Tips for Downsizing Your Home with Pets

Are you considering downsizing your home but are concerned about the well-being of your pet? Perhaps you’ve been living in a home with a sizable yard that your dog would run around in, now you’re moving to an apartment. It’s normal to worry about the well-being of your pet and how it’ll adjust to a smaller space. However, downsizing to a smaller home need not be stressful for you or your furry friend. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother.

Downsizing Your Home with Pets: Tips to Keep You and Your Pet Happy

1. Start Training Your Pet Before the Move

If you know you are moving into a significantly smaller space with no outdoor space for your pet to run around, begin restricting your pet’s outdoor access well before your move. It would be best to do this gradually so they ease into it. Getting your pet used to a new routine before moving can go a long way in making the transition smoother for both of you.

2. Toilet Train

Again, this is something that is best done well in advance, before the move. If you’re pet is used to going outside to do their business but won’t be able to do so in the new home, put them on a leash and take them for a walk whenever they need to go. In time, you pet will associate going to the toilet with leaving the house. If you have a cat, they need to learn how to use a kitty litter tray. A good idea is to provide a few trays at first, then slowly get rid of one at a time until they get used to the idea.

3. Feed them Inside

If your pets are used to eating outside, change their routines before the move and put their water and food bowls indoors. Try to use the same room you’ll probably use in the new home, such as the laundry room.

4. Take Longer and More Frequent Walks

This is to make sure your dogs gets used to going for more walks, since they may not have the space to play in outside. It may be a good idea to find a park near your new home (or ask your realtor to find you a new home near a park when downsizing your home) so that your dog has space to run around freely and still get the exercise they need. According to Dog Time, active breeds require a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day.

5. Mental Stimulation

Your pet is likely to get bored in a smaller space, so providing lots of toys can give them endless hours of entertainment. You could also practice new commands and tricks for that extra mental stimulation.

Preparation Is Key

Downsizing your home can be a bit overwhelming, even more so with a pet. However, with enough preparation prior to the move, the transition to your new home can go smoothly. You never know, your pet might like the new place even more!