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Pet-Friendly Downsizing: Tips for Adjusting to a Smaller Home
Have you been thinking about downsizing? Whether you’d like to save some money, live more minimally, or spend less time cleaning, downsizing is a great way to achieve those dreams. Moving into a smaller space with less stuff is incredibly freeing. But what if you have a pet? With the right preparations and attention to your pet’s needs, dogs and cats can thrive in small homes! Here’s how to navigate the downsizing process with your furry friend!
Sell Your Home Quickly
Your pet is going to know something’s up as soon as you start prepping your home for sale. This can set off a range of anxiety-driven behaviors. The faster you can sell your home and move into your new space, the sooner you and your pet can settle back into a normal routine. Consider selling your home to a trusted local cash buyer like Callinan Properties LLC. This will expedite the entire home-selling process and save you money at the same time! Learn how it works so you can decide if this move is right for you.
Consider Renting for Now
Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy a new home right away. Renting is a great alternative for a couple of reasons. Perhaps you’re not quite sure where you would like to live long-term and want to try out a couple of different regions. Or maybe you need to get out of your house quickly and don’t have time to hunt for your dream home right away.
Whatever your reason, renting offers more flexibility for you and your pet. Research online listings for pet-friendly rentals so you can see what’s out there. If you have a dog, be sure to check out the surrounding neighborhood for walking routes, dog parks, and late-night potty spots. Just remember to filter your listing results based on your price range and home type!
Manage Your Stress
Downsizing is a stressful experience. Try to be mindful of how your stress levels may be affecting your pet! Mic.com explains that dogs can pick up on their owner’s stress, causing an increase in their own anxiety as well. Make an effort to stay calm and collected around your pet. If work stress is worsening your anxiety, see if you can take some time off during the house-hunting and moving process. Alternatively, hire a pet sitter to keep your dog company when you’re out.
Prioritize Mental Exercise for Dogs
After moving into a smaller space, your dog won’t have as much room to run around. You might not have a backyard at all! Many owners think the solution to this is longer walks. However, mental stimulation works much better to tire out dogs and keep them feeling content. Play games, do training exercises, and invest in interactive dog toys to keep your pet mentally stimulated. Of course, daily walks are still important too!
Give Cats Vertical Space
In smaller homes, cats don’t have as much room to run around and play. Make up for your reduction in square footage by maximizing your use of vertical space. Apartment Therapy suggests placing shelves strategically along the wall to give your cat several options for lounging and playing. Keep window sills and the top of your fridge free of clutter so your cat can perch on these as well. Be sure to also invest in an enclosed cat bed to give your pet their own space where they can enjoy some privacy.
Downsizing is almost always a smart move. If you’re considering downsizing with your pet, start preparing for the transition ahead of time to make it easier on everyone. Look for an accommodating pet-friendly rental, keep your stress levels in check, and think about how you’re going to keep your pet active and engaged in your new, smaller space. With the right preparations, you and your pet will really enjoy living in a smaller home!
Are you ready to sell your home? Skip the listing fees, agent commissions, and lengthy closing process by selling your home directly to Callinan Properties LLC. Call today! (908) 884-7554
Photo via Pexels
Pet-Friendly Downsizing: Tips for Adjusting to a Smaller Home
Have you been thinking about downsizing? Whether you’d like to save some money, live more minimally, or spend less time cleaning, downsizing is a great way to achieve those dreams. Moving into a smaller space with less stuff is incredibly freeing. But what if you have a pet? With the right preparations and attention to your pet’s needs, dogs and cats can thrive in small homes! Here’s how to navigate the downsizing process with your furry friend!
Sell Your Home Quickly
Your pet is going to know something’s up as soon as you start prepping your home for sale. This can set off a range of anxiety-driven behaviors. The faster you can sell your home and move into your new space, the sooner you and your pet can settle back into a normal routine. Consider selling your home to a trusted local cash buyer like Callinan Properties LLC. This will expedite the entire home-selling process and save you money at the same time! Learn how it works so you can decide if this move is right for you.
Consider Renting for Now
Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy a new home right away. Renting is a great alternative for a couple of reasons. Perhaps you’re not quite sure where you would like to live long-term and want to try out a couple of different regions. Or maybe you need to get out of your house quickly and don’t have time to hunt for your dream home right away.
Whatever your reason, renting offers more flexibility for you and your pet. Research online listings for pet-friendly rentals so you can see what’s out there. If you have a dog, be sure to check out the surrounding neighborhood for walking routes, dog parks, and late-night potty spots. Just remember to filter your listing results based on your price range and home type!
Manage Your Stress
Downsizing is a stressful experience. Try to be mindful of how your stress levels may be affecting your pet! Mic.com explains that dogs can pick up on their owner’s stress, causing an increase in their own anxiety as well. Make an effort to stay calm and collected around your pet. If work stress is worsening your anxiety, see if you can take some time off during the house-hunting and moving process. Alternatively, hire a pet sitter to keep your dog company when you’re out.
Prioritize Mental Exercise for Dogs
After moving into a smaller space, your dog won’t have as much room to run around. You might not have a backyard at all! Many owners think the solution to this is longer walks. However, mental stimulation works much better to tire out dogs and keep them feeling content. Play games, do training exercises, and invest in interactive dog toys to keep your pet mentally stimulated. Of course, daily walks are still important too!
Give Cats Vertical Space
In smaller homes, cats don’t have as much room to run around and play. Make up for your reduction in square footage by maximizing your use of vertical space. Apartment Therapy suggests placing shelves strategically along the wall to give your cat several options for lounging and playing. Keep window sills and the top of your fridge free of clutter so your cat can perch on these as well. Be sure to also invest in an enclosed cat bed to give your pet their own space where they can enjoy some privacy.
Downsizing is almost always a smart move. If you’re considering downsizing with your pet, start preparing for the transition ahead of time to make it easier on everyone. Look for an accommodating pet-friendly rental, keep your stress levels in check, and think about how you’re going to keep your pet active and engaged in your new, smaller space. With the right preparations, you and your pet will really enjoy living in a smaller home!
Are you ready to sell your home? Skip the listing fees, agent commissions, and lengthy closing process by selling your home directly to Callinan Properties LLC. Call today! (908) 884-7554