Downsizing? Ways to Help Your Fur Kids with the Transition
Living with an animal isn’t always easy. And, if you’re moving into smaller accommodations than you – or they – are used to, there may be hurdles you haven’t thought about. However, don’t be shy about making a decision that’s best for you and your family, even if it means having less space to roam. Barking Dog Beer Bones shares a few tips to make your transition easier for you and your fur family.
Rentals Are Few and Far Between
First, it’s important to understand that renting a new home is a challenge for those that aren’t in the market to purchase just yet. However, with a thorough search of rental homes near Denver, you can find pet-friendly properties. It’s a great option if you aren’t sure what neighborhood will be the best fit, while you get your finances in order, or while you wait for your dream home to become available.
Buying Remains The Best Bet
For most of us, buying a house is the way to go, particularly if we have multiple pets. This may also be challenging for those who’ve never purchased before. If this is you, you should know that your debt-to-income ratio, as well as your credit score, matters when buying a house. If you don’t know your credit score, you’re entitled to a free copy every three months from the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Illion, and Equifax.
Going Smaller
Looking for a home when you have an animal means thinking about more than just the number of bedrooms and bathrooms available. Ideally, you’ll have plenty of room outdoors where you and your dog can exercise, even if there’s not much space on the inside of your new property. If you are moving to an area that does not have a private yard, Simple Life recommends getting your pet used to being with you when they're outdoors.
A few quick other tips to help you and your pet enjoy a seamless moving experience are:
- Keep your animals’ belongings in the same spot while you clean and declutter before the move.
- Rent a storage unit to move as much out of the home as possible before the move for clutter-free staging to help sell the home. This may be a good resource.
- Invest in an appropriately-sized pet carrier (this is essential if you’re traveling long distances so you do not get distracted by your four-legged passenger)
- Hire a moving company for the extra hands and time saved. Look for trusted and affordable movers near me.
- Look ahead at your new homes and plan to ensure that your animal has a dedicated space.
- Walk together in your new neighborhood before moving in so that your animal can get acclimated to the sites, sounds, and scents.
- If downsizing means you’re about to sell your home and opt for renting instead, you’ll need to keep in mind that many people are allergic to pets. Hire a pet sitter or board your pet on days that you or your realtor are showing you home to prospective buyers.This will include removing all evidence, both visible and olfactory, that pets live there. This may require deep cleaning to make sure all pet hair has been removed.
- Make sure to keep an overnight bag handy with dog food, treats, and any medication your pet may take. They’re going to need some extra TLC to overcome moving anxiety, so you’ll probably want to buy some new pet bedding.
Moving is a fact of life, but it is one that your pet may not see coming. However, following the tips above, you should have no problem renting, buying, and settling into the home of your dreams, even if it means sacrificing indoor or outdoor space. Remember, your animal loves you, and, together, you’ll make any house a home.
Barking Dog Beer Bones uses spent grains from Colorado Breweries and their treats are infused with only four ingredients, such as peanut butter, pumpkin, or carrots. Shop now!