Moving is a big change for everyone in the family, and our littlest members, both two-legged and four-legged, can find it particularly unsettling. Children and pets thrive on routine and familiarity, and the disruption of a move can cause them stress and anxiety. We want to offer some thoughtful advice on how to make your Colorado Springs moving experience as smooth and positive as possible for your children and beloved pets. A little extra planning can help them adjust more easily to their new surroundings.
Preparing Children for the Move
Open communication and involvement are key when preparing children for a move.
- Talk About It Early and Often: Explain the move in age-appropriate terms. Tell them why you are moving and what exciting things await in the new home or city. Read books about moving that are geared towards their age group.
- Let Them Ask Questions: Encourage them to voice their feelings and concerns. Answer their questions honestly and reassure them. Validate their emotions; it’s okay for them to feel sad about leaving their old home or friends.
- Involve Them in Safe Ways: Let children participate in tasks suitable for their age. They could pack a special box of their own toys, help sort items for donation, or pick out new paint colors for their room in the new house (if applicable). Feeling involved can give them a sense of control.
- Visit the New Home/Neighborhood: If possible, take your children to see the new home or explore the new neighborhood before the move. This can help it feel more familiar and less intimidating. Point out parks, schools, or other places they might enjoy.
- Maintain Routines: As much as possible, stick to regular routines for meals, playtime, and bedtime leading up to the move and in the first few days after. This provides a sense of stability.
Preparing Pets for the Move
Pets are also sensitive to changes in their environment.
- Keep Routines Consistent: Just like with children, try to maintain your pet’s feeding, walking, and playtime schedules as much as possible before and after the move.
- Create a Safe Space: In the weeks leading up to the move, as boxes start appearing, ensure your pet still has a familiar, comfortable spot where they can retreat.
- Update Identification: Make sure your pet wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags (with your new address if possible, and definitely your phone number). Consider microchipping if you haven’t already, and ensure the microchip registration details are current.
- Visit the Vet: Get a check-up for your pet before the move. Ensure vaccinations are up to date and obtain a copy of their medical records. If you’re moving a long distance or your pet gets anxious during travel, discuss options like sedatives or anxiety-relief medication with your vet.
- Acclimatize to Carriers: If your pet will travel in a carrier, get them used to it well in advance. Leave it open in the house with comfortable bedding and treats inside so they associate it with positive experiences.
On Moving Day: Keeping Kids and Pets Safe and Calm
Moving day itself can be chaotic. It’s often best to arrange for children and pets to be away from the house while the movers Colorado Springs are working.
- For Children: If possible, have them stay with a trusted friend, family member, or babysitter. If they must be present, assign one adult to be solely responsible for supervising them. Set up a safe area in one room with some favorite toys and snacks, away from the main activity.
- For Pets: The safest place for pets on moving day is often at a friend’s house, a kennel, or a pet daycare. If they must stay with you, keep them in a quiet, secure room (like a bathroom) with their bed, food, water, and a “Do Not Enter” sign on the door. This prevents them from escaping or getting underfoot. Transport them to the new home in your own vehicle, not the moving truck.
Settling into the New Home
- For Children: Unpack their room first, or at least set up their bed and some familiar toys as soon as possible. This helps them feel secure. Try to get back to normal routines quickly. Explore the new yard and neighborhood together. Help them connect with other children if possible.
- For Pets: When you arrive at the new home, initially confine your pet to one quiet room with their familiar bed, food, water, and litter box (for cats). This allows them to adjust gradually. Once they seem comfortable, slowly introduce them to the rest of the house, one room at a time. Supervise them in the yard until you are sure it’s secure. Walk dogs on a leash in the new neighborhood to help them get acquainted with new smells and sights. It can take several weeks for pets to fully adjust. Be patient and provide lots of reassurance.
Finishing Thoughts
Moving is a significant event, but it doesn’t have to be traumatic for your children and pets. With thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and a focus on their comfort and security, you can help make the Colorado Springs moving experience a positive one for the whole family. Your chosen Colorado Springs moving company can focus on the heavy lifting while you focus on your loved ones. Remember that your calm demeanor will also help them feel more at ease. We wish you and your entire family a happy transition, and invite you to read more on our blog for other moving insights.