Moving Home With Pets and Children: Stress-Free Tips

Moving Day Is Chaotic — Plan Around It

Moving day involves doors propped open, heavy items being carried through hallways, and unfamiliar people in your home. This isn't ideal for small children, dogs, cats, or other pets. The single best piece of advice we give to families is: if at all possible, arrange for children and pets to spend moving day with a friend, family member, or childminder.

If that's not possible, designate one room as a "safe zone" — ideally the last room to be emptied — where children and pets can stay out of the way with some toys, snacks, and water.

Preparing Children for the Move

Children can find moving unsettling, especially if they're leaving behind friends or a school. Talk to them early about the move and involve them in the process. Let them pack a special box with their favourite toys, books, and comfort items.

For younger children, picture books about moving can help them understand what's happening. For older children, show them their new room and let them have some say in how it's decorated — it gives them something to look forward to.

On moving day, pack a bag with snacks, drinks, chargers, a tablet or books, and any comfort items. If the drive to your new home is long, plan a stop along the way.

Moving With Dogs

Dogs are creatures of routine, and a move disrupts everything they know. In the weeks before the move, maintain their routine as much as possible — same walk times, feeding times, and bedtime.

On moving day, keep dogs in a secure room or crate until the van is loaded. If possible, have someone take them for a long walk while the loading happens. Keep their lead, food, water bowl, bed, and favourite toy easily accessible — not packed in a box at the bottom of the van.

At your new home, introduce them to one room first and gradually let them explore. Keep them on a lead in the garden until you're sure the fences are secure. Update your address on their microchip registration and with your vet.

Moving With Cats

Cats are territorial animals and moves are particularly stressful for them. On moving day, put your cat in a secure carrier in a quiet room with the door closed. Put a sign on the door so the movers know not to open it.

At your new home, set up a "base camp" room with their litter tray, food, water, bed, and a few familiar-smelling items. Keep them in this room for at least 24–48 hours before gradually allowing them to explore the rest of the house.

Keep cats indoors for at least two to three weeks at your new home. This allows them to recognise it as their territory. When you do let them out, do it just before a mealtime so they have an incentive to come back. Update their microchip and vet records with your new address.

Small Pets, Fish, and Reptiles

Small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits should travel in their own cage or carrier, secured so it doesn't slide around. Cover the cage with a towel to reduce stress.

Fish need special attention. For short moves, transport them in sealed bags with tank water (not tap water). For longer moves, battery-powered air pumps can keep oxygen levels up. Move the tank empty and refill at your new home with treated water.

Reptiles need to stay warm during transport. Use a heat pack or hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel) in their travel container. Keep them in a dark, quiet space during the journey.

Whatever pets you have, make sure they're one of the first things you sort out when you arrive at your new home. A familiar-smelling blanket or toy goes a long way.

Registering With a New Vet

If your move takes you to a different area, registering with a new vet should be one of the first things you do. Ask your current vet to transfer your records. In Hertfordshire, there are excellent veterinary practices in every town — a quick search on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons website (findavet.rcvs.org.uk) will show you your options.

Don't forget to update your pet's microchip with your new address. You can usually do this through the microchip company's website. It's a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped with up-to-date details.