Before moving day
- Update microchip details and make sure your telephone number is current.
- Keep carriers, leads, food, medication, bedding and litter where they cannot be loaded by mistake.
- Ask your vet about travel if your pet is anxious, elderly or has a health condition.
- Arrange a trusted sitter or one secure, quiet room away from open doors and moving feet.
The famous no-entry sign
We often arrive to find a bedroom door labelled 'No entry, cat hiding in here'. It is an excellent moving-day rule. The cat is usually willing to let us in for a quick fuss, but the door stays firmly shut afterwards. Tell every person in the house which room is secure and put a clear sign on both sides of the door.
How long should a cat stay indoors after moving?
There is no single timetable that suits every cat. Start with one secure room for the first few days, then allow gradual access to the rest of the house as your cat becomes settled. Outdoor access should wait until the new home feels familiar, the surroundings are safe and the microchip details are current. Ask your vet for advice about your particular cat, especially if they are anxious, elderly or unwell.
Read the full guidance from Cats Protection and Blue Cross before your move.
Help pets settle into the new home
Start with one quiet room containing familiar bedding, food, water, litter and hiding places. Let your pet explore at their own pace once doors and windows are secure. For dogs, keep walks familiar and controlled while they learn the new surroundings. Keep feeding and bedtime routines as close to normal as possible.
Make moving day calmer for everyone
We can prioritise bedrooms, the kitchen and the secure pet room as part of our moving day unpacking service, leaving fewer boxes and hazards around the house by the end of the day.