Trailblazing Unleashed

Whether you’re trading urban hustle for a quieter trail-adjacent neighborhood or simply upgrading your space, moving is always a whirlwind. The Trailblazing Unleashed family moved into our newest apartment this past weekend, and it was a crazy couple of days! Add pets into the mix—especially ones used to routines or who assist with accessibility—and the stakes get even higher. Here’s how to make the move gentler for your fur-covered companions (and yourself).

1. Prep Starts Early: Scent, Schedules, and Safety

Before the first box is packed, help your pet adjust by:

• Visiting the new space if possible—bring their bed or favorite toy to start building familiarity.

Unfortunately, our move out/in plan was pretty hectic. We moved out of our last apartment in early May, stayed with my parents for a month, and then moved into our newest space in mid-June. This didn’t allow us to visit before we moved out, but before we started moving boxes or furniture in, I showed Trace the new space and explained to him what was about to happen. I like to think that helped!

Skully had a much different experience. He was dropped off by my dad after we had started moving in. This was a bit more chaotic for him, but he’s always been an adventurous cat. He loves to explore and had a good time roaming the new space with all of the boxes and hiding spots.

• Sticking to their routine—walks, meals, and playtimes should remain as consistent as your schedule allows.

I did my best here, but I’ll be honest it wasn’t very consistent. I don’t think this impacted us too much, but it definitely made Trace more energetic and excited as he didn’t get the same level of activity while we were moving.

However, mealtimes, wake up times and bedtimes was relatively similar to my day-to-day routines.

• Creating a moving-day escape plan—a quiet room or even a trusted pet-sitter can shield them from the chaos.

I kept their belongings out, so they could have familiar spaces to run to, like kennels and cat trees. This way they have a space that is truly theirs and have familiar scents to turn to.

2. Pack the Pet Essentials Separately

Designate a clearly labeled “pet first-night kit” with:

• Food and water dishes
• Favorite treats and comfort items
• Litter, waste bags, or training pads
• Medications, ID tags, and vaccination records

Don’t forget leash access or carrier padding for anxious travelers—especially helpful for cats or reactive dogs. This can help you find exactly what you need for them without having to unpack everything that first night.

3. The Big Day: Keep It Calm

On moving day:

• Transport pets last to minimize stress. If you’re like me and don’t have that opportunity, I recommend keeping them with you as much as possible. At least then they have you rely on for comfort.
• Use calming sprays or pheromone diffusers in their travel space. If you have particularly anxious pets, this can really help them adjust. We didn’t need this, but it never hurts.
• For cats or small dogs, keep carriers covered for comfort. If you don’t traditionally use a carrier for them, that’s okay! Just keep comfort items close by, like we did.

Service animals or more attentive pets may be tuned into your emotions, so try to remain upbeat—even if you’re staring down a mountain of unpacked boxes. I know moving is overwhelming for everyone, so we’ll include an article for the humans in this process later.

4. Settling In: Gradual Introduction Is Key

Once you arrive:

• Let pets explore one room at a time. If you know your pet is a little explorer, let them roam! I like to supervise them and explain what’s happening, but that is completely up to you.
• Reinforce routines and slowly introduce new smells, sounds, and neighbors. Take things slow as much as possible! Lots of things are changing so be patient with your pets and yourself.
• Watch for anxiety signs—excessive vocalization, bathroom accidents, or hiding may indicate stress. Make sure to keep an eye on them for any behavioral shifts, so you can help calm them down.

Pro tip: sprinkle treats and affection liberally to create positive associations with the new home base. If you are particularly worried about their anxiety, you can always give them anxiety reducing treats as well!

5. Outdoor Pets and Trail Transitioning

If your pet joins you on hikes or is used to farm-style open space, re-establish those outdoor routines early. Scout out the nearest pet-friendly trails or leash-free zones and consider a practice walk near your new home before going full throttle.

Final Thoughts

Relocating isn’t just about changing addresses—it’s about building new comfort zones for every member of your family, paws included. With patience, preparation, and a few well-timed treats, you’ll all be exploring your new surroundings in no time.

Good luck with your new space, and Trailblaze on!

— Kaya, Trace, and Skully