How to Move House with Pets? Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Moving house is stressful enough without worrying about how your pets are coping. Whether you’ve got dogs, cats, or smaller animals, a bit of planning goes a long way towards keeping them calm and making the whole process smoother for everyone. Here’s what actually helps.

Before you move

Preparation is key when moving house with pets. The more you can do ahead of time, the easier the transition will be for everyone.

Preparation makes a real difference. The more you can do ahead of time, the easier the transition will be for your pet.

1. Sort the vet admin early

Before you move, book a vet appointment if your pet needs any vaccinations or health checks. Update their ID tags and microchip registration with your new address before moving day, not after. If your pet is prone to anxiety, ask your vet about calming options such as sprays, supplements, or other methods that might help during the transition.

If you’re moving to a new area, it’s also worth researching local vets so you’re not scrambling to find one if something goes wrong in the first few weeks.

2. Keep packing low-key

Pets pick up on changes in their environment quickly, and a house full of boxes can put them on edge. Pack gradually rather than all at once, and keep your pet’s usual lounging spots available for as long as possible. Avoid washing their bedding or toys before the move. Those familiar scents will help them feel secure when they arrive in the new home.

For example:

A cat owner starts packing several weeks before the move, doing a room at a time and leaving the cat’s favourite spots untouched until the final days. By moving day, the cat has had time to adjust to the changing environment gradually, rather than experiencing it all at once.

On moving day

Moving day is often the most chaotic part of the process. Having a clear plan for your pet means one less thing to worry about.

3. Set up a safe, secure space

Before the removal team arrives, set up one room with your pet’s essentials: their bed, toys, food, and water. Close the door and put a note on it so no one accidentally lets them out. This keeps them away from the commotion, reduces their stress, and prevents any accidental escapes during the loading and unloading.

If your pet is particularly anxious, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to look after them for the day, or book them into a pet sitter or kennels.

4. Transporting your pet safely

If you’re driving, secure your pet in a travel carrier or with a proper pet seat harness. Bring a familiar blanket or toy for comfort and make sure water is accessible. For longer journeys, plan regular stops so they can stretch, drink, and go to the toilet.

Don’t leave pets in a parked car, particularly in warm weather.

After you move

Once you’ve arrived, the focus shifts to helping your pet feel at home in their new surroundings.

5. Set up their space first

Before you start unpacking the rest of the house, get your pet’s essentials in place: their bed, food and water bowls, and familiar toys. Having their own familiar corner to retreat to makes a significant difference while the rest of the house is still in boxes and boxes.

6. Re-establish routines quickly

Pets are creatures of habit. Getting back to their normal schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime as quickly as possible helps them feel secure and settles them faster. The more consistent you can be in the first few weeks, the better.

7. Introduce the new surroundings gradually

Don’t rush your pet into exploring everything at once.

• Dogs can be taken out on a lead to explore the new neighbourhood straight away, but keep them close until they’re familiar with the area.
• Cats should be kept indoors for around two weeks before being allowed outside. This gives them time to recognise the new home as their territory before venturing further afield. Feed them just before their first time outside so they have a reason to return.
• Smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs should be kept in a quiet area away from the main activity while you settle in.

Don’t forget the practical stuff

In amongst all of this, a few practical tasks still need to happen:

• Update your home insurance. Make sure your buildings and contents insurance are updated to your new address before or on moving day. Your existing policy won’t automatically cover your new home. With Lemonade’s home insurance, updating your details is straightforward through the app.
• Notify everyone of your new address. Our moving house address checklist covers everyone you need to tell, from the DVLA to your GP.
• Sort broadband early. Installation can take a couple of weeks, so don’t leave it to the last minute.

Before we go

Planning is everything when moving house with pets. A bit of preparation before, during, and after the move can make a huge difference in keeping your furry friends calm and happy. And don’t forget to update your home and contents insurance to cover your new address from day one. Sorted.

Moving house with pets FAQs