Moving alone can be a strenuous thing to do. All the packing, boxes, suitcases, transportation, and attention to every small detail are stressful. Things become even more complicated when you're moving with a dog.

Relocating to a new house or apartment with your best friend adds new layers of planning and organizing to the whole process. Lucky for you, there are certain small steps you can take to ease the move, make your dog feel comfortable and safe, and slowly acclimate it to its new environment.

1. Before the move

Weeks before the big day, try to make your dog get used to boxes, suitcases, and all the things that are required for the move. Put some of the moving items in a corner or a place the dog frequents daily. Do it casually and let your beloved pet explore these items at its own pace.

To make everything as stress-free as possible for the dog, try not to change its routine. If you manage to stick to the regular feeding and playing times and walking, your dog won't notice a thing about the change that's going to come. When you're consistent, your dog will feel calm and safe.

2. During the move

If you know you're going to be busy on the big day, you should find a dog sitter or ask a friend to take care of the pet for a few hours. Even if you feel like you're on top of everything, you should still ask for help. Why? During the move, your dog will be all too excited about the move. It being underfoot can be a safety hazard. A trusted friend, a pet sitter, or even a dog daycare can make things a lot easier for you and the dog.

Once you arrive at your new place, try to set up a safe place for your pet immediately. It's important for the dog to feel relaxed and secure at your new house or apartment. A good idea is to feed it at its little corner to create a positive association with that place. You can also try to use one of those calming pheromone diffusers if you feel like your dog is still stressed.

3. After the move

One of the first things you want to do after the relocation is to help your dog settle in quickly and feel at home easily. Try to get it back to its normal routine as soon as possible. You can even make the regular walks a bit more fun or with more exercises. Also, you can explore the new area with your dog. The mental and physical exploration will help the dog a great deal.

4. Extra help

If you feel like you're not up to all of these, you can always ask for help. Many moving companies have the necessary tools and experience to make the relocation as safe as possible for the dog. Knowing that everything will be alright with your best friend will make the move less stressful for you.

About the author

Empire Movers is a fully licensed and insured moving company based in New York City. The professional movers NYC offer a wide range of moving services, including local, commercial, and long-distance moving.