5 Tips For Moving With Pets

When it comes to moving, there are a lot of things to think about before the big day.

Of course, you’ll need to make sure all of your belongings are packed tightly and securely and ready for the move. But, you should also be thinking about what you’re going to do with your pets.

Moving can be a confusing time for pets, and they’ll either want to play and be curious about everything going on, or they’ll want to hide. Neither situation is good for you or your pet, so it’s important to prepare beforehand.

If you’re not sure how to prepare for your beloved critter, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re discussing moving with pets and things you can do to make it easier on all of you. Keep reading to learn more.

Boarding or Pet Sitter

The closer you get to moving day, it might be a good idea to take your pet to a boarding facility or a family friend that can watch your pet for a few days.

This will help to keep them out of the way and alleviate some confusion and anxiety for them. This will also prevent your pet from hiding so that you can easily grab them when it’s time to go.

Keep Pets Out of the Way

If you decide not to take your pet away to a pet sitter, it’s still important to keep them out of the way of boxes, furniture, and other things that will be moving around. It’s also safer for you so that your pet doesn’t get under your feet and trip you while you’re getting around.

Consider locking your pets in a bedroom while you move the rest of your things. This will also prevent them from escaping to hide.

Overnight Kit

Make sure to pack an overnight kit for at least the first few days when you arrive at your new location. You’ll need water, food, snacks, and toys to help your pet get more comfortable with the surroundings. Packing a separate overnight kit will help prevent you from losing things that your pet needs.

If your pet takes any medications, make sure to include these in your kit.

Transporting

Moving with pets can be tedious. Some pets don’t like riding in the car. But, it’s important that you transport your pets using your own vehicle if possible.

They will be familiar with your scent and feel more comfortable traveling with you instead of a stranger. Also, make sure to crate your pets in the car for safety.

Let Pets Out Carefully

When you finally arrive at your new home, it’s important to be cautious when first introducing your pet to the surroundings. A useful tip is to set up a room for your pet first to limit the amount of exposure your pet gets to its new home.

Quickly re-introduce previous routines including feeding and play schedules. Make sure to spend lots of time with your pet to reassure him in his new surroundings.

Make the Most of Moving With Pets

Moving with pets doesn’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. In fact, the more stressed out you are, the more stressed your pet will be. Try to take it easy and simply follow these tips the next time you find yourself moving with pets in tow.

It’s a good idea to contact a local veterinarian in your new neighborhood soon after you move in. You should also consider having your pet micro-chipped and make sure they wear a tag, especially if they frequently go outdoors. And, don’t forget to contact your old vet where you’re moving away from to obtain your pet’s medical records.

When moving day gets closer, and you need professional help, or if you have questions, feel free to contact us. We offer a wide range of services to help your move go smoothly.

Gentle Giant Employees Reflect on 2018 New Year’s Resolutions

As another year begins, many people will be sitting down to set forth their goals for the coming months. While resolutions vary between individuals, there are often common threads tying them all together: health and wellness, new experiences and improved relationships. We all hope to improve ourselves in some way.

At Gentle Giant, we like to highlight healthy resolutions and help our employees reach them. Here are five of the most common New Year’s resolutions and how we plan to continue down a path of self-improvement:

1. Exercise more and lose weight— Whether it is lifting more weight or dropping the pounds, most New Year’s resolution lists include a nod to getting fit. With an extensive gym in our headquarters, frequent trips to Harvard Stadium, and gym membership reimbursement, we make a point to help all employees find their best path to good health. After all, we are a company whose success is based on the fitness of our employees, both body and mind.
2. Prioritize personal well-being and stress management— Chronic stress can have long-term physical and psychological impact. To address the inherent stressors that occur with managing a work-life balance, Gentle Giant offers monthly meditation sessions, a flexible schedule, quarterly acupuncture and 24/7 access to a robust employee assistance program. We also have a clear job ladder to offer transparency in how to move ahead in your career.
3. Spend more time with family and friends— Employee surveys show that the number one reason people choose to work and stay at Gentle Giant are the people they work with. The company atmosphere is one of a close knit, team-oriented group, where coworkers often feel like family and old friends. It is an opportunity to work alongside like-minded people you enjoy every day, keeping positive relationships at the forefront.
4. Travel more— There is no better way to learn the ins and outs of a city than from the cab of a moving truck. Gentle Giant movers are in a new house, neighborhood, and town almost every day and get the opportunity to try the best lunch spots and take a break in the wonderful city parks in the area. With a long-distance moving branch of the business, there are also excellent opportunities to travel throughout the country.
5. Get organized— Hoping to bring a little order to your life and maybe sort through some of those closets and drawers you never touch? There is nothing better than professional moving to learn how to get your life organized and reevaluate what “things” you need and what you could pass on. Plus, you will always be the go-to friend when someone you know is moving.

Among the resolutions above, if you added “Get a New Job’ to your 2018 list, head to our Careers page and join our team of movers and shakers!