How to Pack Pet Items for a Move

The experts in residential moving at All My Sons Moving & Storage have some important tips and tricks to help families moving with a pet. As you pack your pet items for the move, take these five steps to ensure your pet can make a smooth transition.

Your barking or meowing family member has their own essential items that make surviving and thriving in your new home possible. Mindfully pack your pet items for your move, and your four-legged friend will have an easier time adjusting to the new digs once you arrive.

First thing, make sure everything is in order for your furry companion to make the big move with you. 

• Do a Pre-Move Vet Visit: Take your pet to their vet and do a regular checkup. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations and regular grooming practices. Grab any pet records you might need at this time, especially if you are moving far enough to warrant a vet-change. Some landlords at rental properties will require proof of vaccinations before allowing you to move in with your pet so make sure you’ve got updated records. 

• Update Identification Tags and Microchips: Check your pet’s tag and microchip information and make sure it is updated with the best way to reach you. 

• Plan for Pet Travel: If you are traveling cross-country with your pet then plan your route ahead of time. Make sure to include plenty of regular stops at rest areas and parks to allow your pet to burn off energy and go to the bathroom. If you are traveling by air, check with your airline for pet policies and procedures. You can also search for pet-shipping services to and from your destination to have professionals handle your pet’s travel.

• Downsize and Declutter the Pet Items: Moving is a great time to think critically about what your pet actually needs and wants. Before you elect to pack any of your pet items, evaluate them. Dispose of anything damaged or permanently soiled. Items in good condition that your pet ignores can be donated to local animal rescue charities, sold on Facebook Marketplace, or gifted to another pet-lover.

• Create a Pet-Safe Departure Zone: Designate a secure space for your pet in your old home that will serve as their safe space prior to departure. This space should have adequate food, water, and comfort objects to keep your pet happy. If you do not have a good space to secure your pet during the loading period of the move, you might consider having a friend or family member watch your pet at their home or find a service for pet boarding in your area.

Next step, pack any pet items that do not need to be on your person during the move. These can go in a special pet-essentials box that you will transport either in your own vehicle or on your moving truck. 

• Food and Water Bowls: Empty and wash pet bowls, then wrap them in bubble wrap, packing paper, or old towels and place them in your pet essentials box.

• Dry Food Bags: Securely clip bags closed or only transport unopened food bags in your pet essentials boxes to avoid a mess. 

• Treats: Make sure treat bags are sealed or double bagged to avoid treat spills.

• Pet Toys: Dispose of any pet toys too damaged to continue to entertain your pet. Pet toys coming with you should be wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap prior to going into your pet essentials boxes. 

• Pet Furniture: If your pet furniture item will disassemble, then take it apart and save any hardware pieces in a small plastic bag. Items that will not come apart should be transported with the rest of your furniture.

• Litter Box: Depending on the material your litter box is made of, you might want to take this time to evaluate if you require a new box. Completely empty and scrub the box clean. If the litter box will fit in a medium to large moving box, pack it in the very bottom of the box and put lighter items like pet beds, soft pet toys, and pet towels in the remaining space. If the box is too large to fit in a moving box, transport it with the rest of the pet furniture.

Once the pet essentials box is packed, you can move to the items you need to take with you in your pet’s essentials and emergencies bag. Every member of your household should have a personal bag, and this includes your beloved pet. Long road trips will require more items than a short local move, but these are some of the items you might consider packing to keep your pet happy during the journey.

• Pet Collar and Updated ID Tags: Make sure your pet’s collar and updated ID tags are securely attached to your pet at all times.

• Pet Carrier: Small pets will likely need to travel inside carriers to keep safe and secure during the drive. Line your carrier with old towels to keep your pet cozy and help contain any accidental messes.

• Pet Medications: If your pet needs it to function, thrive, or survive then it should be on your person in your bag at all times. Pack all daily medications and emergency medications where you can always reach them.

• Extra Food: Bring enough food to feed your pet until you reach your destination in a secure container.

• Water Jugs or Bottles: Keep your pet hydrated on the journey by providing water for them at regular intervals. 

• Treats: Moving is stressful for your four-legged family member too. Put some fun treats next to the regular food in their essentials bag to let them know what a good girl or boy they are.

• Leash: Check local leash regulations and always watch out for signs at parks that advise you to keep your dog leashed. Before getting out of the car, clip your pet to their leash and then you can safely guide them as they burn off energy or go to the bathroom. 

• Poop Bags: Clean up after your pet. Always keep way more poop bags on hand than you need, and don’t rely on city parks to keep poop bag stations stocked. 

• Portable Litter Box: For long-distance moving with a cat, your cat will need somewhere to go to the bathroom. Also carry a litter scoop and plenty of plastic bags to dispose of the solids when making stops so your cat always has a fresh bed of litter.

• Favorite Pet Toys: Pick out one or two of your pet’s absolute favorite toys and bring them with you on the journey.

• Cleaning Wipes: Get some disinfecting wipes in your pet essentials bag just in case of pet messes.

• Paper Towels: Also useful for cleaning up pet messes. Keep with your pet essentials or the cleaning supplies you bring with you. 

• Pet Records: Any important documents you need for your pet should go in a folder with the rest of your important documents like rental contracts and government IDs.

Once you have your pet essentials box loaded on the truck and your pet essentials bag on your shoulder for the journey, you should start making plans to move your pet.

Ideally, you will keep your pet in their departure safe-zone until the old home is mostly empty. Once the movers have loaded the truck, gather up the last of your pet items in the departure safe-zone and Fido in his carrier.

Load your personal vehicle for the move. Pick a secure place for your pet’s carrier to sit during the ride.

Once you have reached your destination, it’s time to help Fido get accustomed to his new digs. Keep your pet in a secure location until the movers depart.

• Create a Pet-Safe Landing Zone: When you arrive at the new home, set up a safe-space for your pet again. Ideally, this place will be out from underfoot if your movers are still unloading boxes. Make sure your pet’s needs are all taken care of, or you have someone available to watch your pet if you need to leave your pet alone here.

• Unload Pet Essentials: Set up your pet’s essentials in the safe space before you bring your pet into the home. 

• Allow Your Pet to Gradually Adjust: Once the movers have departed, release your pet into their safe-zone. Keep doors firmly closed until it is safe for your pet to venture into other parts of the home. You can start allowing your pet to explore on their own as you finish unpacking each room.

• Establish New Routines: Now that settling in is underway, help your pet get used to any new parts of their daily routine. Take dogs on their regular walks and begin feeding pets on a consistent schedule.

• Explore the New Neighborhood With Your Pet: New adventures await at the local dog park and the neighborhood playground. Go explore your new neighborhood with your pet. 

Pet items packed and ready. Your sweet furry friend will be ready to make many new memories at your next home.

Moving soon? Local or long-distance, the movers at All My Sons Moving & Storage know how to make this transition a seamless one. Let us handle all the loading and lifting while you focus on keeping your four-legged family member safe and happy. Click the quote button below to get started on your move.