Moving to a new home involves multiple lists of things to manage before the big day. Packing the first-night box is essential and while putting that together, remember to pull together a few items for your pets.
The following are six essential first-night box items to pack for them and eliminate the need to make a late-night run to the grocery or drug store.
1. Food
Like everyone else, pets need to eat. Therefore, you should plan to pack enough food to last a few days so that you aren’t left scrambling through boxes to find your pet’s food. Doing this also ensures you can continue to feed them their regular brand since last-minute dashes to the store might result in buying a brand they aren’t used to.
For pets with digestive issues, continuing them on their regular foods can reduce the risk of upset tummies, but even pets without problems may experience upset due to the move—keeping food consistent will probably help.
2. Food and Water Dishes
Packing food and water pet dishes with the food will make it easier to feed Fido or Fluffy. Plus, it avoids needing to use the first thing in a pinch—you don’t want to start rummaging through boxes to only find Grandma’s China bowls to use.
3. Litter Box/Poop Bags
Cats will need a location to do their business soon after arrival. Otherwise, they’ll locate their own place to go, which might be someone’s bed or other undesirable location. Ensuring a kitty litter box, litter, and scooper are readily handy will ensure Fluffy has a place to go.
For dogs, it’s essential to pack poop bags, especially if your dog is walking and not going on your property. Aside from the hygiene factor, many communities have strict laws and fines for not picking up after canines.
4. Collar and Leash
Rather than packing a collar, every pet should wear one before moving, along with a tag that includes your name, phone number, and new address. Then, if your furry friends escape during the chaos of a move, whoever finds them can make certain they find their way home.
Dogs will also need a leash for when you take them for a walk—this is an item you definitely don’t want to go out shopping for in the hour of need.
5. Toys
Not unlike kids, pets will need their belongings to entertain them. So provide plenty of toys for your pets if they like to play, including chew toys and bones for dogs and cat toys and catnip for cats.
6. Carrier
Carriers are essential to ensure your pets are transported safely to the new house or apartment. For example, you should crate dogs and pace cats placed in cat carriers. Be sure to tuck a comfortable blanket or towel in with them to help make the ride more comfortable.
Providing pets the items they need for their basic needs and a few niceties will help give them a better transition to their new home. So many pets feel displaced going somewhere new, but ensuring their first-night moving box is stocked with all the things they need and enjoy will help them feel more at ease.
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