A Pet Owner’s Guide to Stress-Free Downsizing
There are many different reasons you might consider downsizing. Maybe you want to save money, have more free time, or move to a more convenient location in the center of town. While moving into a smaller space is a great way to chase those lifestyle goals, the downsizing process can be stressful, especially if you have pets. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind as you prepare to downsize with your furry friend!
Find a Pet-Friendly Home
First things first, make sure you find a home where both you and your pets will thrive. A great real estate company like R & R Real Estate Partners can help you find homes for sale that meet your criteria, so don’t hesitate to contact a professional once you know what you’re looking for. If you’re looking to downsize into an apartment or condo, make sure you know the difference between pet-friendly and pets allowed. ApartmentGuide explains that buildings advertised as pet-friendly often offer additional amenities for pet owners, like convenient pet waste solutions and communal pet bathing areas.
Prepare Your New Home in Advance
Once you’ve purchased your new home or signed the lease papers for an apartment, take some time to get the new place ready for your pet before you move in. For example, if you have cats that like to roam around outside, install a cat door so they can come and go as they please. Do some research to find a cat door that’s easy to install and can be locked easily. You may also want to install some cat shelves along the walls where your feline friends can climb and perch.
Start Training Now
Before you move into a smaller space, you might want to do some training, particularly if you have a dog. Dogs that bark a lot, for example, may be disturbing to neighbors in an apartment building. Start training your dog to ignore sounds outside the door or people walking by outside the window. You may also want to teach your dog the “quiet” command.
If your dog is used to going out into the yard whenever they like, start training your dog to rely on routine potty breaks throughout the day. When you’re in an apartment, you can expect to take your dog outside about four to five times per day. Petfinder recommends crate training your dog so they can be safe and comfortable while you’re out of the apartment. This can make potty training easier as well!
Clean Your Home Before Showings
Preparing your current home for sale is another important part of the downsizing process. Give your home a good cleaning to help it sell faster and for the highest price. Cleaning your home can give the illusion that it’s been well maintained, which may help you get a higher home appraisal! Since pets can leave homes a bit of a mess, you may want to hire a professional to help with the cleaning. Make sure your carpets smell fresh and are free of stains, repair and paint over scratches on the walls, remove saliva from your windows, and get rid of as much pet hair as you can!
Make a Plan for Moving Day
Moving day can be stressful for pets. And when pets are under a lot of stress, they may act out of character. The last thing you want is for your pet to bolt out the door while your movers are working! Make a plan to keep your pets safe and stress-free on moving day so you can focus on the move. Consider dropping them off at a pet daycare. If you need to keep your pets with you, keep them in an empty bedroom or bathroom and put a sign on the door to make your movers aware.
Planning is essential for ensuring your downsizing experience goes smoothly. If you have pets, make sure you’re prepared for any challenges that might come up as you prepare your household for this big transition!
Are you looking for the perfect downsized home for you and your pet? R & R Real Estate Partners can help! Contact us today so we can discuss your homebuying needs! 505-280-6365.