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Downsizing: A Pet Parent’s Guide
Pets make our families larger and our hearts whole. But, sometimes, we have to downsize our space to make room for other things in life. When it’s time to move, keep your pet in mind, especially if your goal is less space.
Reasons We Move
There are many reasons that people move into smaller accommodations. These include things like retirement or relocation to a more expensive area where owning a large home is not financially feasible. Sometimes, we want to compact our living space so that we can save money to experience more in life. Whatever your motivation, the Sadle Home Selling Team is here to help you sell your current home and get settled into your new home with as few hiccups as possible.
A Pet-Friendly Space
Before you jump in your relocation efforts, you should take the time to sit down and decide what you need. If you have a dog, a backyard is a must. Have cats? A cozy place for a litter box and a window facing the afternoon sun are non-negotiable.
Document Preparation
Next, and still before you start picking houses, it’s time to get your financial paperwork in order. According to Farm Bureau Financial Services, you’ll need pay stubs, proof of employment, tax documents, debt information, information on stocks and bonds, and something proving you have money to put down in earnest.
Home Sale Prep
When you’re going to sell a home before you move, you’ll get the most money and have the best chance at selling quickly if you take the time to get the home set and staged. This should begin with a thorough cleaning, which includes purging clutter, shampooing the carpets, and eliminating pet odors. If your animal has damaged your backdoor with their nails, replace it with a more energy-efficient model that hasn’t been used as a scratching board.
Your Next Home
Your pet is already acclimated to the space you have. But, don’t worry. It will not take long for them to call your next house their home. Do keep in mind, however, that they will want to explore. Consider installing a dog or cat door so they can come and go out of your fenced yard on their own terms. Before you buy, Pet News Daily suggests knowing what you will use the door for and then choose one that can be installed easily and that comes with instructions and the ability to acquire replacement parts, if needed. Your animal entry and exit should also have a lock for when you’re away.
Establish a Support Network
Moving into a smaller space may be an emotional event for you. Moving, in general, is an emotional event for your pet. Find a support network before you reach your new hometown. You can do this by looking online for animal interest groups, singles networks, or even professional organizations. You also want to make sure that you have a pet sitter, groomer, and veterinarian in place before you move. The American Kennel Club suggests visiting vet practices in person and making sure that their philosophies about pet care align with your own.
Moving is a big job, even when you’re downsizing to a smaller space. When you’re making the trek with your furry friend by your side, get yourself prepared for a long process. But, you will get through it and you will both be safe and settled before you know it.
Are you thinking about listing a home for sale? The Saddle Home Selling Team has you covered with experts that know how to price, show, and market your property so that you can get out and get on with your life on your own terms.
