Month: January 2022

A household move involves a lot of changes, and cats, by nature, are averse to change. Cats who become too anxious can make messes, become aggressive, or escape. However, you can take steps to ease your cat’s transition to your new home.

Before and During the Move

Preparing your cat for the move will ease the adjustment. 

Introduce boxes to your home before you begin packing so that they become part of the landscape. Also, introduce the cat carrier by placing it in a room and including blankets and treats to encourage the cat to explore the carrier. Allow them to enter and leave freely up to the day of the move.

On the day of the move, close the cat in the carrier. Resist the urge to open the carrier to comfort your kitty until you arrive at your destination.

Ensure your cat’s collar is up-to-date and the correct size. Updating the microchip before moving is a good idea; reunions are more likely with current microchip data.

Confine your cat in one room during the move. Put food and water on one side and a litter box on the other side. Also, include a scratching pad and favorite toys.

Create A “Safe” Room 

Cats adjust to new situations slowly. Prepare a “safe” room with a secure door and ceiling in your new home. Include food, water, a litter box, toys, and a few boxes for play. Familiar scents are comforting; have a tee shirt or other item of your clothing. Also, include blankets or toys with his scent.

Open the carrier and let the cat leave it at his speed. Sit with him as he explores the room the first time and frequently visit while the cat remains in the room. The cat will stay in the room until he begins to feel safe exploring the rest of the home. Some cats will feel safe after only a few days; others will take weeks.

Use Calming Aids

Pheromone sprays, diffusers, and plug-ins can help calm your adult cat, although they aren’t appropriate for kittens.  Products that contain rosemary, camomile, or tryptophan also can help your cat relax.

Keep The Cat Indoors

Even if your cat roamed outside frequently at your old home, keep him indoors for at least the first several weeks at your new home. Cats sometimes try to return to their old homes if allowed outside too quickly in the new location. So begin by taking him outdoors for ten minutes at a time and staying with him. Gradually increase the time, but continue to supervise him until you’re sure he’s comfortable with the yard and neighborhood.

Be Patient

Cats may react to the stress of change by not eating, hiding, or acting out. Play with your cat more and reward him more frequently with treats to encourage positive associations with the new home. If your pet continues to be anxious or misbehave for more than three weeks after the move, consult a veterinarian.

Moving Assistance

Are you relocating your family? Contact us for a quote. We can help ease your transition by helping with the packing, unpacking and everything in between.

When moving into your new home, your moving to-do list can seem endless. However, setting up your utilities is vital for getting comfortable as you begin to unpack your belongings. Here, we’ll look at things you need to do to get your utilities set up in your new space. 

Bare-Minimum Basics for the First 24 Hours

Before spending your first night in your new home, you’ll want to be sure to set up the following utility services: 

• Water
• Sewer
• Gas (if your house requires gas for heat or cooking)
• Electricity

You’ll need more utilities set up in the coming days, but as long as you have these ready to go, you’ll have a comfortable place to lay your head. In addition, you’ll be able to set up these services in advance, so you don’t need to wait until you arrive in your new town to create new accounts. Several weeks before the move, simply reach out to the local service provider for each of the utility services you need and let them know when you’d like your service turned on. 

In some states, you may have an option of utility providers. Take your time and research the option that makes the most sense for your budget, and be sure to reach out to several companies to learn more about their options. If you let a company know that you’ve found a better offer, they may provide you with a special rate to gain your business. 

Setting Up For Comfort

Once you have the bare necessities taken care of, it’s time to set your home up with all the services you need. When setting up the rest of your utilities, you’ll want to include: 

• Cable or other TV services
• Internet
• Landline phone
• Home security system
• Trash and recycling services

You may not have an option for some of these utilities (like trash and recycling), as there may only be one servicer for your area. For other services (like TV service and internet), you’ll likely have many choices. If you were happy with your TV or internet service in your last home and your provider is still available in the same area, you may want to simply transfer service from your old address to your new address. If you prefer, you may want to take advantage of the move-in specials many TV and internet companies offer. Be sure to check how long the move-in deals you’re provided last — some companies offer low rates for a year and then raise prices when the promotional period ends.

Moving? We’re Here To Help.

Moving is stressful, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. So reach out to us today for a free price quote on how we can help make your move as simple as possible.