When 4-Legged Family Members Are Relocating

Close to 70% of families say they have a dog or a cat in their household. If you are in that sizeable majority and are planning on relocating, there are some planning steps you can take to help ease the move for your four-legged family members.

Since the daily routine is going to be thoroughly undermined, on the day of your move, do as much as is practical to retain a calm atmosphere. If possible, provide a small quiet area where the pets can stay out of the way and safely clear of any wide-open doors. If you have portable fencing that's strong enough to do the job, remember to make it available with the first wave of unpacking.

Fostering calm is especially important while your goods are being moved in and out by big, scary strangers. If you will be using cages for transportation, make sure they are roomy enough, and put in some familiar, comforting toys. For especially excitable pets, you may want to consider spraying their cage ahead of time with a pheromone formulation that helps retain calm.

Relocating to any new home is the perfect storm to create opportunities for pet prison breaks. A move can disrupt behavior patterns for even the most loyal four-footer. Both cats and dogs who have gotten lost during relocation have famously made their way back home -- even when home isn't there any more. Prevent such misdirected heroics by making sure the garden has been fully secured before you move - and have all collars equipped with new tags with new local contact information. A doubly failsafe method is to have your pet micro-chipped.

Relocating will be a big event, and a big adventure. Pup and Kitty will settle in shortly: the truth is, as soon as you are content, they will be, too. Moving here to the East Bay will provide you plenty of options for doggie daycare and petsitting. Being a dog owner myself, I have plenty of recommendations for care.

Also, If you are in the early stages and have not yet found your new local home, I offer some of the best service in town - and I'd be delighted to introduce you to some of our best neighborhoods!

Written by Gina Odom, Realtor

Smooth Relocating Depends on Thoughtful Preparation

Most everyone with any relocating experience should recognize ‘the moment.’

No matter how much advance thought and elbow grease you’ve put in, that’s the moving day moment when everything seems to starts happening at once, and there’s literally no time left to attend to the stray details you’ve been meaning to take care of …  

It’s all but inevitable: the yellow pad that you’ve organized with all the contact information you need today more than any other day: why, it’s packed! and sealed! inside one of the cartons that’s already out there in the van!  

When you’re relocating the unplanned will always happen. Nevertheless, you can control the areas that have the most impact on how successful your move will be.  

One element that needs careful attention is the people part. It’s too easy to lose touch with those who relocating timetable. With a little preparation and imagination, it’s possible to turn events like garage sales and going-away parties into really fun celebrations.  I had a friend who hosted their going away party with a garage sale. She was able to make a few extra bucks as well as saying goodbye to her loved ones.

People are important in your life, so decide early how to announce to family and friends your

Another good idea is to assemble key belongings in a box that will accompany you: important documents like passports and birth certificates, jewelry, or other prized possessions. 

Most household moving veterans agree that the single most vital step is securing a dependable moving company. Price is important — but so is hiring a group that will guard your belongings safely during your relocation. Scrupulous interviewing and checking out the reputation of mover candidates will more than pay off in reduced stress come moving day. And even if you are an eternal optimist, get adequate insurance: relocating does inevitably involve unforeseeable risk.

‘The moment’ when your relocating is in full swing can be one when you are able to enjoy the anticipation of a new and exciting chapter in your household’s history. If you have sold your East Bay home already – congrats! And if you are just beginning the process, do give me a call — I’d love to put my resources to work for you!    written by Gina Odom, Realtor