Anyone with a much loved pet will know what an important part of the family they are. Just as you consider each family member when you look at Gloucester real estate for a move, you also need to think about how your pets will fit into your new home.
When your exclusive buyer’s agent is showing you around new properties, make sure you’ve checked the following factors that can add up to a happy move.
Pets Have Emotions, Too
Always remember, your pets will find a move as emotional and stressful as you do. They won’t understand what’s going on, and will find it hard to cope with a move to a new and strange location. The smells and surroundings will all be unfamiliar, and you may find your pets pacing, whining or cowering.
Make sure you continue to reassure them, remind them of familiar smells, and take your pet around the new property to get used to all the new areas of the home.
Is the Backyard Safe?
When you view a piece of property, and ideally before you move in, check that the backyard is suitable for your pets to explore. Is it entirely fenced in, or is there an area they can escape from? Check to make sure there aren’t any sharp objects or harmful substances such as fertilizers within the yard, as the last thing you want is for your pet to hurt themselves just after you move in.
There may be some plants that are toxic to cats or dogs, so have these removed before you move in. Within the first few days after a move, your pet may find comfort in a neutral outdoor space, so don’t be surprised if they settle down in the back yard for a while.
Create a Quiet Area
With the stress of a move, your pet will need a quiet space where they can get away from the noise. Think about where your beloved pet goes for some quiet time in your current home: is it a bedroom, the top of the stairs, or out on the decking in the sun? When you view properties, try to scope out an area of the home that’s similar to the spot you think your pet will love.
Check for Pet Friendly Flooring
You’ll already know what kind of floors you prefer to clean, and which ones are most pet friendly. Whether it’s wood, carpet or linoleum, ask your exclusive buyer’s agent to prioritize showing you properties with pet friendly flooring already installed.
If you plan to change the floors before you move in, you may wish to choose carpets that match the color of your pet’s fur, or opt for non-porous hard surface flooring.
Make Moving Day Easier
There are so many things you can do to help your pets adapt to a new home. First, keep them out of the way on moving day by taking them to the kennels or to a familiar family friend. This will keep them out of any chaos and allow you to introduce them to the new home in your own time. You can purchase manufactured scents to help calm your pets in a strange environment. These are usually sprays, or ones that release a smell undetectable by humans.
Once you’ve moved your pet into your new home, make sure your feeding routine and daily movements are similar for a while to help them settle. Regular feeding times will help reassure your pet that they don’t need to worry about their meals, and that they’re still in a loving environment.
Ultimately, choosing a Gloucester home that you know your pets will love, and settling them in, is down to you. Finding suitable properties in the first place, however, is your exclusive buyer’s agent’s role. Contact a reputable agent at Buyer’s Choice Realty today to begin the journey to a new property your whole family will be satisfied with.
Give us a call for a no-obligation consultation about Gloucester MA real estate as well as to learn more about our exclusive buyer agent services. Our Office: 978-468-2138.
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