Don’t Make These Mistakes When Downsizing with a Pet

Downsizing with a pet isn’t always easy. Along with having to sell a home and pare down belongings, ensuring your pet’s needs are met is usually part of the equation. As a result, it’s a bit more complex than downsizing alone.

Since the situation is harder to navigate, missteps might be more common. Here are some mistakes you want to avoid when downsizing with a pet, presented by Jain Condos.

Listing Before Your Home Is Genuinely Ready

When you’ve got downsizing on the brain, you might be tempted to hop right in and put your house on the market. The problem is, if your home isn’t genuinely list-ready, you might not get great results.

Before you list your home, you need to take certain steps. Start by making any necessary repairs or updates. For example, cracked windows and leaky pipes are major turn offs for buyers, so you’ll want to get those handled prior to setting up showings.

Also, repair any pet-related damage. Clawed up doors, chewed molding, and lingering odors impact your resale value. Plus, they give buyers pause, making them wonder if there is more animal damage that they can’t see.

Animal odors might also be particularly off-putting to any homebuyers with allergies. If pet odors are an issue, many buyers will assume animal allergens are present – such as pet dander – so they may shy away from houses that smell simply because of that.

It’s wise to hire a house cleaning service that specializes in removing pet odors. That way, they can tackle any lingering smells before buyers begin touring the property.

Not Accounting for Your Pet’s Needs When Shopping for a New Home

Searching for a new home can be incredibly exciting. It’s easy to get swept up in the process, causing you to focus heavily on your needs and wants. When that happens, there’s a chance you’ll overlook something important: your pet.

As you explore homes, take your pet’s needs into account. Would they appreciate a large yard or access to a nearby park? Is a big window for lounging and observing the outside world a must? Do you need to avoid stairs because of your pet’s mobility issues? Is there a good spot for food and water dishes, kennels, birdcages, or aquariums?

By asking questions like those above, you can take everything into consideration. That way, the home will serve everyone well.

Downsizing Your Belongings Without Consideration for Your Pet

Similar to the point above, not thinking about your pet when downsizing belongings isn’t ideal. Many pets are anxious when they come into a new house. If you throw out their favorite toys, pet bed, or other items before moving, they won’t have anything familiar in the house.

Make sure you keep some of your pet’s comfort items when you prepare to move. That way, they’ll have a touchstone that can make the house feel more like theirs, increasing the odds that they’ll adjust reasonably quickly.

Not Having a Plan for Showings and Open Houses

While it might seem like allowing your pet to go about its day in your home even when there’s a showing or an open house isn’t a big deal, it is problematic. For one, people will be entering and leaving your home. If they don’t close the door properly or ensure your pet stays inside, there’s a chance your pet may head out the door and end up lost.

Additionally, loose pets might make buyers uncomfortable. There’s also a chance your pet may end up in a conflict with a buyer, resulting in an incident or injury. After all, strangers on the property might make your pet anxious or defensive, increasing the odds of an issue. Plus, fearful people can act in unexpected ways.

Ideally, you want to make sure your pet has somewhere to go during showings and open houses. Speak with a family member, friend, or neighbor and see if they can take your pet in if you can’t bring them with you. You could also explore boarding or doggie daycare-style options, as well as pet sitters that can take your pet in, as those approaches accomplish the same goal.