Pet Owners Can Use These Steps for a Smooth Downsize

Downsizing is a wonderful way to save money or secure a space that requires less upkeep, but when you have a pet, it can be a tricky process. Making sure that both your needs are met takes a bit of planning, so it’s important to think about each step carefully. Not only will you need to prep your home for sale, you’ll also need to ensure the new house is safe and comfortable for both of you. If your current home needs some updates before you can put it on the market, consider Rose Building Contractors’ services for your contracting needs. Here are a few tips to help you through the process.

 Remove Pet Evidence 

Selling your home with a pet requires a few specific considerations. Most homebuyers are reluctant to put in an offer on a home with pets because they often assume there will be costly damage to the flooring or lawn, or because they have allergies to pet hair and dander. Removing all evidence of your pet is essential before you can put the house on the market, so do a deep clean on the floors, furniture, walls, and yard. Set up a pet-sitter who can take in your furry friend temporarily so that buyers will never know he lives there. Box up toys, bedding, and pet accessories and get them out of the house.  

Start Your Search

Once your home is prepped for potential buyers, you can start looking for your own place before putting it on the market. This will give you plenty of time to find the right home for you and your pet and put in an offer. Think about how much space you’ll both need, whether you’ll want a fenced-in yard, and how pet-friendly the neighborhood you’re interested in is. 

Keep in mind that if you find a great home that doesn’t quite have all the features you want, it’s always possible to make some modifications yourself. For instance, installing a cat door will allow your pet to come and go even if you aren’t home. Do some research to find the best option when it comes to price, ease of installation, whether it can be locked, and whether the manufacturer can supply replacement parts.

Plan For The Move

Once you have a new home in mind, take a look at your belongings to decide whether there are things you should get rid of before the move. Downsizing almost always requires some careful thought when it comes to utilizing the new space, as large pieces of furniture or collections probably won’t fit. You might hold a yard sale or use a resale app to declutter, or digitize music and book collections so you can donate the physical items. Where moving day is concerned, remember that your pet may feel anxiety about all the changes, so it might be best to set up a sitter on the big day to keep him safe and comfortable.

Make The New Space Work For You Both 

While setting up your new home, consider what it will take to make sure both you and your pet will be comfortable and happy there. Having less space will be a big change for your animal, so it might be important to get him outside more. Not only will ample exercise help prevent a buildup of destructive energy, it will be beneficial to his mental health as well. If possible, set up his bedding and food bowls in spots similar to where they were in your old home to help avoid confusion and allow him to settle in more quickly.

Downsizing with a pet can lead to stress for both of you, but you can make the process easier by giving him lots of attention and planning ahead as much as possible. Keep in mind that while buying new items for your pet can feel like a fresh start in a new home, it’s important for him to be surrounded by things he knows as well. 

Photo via Pexels