May
05 2025

Moving with Pets: A Storage-Integrated Guide to a Smooth Transition

Posted under Self Storage

Relocating to a new home is a major event for any household, and it’s even more complex when pets are involved. While we often focus on packing boxes, hiring movers, and changing addresses, our furry (or feathered) family members also need attention, planning, and comfort during the transition. One often-overlooked tool in simplifying a move with pets is self-storage. By integrating a storage solution into your moving process, you can make the journey less stressful for both you and your animals.

This guide provides expert tips for pet-friendly moving while strategically using storage to reduce clutter, anxiety, and disruption.

---

1. Plan Ahead with Your Pet in Mind

Preparation is the foundation of a stress-free move. Just as you'd schedule movers and utilities, take the time to prepare for your pet’s needs:

• Schedule a vet check-up to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the move and update any vaccinations or microchip information.

• Get copies of medical records, particularly if you're moving out of town or to another state.

• Research pet regulations at your new location, such as breed restrictions or pet licensing requirements (ASPCA moving tips).

---

2. Use Self-Storage to Reduce Chaos

Self-storage offers a powerful solution during the hectic stages of moving. A cluttered house filled with boxes and furniture can create confusion and stress for pets. By storing non-essential items, you create a calmer, more navigable space.

Benefits of storage for pet owners during a move:

• Maintain your pet’s routine. Keeping their space familiar and clear of moving chaos helps ease anxiety.

• Staged packing. Begin packing early and move items into a storage unit in phases, preventing sudden, overwhelming changes.

• Protect pet gear. Store extra toys, crates, or seasonal gear safely until you're settled.

Look for a climate-controlled unit if you're storing pet-related items like bedding, food, or medications (How Self-Storage Can Help During a Move).

---

3. Keep Routines Consistent

Pets thrive on routine. Amid the moving hustle, try to keep feeding, walking, and play schedules consistent. Set aside time each day for familiar activities to reinforce a sense of normalcy.

• For dogs: stick to regular walks and avoid introducing new environments until necessary.

• For cats: keep their litter box in a quiet, unchanged area and avoid moving it too often.

• For smaller pets: avoid excess handling or cage relocations during the transition.

To help your furry friend cope during your move you can read this article.

---

4. Designate a “Pet Zone”

Create a quiet room or corner in your current and new home where your pet can retreat. Fill this area with familiar items like their bed, toys, and blankets.

If you’re staging your home for sale or navigating multiple days of moving, you can place excess items and non-daily-use furniture in storage to preserve this safe space for your pet. This also improves the appearance of your home for potential buyers (Zillow: How to Stage Your Home with Pets).

---

5. Consider Pet Boarding During the Peak of the Move

The loud noises, open doors, and presence of movers can be terrifying for pets—and dangerous if they try to escape. For the busiest moving days, consider:

• Pet daycares

• Trusted family or friends

• Overnight boarding

This ensures your pet stays safe and reduces their exposure to moving day stress.

If you’ve already cleared out and stored items in a self-storage unit, you’ll have fewer moving-day distractions and hazards in the house.

---

6. Travel Safely

When it’s time to physically move, safe and secure transport is crucial:

• Use a crate or carrier your pet is familiar with. Introduce it in advance if needed.

• Plan rest stops during long drives and ensure pets stay hydrated and fed.

• Avoid leaving pets in cars, even briefly—temperatures can rise dangerously fast.

Flying? Each airline has specific pet policies—check ahead with resources like PetFriendlyTravel.com for guidelines.

---

7. Unpack in Stages with Pets in Mind

Once you arrive, resist the urge to unpack everything all at once. Instead, create a calm environment first:

• Set up your pet’s essentials—food, water, litter box, toys—before tackling boxes.

• Introduce one room at a time to prevent overwhelm, especially for cats or small animals.

• Use storage to keep non-essentials out of the way while your pet acclimates.

Gradual unpacking lets you prioritize your pet’s adjustment while slowly integrating your stored items back into your new home.

---

8. Pet-Proof Your New Home

Before your pet explores their new environment, check for hazards:

• Secure loose wires, toxic plants, or small items they could swallow.

• Inspect fences, screens, and windows for escape risks.

• Set up safe zones before giving them free rein.

For apartment dwellers, look into local pet-friendly amenities like parks, trails, or daycare centers.

---

9. Update IDs and Local Info

As soon as you’ve moved:

• Update your pet’s microchip info with your new address.

• Get a new ID tag with your current contact number.

• Register your pet with your new city if required.

This step is critical in case your pet gets lost during the transition.

---

10. Stay Calm and Positive

Animals are incredibly perceptive. If you’re stressed, your pet likely will be too. Use calming tools like:

• Pheromone sprays (e.g., Feliway or Adaptil)

• Soothing music or white noise

• Extra cuddles and playtime

A relaxed demeanor and a structured plan make a big difference.

---

Final Thoughts: A Smoother Move with Storage and Pet Planning

Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic for you or your pet. By combining early planning, routine consistency, and strategic use of self-storage, you can create a smoother experience for everyone. Storage helps eliminate clutter, reduce noise and movement in your home, and give your pet a more peaceful environment throughout the move.

Ready to integrate storage into your move? Choose a local, pet-aware storage facility with flexible terms and climate control. Your future self—and your pet—will thank you.

 

---

By: Lee Preston
Lee is the Director of Marketing and Promotion for EZstorit.com. When she is not working with our storage facilities partners, she is writing about topics that affect our daily lives.