Fun with Pets and Kids
What has 6 legs, two runny noses, a Kiss concert worth of noise, and only one shoe?
Your 5-year-old and his dog on moving day.
No two ways about it, kids and pets add a little bit of extra work and stress to
moving day, but with some planning, strategy, and tranquilizers – you’ll make it
through intact.
Let’s tackle these challenges one at a time, starting with your offspring.
Strategy 1: Put them to busy-work.
There’s very little more charming than a tiny tot asking if they can help you do
whatever it is you’re doing, but we all know that sometimes that “help” does much
more harm than good. Put your young child to work writing a letter to the new owners
of your house, or making sure all of the plants in the garden have enough water,
or checking empty rooms for items left behind.
Older children can actually be useful with taking the dog for a last run, sweeping
out empty rooms, and carrying some lighter items to the family car.
Strategy 2: Just keep them occupied.
One trick that my mother always used on me and my sister was to secret away a few
new toys in the days before a move. Small, inexpensive, but engaging toys, like
travel board games, markers, and paper or books. Then, when the movers arrived and
she needed us out from underfoot she’d whip out the goodies and Sis and I would
spend a few hours completely absorbed. Kids love surprises, and anything new is
absolutely captivating.
Strategy 3: Get them the heck out of dodge.
There is a magical person out there, waiting to make your life easier. They’re in
middle or high school, desperate for cash, and available evenings, weekends and
summer holidays. Your favorite baby-sitter will be a lifesaver on moving day. If
you’re planning a mid-week move, talk to neighbors, family members, and friends
- anyone who can take junior to the park for a few hours so you don’t have to worry
about him being crushed by a box of bric-a-brac.
Okay, now that the kids are out of your hair, let’s talk about Fluffy and Rover.
Different pets will require different treatments on moving day.
Fish and Amphibians
For obvious reasons, moving a full tank of water is going to be out of the question,
so empty your creepy crawlies into a cooler with a firmly closing lid, and pop them
into the backseat of your car – buckled in for safety. Open the cooler every now
and then to make sure there is oxygen getting in. For tropical fish it is advised
to change 20% of the water in your tank every day for several days leading up to
the move, and to use water from the tank to move the fish in. Also, do not feed
your fish during the move, as you will want the water to stay as clean as possible.
Rodents
Big Tupperware containers with holes poked in the top make great temporary homes
for rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, bunnies, and guinea-pigs on moving day. Make
sure to line the container with plenty of their favorite nesting substance, leave
them plenty of food, and tape their water dispenser to the side.
Dogs and Cats
Bet you thought I was kidding about the tranquilizers, didn’t you? Not in the slightest.
A few weeks before moving day make an appointment with the vet and explain that
you’re going to need your furry, four-legged friend knocked out for an X-hour car
ride. After looking at you with deep sympathy, your vet will write a prescription
for some a sedative that will keep your dog or cat quiet and still for the length
of the trip. Then you can just pop them into their kennel, and they won’t whine
the whole way to Winnipeg. Of course, make sure to let them out for a little romp
every time you stop, and keep plenty of food and fresh water ready for them. A ziplock
bag and a few bottles of water should see you through.
There you have it – Moving day with your pets and children. With some creativity, ingenuity and a lot of patience, you’ll make it to your new home safe, sane and with some leftover tranquilizers.
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