If Part 1 was all about keeping routines steady before the move, Part 2 is about surviving the big day itself. Moving day is a whirlwind: doors propped open, strangers hauling furniture, boxes stacked high, and tension hanging in the air.
For pets, this isn’t just busy — it’s chaos. Every sound is suspicious, every open door is an invitation to bolt, and every piece of furniture leaving feels like the world is crumbling. To them, it’s not “moving” — it’s their safe space being dismantled.
That’s why this part of the guide is all about prevention. Because the last thing anyone wants on moving day is a runaway dog, a cat hidden in a box, or a panicked pup trying to manage the movers.
🐕🐱 Our Story
On moving day, Typhoon glued himself to me even tighter than usual, eyes locked like he was on full-time protective duty. If I went left, he went left. If I went right, he went right. Movers? Not to be trusted until thoroughly sniffed.
Enzo, of course, thought the moving crew was an invading army and announced his disapproval loudly — repeatedly. Elza was equally dramatic, climbing onto her bed like a princess refusing to be disturbed — and most importantly, not letting anyone get anywhere close to it.
Luci and Milton preferred to stay outside in the yard, trying to escape the insanity inside. Luci paced back and forth, grumbling about schedules, while Milton zoomed happily from one end of the fence to the other, wagging and greeting everyone he could see as if moving day was the best block party ever.
And Bonya? Well, Bonya is always in control. He had to greet everybody who came through the door and make sure he had a little friendly chat before disappearing to plan his next fur protest.
Typhoon: “Mom, don’t worry, I’ll guard you. But why are all these strangers stealing our couch?”
Enzo: “Suspicious. Extremely suspicious. I’ll bark until the threat retreats.”
Elza: “Excuse me, you can move the furniture, but my bed is off-limits. Touch it and you’ll regret it.”
Luci: “Walk time is delayed? Fine. I’ll just pace until you remember.”
Milton: “Hi!! New friends!! You’re carrying boxes? Cool! Want me to help? Hug first?”
Bonya: “I refuse to ride in this noisy truck. Instead, I shall shed a mountain of fur as protest art.” 😼
📋 Your Guide: Keeping Pets Safe on Moving Day
1. Safe Rooms Are a Must 🚪
Before movers arrive, set up a secure room with food, water, toys, and bedding. Close the door, add a sign: “Pets Inside — Do Not Open.”
Bonya: “Yes, I accept this throne room. Now bring offerings of tuna.”
Milton: “Wait, why am I in here? There are people outside to hug!”
2. Use Carriers & Crates 🐕🐈
Even if they protest, carriers keep cats and small dogs safest during the shuffle. For big dogs, crates or leashes are essential.
Typhoon: “Fine, but only if Mom is in sight at all times.”
Bonya: “Carrier = betrayal. I’ll compose my opera of suffering and shed enough for a new winter sweater collection.”
Milton: “Crate time? Okay… but only if you promise belly rubs after.”
3. Arrange Pet Sitters 🧑🤝🧑
If possible, let a trusted friend or sitter host your pets during the chaos. They’ll be calmer and safer away from the noise.
Elza: “Yes, spa day. I approve.”
Milton: “New people to meet? Count me in! I’ll charm them all.”
4. Microchips & ID Tags 🔑
Double-check collars, tags, and microchips before moving day. If an escape happens, this is their ticket home.
Elza: “I don’t plan on running — unless that squirrel across the street decides to play.”
Milton: “Run away? Why? The party’s here!”
5. Last to Leave, First to Arrive 🚗
Load pets into the car last, after everything else is ready. Then, at the new home, bring them inside first — so their scent claims the space before the furniture.
Typhoon: “Finally. A mission I approve of. Mom goes in, I follow, and now it’s safe.”
Milton: “Shotgun! I call shotgun!”
🐾 Real Life Sidebar: Houdini Pets
According to the ASPCA, one of the most common moving day risks is pets bolting through open doors. Some families even report cats hiding inside moving boxes or dogs sneaking onto the moving truck. Movers often joke that they’ve seen more pets try to “help” than people! Keeping them safe and contained prevents a stressful game of hide-and-seek when time is short.
🌟 Wrapping Up Part 2
Moving day may feel like organized chaos to us, but to pets it’s a storm of strangers, noise, and disappearing furniture. Typhoon only cared about guarding me, Elza demanded luxury amidst the mess, Luci wanted her schedule respected, Milton turned it into a one-dog welcome party, and Bonya… well, Bonya shed an entire new cat just to voice his displeasure.
The key is safety first: safe rooms, carriers, sitters, and patience. Because once the truck pulls away, the real adventure begins — stepping into a brand-new home together.
Typhoon: “Don’t worry, Mom. When we get there, I’ll make sure the new house is safe too.” 🐕❤️
✨ Next up: Part 3 — “Settling In,” helping pets adjust and feel at home in their new space.
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