How Long Does it Take For a Pet to Adjust to a New Home?

A new home comes with lots of excitement and a few adjustments. While everyone is unpacking and settling in, your pet may require some patience in getting used to a new environment. There’s no defined timeline needed for pets to adjust to a new home—some will adjust right away and others may take a few weeks. How your pet responds and grows into your new home is dependent on how well you have prepared them.

Tips for Reducing Your Pet’s Adjustment Period

One of the best ways to shorten your pet's adjustment period is to recreate a space that is similar to your most recent home. Take time to carefully ensure that their bedding, toys, and feeding area is free from the clutter of moving. Another way to help your pet adjust is to allow them to explore your new home freely, setting rules, if necessary, along the way. Pets are intuitive and their level of adjustment will also depend on how well you’ve adjusted.

If you work outside of the home, allow a few days to be home with your pet. Depending on the type of pet you have and your pet's temperament, leaving a dog or cat alone for 8-10 hours in a new home too soon can be stressful for them and you. Make sure you spend some quality time with your pets every day in the first few weeks in your new home to help them feel secure in their new home. Pets that are used to daily walks should resume these at the new home as soon as possible so that they can feel like their routine has not completely disappeared. The most important thing is to be patient with your pets as they adjust to your new home.

Before the first box enters your new home, preparing a stress-free move is a pivotal step in shortening any adjustment period for you and your pet—start with our moving checklists. If you’ll be moving soon, let College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving® help limit the pressures of moving, and allow you and your pet the peace of mind to move with ease. Call us today for a free estimate!