Downsizing allows you to move into a space that is affordable and easy to maintain. While your current home may provide the luxury of space, if its upkeep is getting hard and expensive to manage, it is best to downsize. This article explores the important aspects you should consider while downsizing, to find the best home for you and your pet.
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Features to Look For
Here are some must-have features when downsizing as a pet owner:
- Pet Friendliness: Moving into a smaller home or townhouse will include outdoor spaces for your pets. However, if you are choosing to move into apartments or condos, inquire about the following:
- Pet-friendly areas such as indoor parks or outdoor gardens
- Pet accessible elevators
- Pet washing stations
- Charges for keeping pets
- Amenities: When visiting properties compare amenities that each one provides, such as:
- Kitchen Appliances: These are often the most expensive of the lot and can be a great addition to have if included in the selling price.
- Type of Flooring: According to Floor Critics, with pets, it’s best to stay away from carpets as they are easily stained and cleaning can turn out to be a constant expense. Look for homes with cork or tile flooring.
- Outdoor Spaces: Moving to a smaller home will be a major change for your pet. However, having an outdoor space such as a lawn, patio or balcony will help make the transition easier.
- Recent Renovations: Inquire about modifications made before putting the house on the market, such as new HVAC systems, roof repairs, repainting, etc. This will give you insights into the condition of the home and make an informed decision.
- Location: Choosing the right neighborhood is integral to downsize successfully. Ideally, look for an area whose housing prices are expected to increase in the coming years. You should also ascertain which type of housing market you’re in: a buyer’s or seller’s market. This allows you to build equity and make a profit, if and when you decide to move again. Additionally, ensure the neighborhood includes services such as pet clinics, grooming salons, pet-friendly parks, and public spaces.
Caring for Your Pet
Start training your pet for the move a month or two in advance. This can involve the following:
- Keeping your pets indoors for prolonged periods. For instance, cut down on the time your dog wanders in your yard. A gradual change will help them get accustomed to the new smaller environment.
- Develop the habit of feeding indoors as this could be the norm in your new home. Additionally, restrict it to the same room you will be using in the future, such as the kitchen or bedroom.
- If you have a dog, start taking them for frequent long walks. Moreover, if your dog has never been to a dog park before, start visiting once or twice a week. Condition them to burn their energy outside the house and learn to socialize with other pets.
- After moving, ensure to maintain the same feeding and walking schedule to help pets transition with ease and less anxiety.
While moving, it’s best to keep your pets alone in a room to stay safe from all the commotion. If you have pets with indoor shelters such as birds, fishes, spiders, or snakes, it’s best to move these in your personal vehicle.
Managing Finances
It is important to sell your home at the best price to ensure a healthy long-term financial position. You can achieve this by prepping your home before putting it on sale. Having a well-maintained lawn can increase your home’s value, so hire professional lawn maintenance personnel to landscape your outdoor spaces.
Additionally, make all necessary repairs needed, such as replacing leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, broken windows, running toilets, broken appliances, etc. Not only will this help to make a good first impression but also aid the process of increasing your home’s valuation.
While moving into a new home will be challenging at first, through your love and support, your pet will learn to adapt to their new surroundings.
