likely going to walk your lawn more than you normally do – pick up the dog bombs.
- Vacuum up all pet hair on floors and furniture.
- Request at least a few hours notice for showings so that you can have enough time to remove your pet from the home. Maybe you can ask your neighbour or family member to be on call to take your pet during the day if you are away at work.
- On moving day, set aside a small supply of food for your pet, along with its bed, toys and any other things that you will want quick access to. This way you can pack most of it along with the rest of your belongings without worrying about digging through boxes to feed your animal.
- Also on moving day, consider having a friend or family member take care of your pet for the day. If that isn’t possible, keep your pet confined in a safe and quiet space, like the bathroom and check on them periodically.
- Move the house before you move the pet. Set up as much as you can, even just in a room, before you introduce the animal to the new home. Confine them to a section of the house while they slowly adjust to their surroundings.
- Have their favourite toy, treat and cushion ready for them as they get used to the new home. Moving to a new place can be very stressful for pets. Have as many familiar things available to them.
