You’re thinking about moving into a home with less square footage, but as a pet owner, you’re concerned about how your furry friend will fare during the process. Downsizing with a pet can be more complicated, yet with the right approach, you can handle the accompanying challenges with ease. Today, Cribbin Realty shows you how to reduce your stress levels while downsizing, get your home ready for showings, and shop for pet products that you can use in your new house.
Minimize Stress
Moving can be tough for people and pets. If you’re balancing your full-time job with moving preparations, you might feel a little overwhelmed, and your stress could rub off on your pet. To make things easier, you could try working from home one or two days per week or hiring a pet sitter to stop by occasionally and help you out with pet care.
Go Through Your Belongings
As you downsize, you’ll need to get rid of items that you don’t use anymore. The Spruce recommends separating items into a few boxes labeled “Keep,” “Throw away,” “Donate,” and “Sell.” Before throwing out any pet care items, ensure that it’s something your pet truly will not need in the future.
Prep Your Home for Buyers
In order to purchase a smaller home or condo, you’ll most likely need to sell your current house. Take some time to prepare your home so that it appeals to buyers. Tackle any important repairs, like fixing leaky pipes or cracked windows. You’ll also want to put away any personalized decor, like family photos, so that buyers can picture themselves in your home.
Find a Cozy Home
As you get your own home prepped for the market, you’ll be house hunting, too! Buying a house as a pet owner means taking a few different factors into consideration. The American Kennel Club recommends checking out breed-specific pet laws for different localities, looking for a home with a fenced-in yard, and prioritizing homes with solid hardwood floors.
Purchase the Right Pet Products
When you arrive at your new home, you’ll want to ensure that your pet feels calm and comfortable. Getting used to an unfamiliar place takes time, but the right pet care products will make the process easier! You may want to buy a bed, blankets, new toys, and other items that will make them feel at home.
While shopping for your pet, you’ll want to check that you’re spending money on safe, high-quality products. Looking up customer ratings is a good start, but checking out reviews from veterinarians is even better!
Also, as you might imagine, what your pet eats matters a lot and can have a big impact on their mood (as well as yours). So If you’re searching for beef dog food you can trust, you may consider this option which is widely considered one of the best on the market.
Keep Your Pet Happy
Your pet might feel stressed out during the move. It’s normal for your four-legged friend to feel a little antsy, but you can take steps to help them calm down. If you haven’t already crate-trained your pet, take the time to do so before you move. When you arrive, set your pet up in a designated space with their bed, toys, and any special items that you now will comfort them.
Don’t forget to pack some tasty treats for your dog or cat, too! Just make sure they’re nutritious, as well. Your pet will love getting a little reward for their good behavior. Look at the ingredients before buying to ensure that they suit your pet’s dietary needs.
If you’ve come to realize that you don’t need quite so much space, downsizing might be the right choice for you. But you don’t want your pet to feel anxious or scared during the process. With these tips, you can spruce up your home for prospective buyers, keep your own stress levels low, and buy the pet care products you really need.
If you’re looking for your dream home, Cribbin Realty can help! Call 314-954-6500.
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