Smooth Moves: 5 Tips and Tricks for Moving Home with Dogs

Moving home can be an exciting yet stressful experience for everyone involved, including our beloved canine companions. But with a little preparation and these helpful tips and tricks, you can ensure a smooth transition for both you and your dog.

Tip 1: Bring along familiar scents

Before the big move, consider moving your dog's bed into the new house ahead of time. This will infuse the space with a familiar scent, providing comfort and reassurance to your pets in their new environment. 

You can go one step further by bringing along their favourite toys, blankets, and other familiar items that can help ease the transition and make the new house feel like home.

Aidan and Carla Bracher, who recently moved home with their two sausage dogs, Myrtle and Neville swear by this little-known tip. They said: “We kept one dog bed at each house during the lead-up to the move and gradually introduced familiar items to help the dogs adapt to the new space.”

Tip 2: Create a safe spot for them from the get go

During the chaos of moving day, it's essential to provide your dog with a safe and secure space where they can feel calm and relaxed. 

Consider setting up a cosy den using blankets draped over a crate or a designated area in a quiet room. This sanctuary will give your dog a sense of security amidst the hustle and bustle of moving boxes and furniture.

Tip 3: Engage them in the move

Moving can be a stressful time for dogs, so be sure to shower them with extra love and attention throughout the process. Take breaks from packing and unpacking to spend quality time with your furry friend, whether it's going for a walk, playing their favourite game, or simply cuddling on the couch. Your presence and affection will help reassure them during this period of change.

Aidan explains: “One thing we found helpful was keeping the dogs involved with us during the move. We were worried about sleep regression so keeping them engaged with enrichment toys or by following us around the new house was great. They were so tired from being awake all day with the activity going on, that they slept through the night from the first night in the new house.”

Tip 4: Invest in easy-to-clean dog beds

Amidst the chaos of moving and renovations, keeping your dog's bedding clean can be a challenge. Investing in easy-to-clean dog beds like those from our new washable collection, can be a real game-changer. 

The Brachers and their dogs found their nest beds to be a lifesaver during their move, as they are designed to calm anxious pets and can be easily thrown into the washing machine to remove any dust or dirt.

Tip 5: Update their identification details

With all the excitement of moving, it's easy to overlook the importance of updating your dog's microchip and pet ID tag details.

Ensure that your contact information is up-to-date, including your new address and phone number. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your pet can be easily reunited with you should they get lost during the move or while exploring their new neighbourhood.

A Smooth Transition for You and Your Pets

Moving home with a dog doesn't have to be a stressful experience. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure a smooth transition for both you and your pets. 

Bringing along familiar scents to create a safe haven can help them settle, but don’t forget to update identification details, and take proactive steps to help ease your dog's worries and help them adjust to their new environment. 

As you embark on this new adventure, we hope that this advice allows for a stress-free moving day together!

Recently moved house? If you think we've missed something, please share your own tips and tricks in the comments below!