Tips to make downsizing with your pet stress-free

Moving from home is stressful, but imagine the complications when you downsize with a pet, and the process stresses them out.

Taking care of your pets and ensuring they are comfortable during your transition will make the process easier and more relaxing for everyone involved.

These tips can help you decide to downsize simpler and less stressful.

Keep up with routine maintenance before the move

Before you put your home up for sale, ensure all annual maintenance is up to date. Without regular maintenance, your home could lose up to 10% of its appraisal value.

This includes getting a professional to clear the debris from your gutters. Professionals have the proper tools and will do it more efficiently than if you decide to do this yourself. The average cost for a gutter cleaning ranges from $106 to $167, with larger projects costing as much as $350.

In addition, make sure your HVAC system runs smoothly, which can be done by calling an HVAC technician. Usually, routine maintenance involves checking the ductwork for damage, cleaning vents, and servicing furnaces or A/C compressors. These tasks cost an average of $348 a year.

How to downsize efficiently for you and your pet

If you’re going to downsize, you need to know how much stuff you’re bringing and who, so you can calculate the space you need without feeling cramped.

Pets (such as cats and dogs) thrive with more space to run around, whether inside or around a bigger yard.

To properly downsize, go through each item in your home and decide whether you need it or not. Donating or selling these items is easy to make extra cash for your move.

Keeping your dog comfortable during the move is also crucial. You may wish to consider a kennel or cattery for your furry friend to keep them out of the way.

Or you can keep them by your side during the move and bring their favorite treats or a shirt with your smell on it to calm them.

Secure a mortgage for your new home

One of the most popular methods of buying a home is getting a mortgage, and there are products to suit a range of needs.

These include conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA mortgages. Make sure you stay on top of rates by visiting sites like PennyMac.com.

Start selling your home

There are some basic vital steps that you should take before selling your home, but you should check out the complete list yourself. These steps include:

1. Hiring an agent that knows the market
2. Working on improvements and repairs (such as any leaking pipes, broken windows, and missing fixtures)
3. Getting a pre-sale home inspections
4. Working with your agent to set the proper price

Downsizing with a pet can be easy

When you keep your pet happy, you’ll be happy and can quickly handle the move and preparations for selling your home.

After putting your home on the market, you’ll be able to buy the perfect home for you and your pet in no time.

Aurora James believes there are no bad dogs. She created Dog Etiquette to share her dog training tips and advice to dog owners everywhere. Aurora lives in Dallas and enjoys teaching dogs the etiquette to be a “good dog” wherever they go.

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