We're Moving: Any advice?

[DaBabaDoo]

Ok so I have to tell you all because I'm so excited: WE'RE MOVING!!!

We've been in this same one bed/one bath tiny apt. in a not so safe neighborhood since we moved out here for Jeremy's job 3 years ago.  It's an old building, hasn't been renovated in years, and anyway, it was ok for a starter home but we've been ready to move on for a while.  Back at the start of the new year we put in for a place at this very nice luxury apartment complex, only problem was that we had to be waitlisted because they only have a small number of rooms available for pet owners.  Last Wednesday we got the call from the leasing agent that a place had just opened up for us and by Friday we had all the paperwork signed!

Move-in day is April 15th, which is perfect because our lease where we are now runs out in May, so we have almost a month to get everything moved in.  It's 2-bed/2 full bath, almost double in size of our current place.  Our apartment will be on the first floor so no steps for Maddy, we will have our own washer/dryer/dishwasher, central air and heat, tons of kitchen and cabinet space, a walk-out patio, in a quiet neighborhood.  We have walking trails right outside the complex, a private pool and fitness center at the leasing building, we're within walking distance of a great farmer's market for fresh fruits and veggies...oh man I couldn't be more excited to move!

Anyway, thanks for listening and now for the advice part: We're not sure how to go about with the kids.  Madison has only ever known the place we live in now, but I think she will be ok with the adjust.  She is pretty happy-go-lucky and I think she'll just take it like she does when we visit the in-laws or go on vacation, a fun new place to investigate.  Mirah I'm a little worried about; she's a rescue kitty as it is, she's been through abandonment, shelter life, one home to another, so I want as little stress on her as possible.  Hopefully she'll quickly realize that where ever we go she will always be with us, and hopefully she will adjust fine when she realizes this, but any thoughts are appreciated.

[kavrno]

good luck with your move.......... I'm sure the pets will adjust in time, they usually do.

[winwinsmom]

I'm sure they will adjust too.  And bless you for being so concerned about them.  As to kitty, maybe keep her in one room for a few days till things quiet down.  Pick her up and show her where the new litter box is several times and I'm sure she'll settle in.

[BeachBullyPC]

Our move was the worst thing for PC.  He lived in one home for the first 10 months of his life, and then we decided to move.  We'd bring him to the new neighborhood for walks, with us when we dropped things off, and tried to do everything to make the transition smooth.  Ever since we moved here in September, he's been terrified of people.  Our sweet boy is always on the defensive and will bark at random people and noises when we go out for a walk.  He has never done that before.  I don't know what to tell you, but our dog is completely different since the move. It's almost like he feels the need to protect me and will not let anyone come near me.  He's never done that at the old place.  I hope your pets adjust better!

[DaBabaDoo]

Yikes, I'm sorry to hear that BeachBully.  I really hope that doesn't happen to me.

We're going to take a while to move because we have our lease here till May so essentially we have 1 and 1/2 months to get out, and the kids will probably come over on the last day along with their belongings.

I will take your advice Winwinsmom, thank you.  Any other tips or experiences, please let me have it.  This will be our first official move without help from the parents.

[Gracie & Bea's Mom]

Our move was the worst thing for PC.  He lived in one home for the first 10 months of his life, and then we decided to move.  We'd bring him to the new neighborhood for walks, with us when we dropped things off, and tried to do everything to make the transition smooth.  Ever since we moved here in September, he's been terrified of people.  Our sweet boy is always on the defensive and will bark at random people and noises when we go out for a walk.  He has never done that before.  I don't know what to tell you, but our dog is completely different since the move. It's almost like he feels the need to protect me and will not let anyone come near me.  He's never done that at the old place.  I hope your pets adjust better!

Maybe having Winston with him will get him to relax a bit.

[BeachBullyPC]

Maybe having Winston with him will get him to relax a bit.

It's turning out to be quite the opposite!  The normally calm Winston barks at every single noise and he's never noticed them before!  My husband took PC out the other day and Winston stayed home. I decided to vacuum before PC got home, because he is terrified of the vacuum.  Winston didn't even bat an eye and slept in his bed the entire time, even with the vacuum near him.  Next time I had to vacuum, both dogs were home. PC was his psychotic self, running around and barking at the thing.  Since that day, Winston does the same exact thing!  But hey, as long as PC doesn't pick up the indoor pooping habit from Winston, it's all good!

[chuckandcharleen]

beachbully:  Bubba used to go nuts with the vacuum as well,  but I've been doing some spring cleaning here at work and have been using a vacuum alot and the more I use it the less he goes nuts to the point where he just lays on his bed and ignores it.  So my thought is that maybe you should try to use it more around him and he'll get used to it.  I never would've thought Bubba would ignore it!!  lol 

ps: same with a broom   

[Charlies Mom]

Good luck with the move! Im sure they will adjust soon!

[AngelaD]

We moved with our boys from a tiny town in Spain to San Diego. We worried they wouldn't take it well but we had no problems. They were excited about being somewhere new, having new places to tinkle and poop. We've moved twice more since then and each time it's been very smooth. Good luck!

[Susan & the bullies]

They were excited about being somewhere new, having new places to tinkle and poop.

   It really does come down to that doesn't it!!!!!   

[DwightsMom]

I don't have any advice. Dwight's lived in the same one-bedroom condo his entire life. I just wanted to say I'm sure your bulldog will be fine. Good luck and keep us posted. Ellen