Man and Van Merton look at the effects moving has on pets
Do you ever worry that your dogs won’t like the relocation of their new home? Man and Van Merton sheds some light on the topic.
Overlooking your dog or any pets feelings when deciding to find, buy, or move into a new place is not uncommon. To be honest, it can be extremely difficult to take you dog’s feelings into consideration when making any big decisions. It is easy to forget that your dog is an excitable, sloppy mouthed, sentimental being that doesn’t like change at all.
Allie Brosh creates a side-splitting comical picture of the agonizing moment when your dog realises that your relocating, acknowledging her dog’s irregular discomfort. The dogs referred to as “helper dog” and “simple dog”, react in a bizarre, uncontrollable manner that is rather disturbing. The behaviour of the dogs leads to Allie and her partner to endless unnerving high-pitched squeals; scratched up floors due to dog booties; and vomit which is consumed again and again in their car seats.
“We were beginning to think that our dogs were permanently broken. Nothing we did helped at all to convince the dogs that we had only changed houses and our new house was not, in fact, some sort of death-camp and we weren’t actually planning on killing them to fulfil an organ harvest ritual.”
The insecurity of you dog is deeper than you may of first thought, but no worries the problem can be eradicated. Firstly, you need to bear in mind that dogs are stupid and manipulatable, the general hassle and stresses caused are due to the constant energy and the dog seeking attention. What you can do is familiarise your dog with the surrounding, remember a new house is going to ignite an influx of excitement, so upon arrival allow your dog to explore, mess the place up a little, and mark his territory.
Throughout the first visit spoil the dog with toys, treats and extra portions. Do remember that your dog can seek solace with a food bowl and reminisce all the fun he had watching you wash up in the previous kitchen. So surround the dog with their favourite blankets and toys to ensure they are settled and happy, regardless if it means putting up with the constant squeak that Allie did. It may only be one night and then they will forget that they were ever doubtful.
MAN WITH A VAN MERTON – TIPS FOR MOVING YOUR DOG
Man with a Van Merton brings you yet more useful ideas for that big move
Dogs can prove a particular challenge in the move process for Man with a Van Merton, since they are by nature territorial. Try to keep your dog’s usual routine as normal as possible leading up to the move. Make sure your dog has a tag with an address or telephone number, or is chipped for identification. Try to find out about good walking places in advance so that you can get your dog into a new routine as quickly as possible. If your dog is not a good traveller, take it for a few trips in the car before the big day, and of course make sure your pet is behind a guard or in a crate during the move.
During the move itself keep your dog in one room while all the furniture and belongings are taken out of the house. If your dog suffers from travel sickness do not feed it for 12 hours before travelling. Buy a new chew toy to give to your dog once you arrive. Put it’s toys and familiar items like bed, blankets and so on in one room until all your belongings have arrived. Do ensure your immediate surroundings, such as the garden, are secure to prevent escape. It is also a good idea to introduce your dog to your neighbours, postman and any other regular callers as soon as you can.
Man with a Van Merton has encountered these issues before, so we hope you will benefit from our experience when it comes to taking your dog to its new place.
Dogs can be especially affected and even scared during a move and Man with a Van Merton can help you keep them calm and happy.
Man and Van Merton on Feng Shui
Recently, here at Man and Van Merton, we’ve had a look at the Feng Shui of our offices. This is the ancient Chinese art of geomancy. Meaning the positioning of just about anything to enhance the best energy possible. in the house that best reflects our personality, captures and transforms the energy into the most positive that it can be. Many of us relate this in the way we position furniture in our homes.
One of the laws of Feng Shui says that you should only display gifts that you like and that represent who you really are. If you feel that something gives you a negative energy, even though it is a gift, it should not be displayed in your house. Everything needs to work with your inner harmony.
Another important thing is to get rid of the clutter. This is something that will let you breathe easily and will give you peace, because too many things in the house can interfere with the overall harmony and bring down your personal energy. The same goes for things you do not use or, dare I say, don’t even like. If you haven’t used something for a few months, the chances are, you will never use it. So, get rid of it! If you don’t like something, just get it out of the house. It may be bringing your spirit down every time you look at it.
Start making changes from the areas you spend the most time – the office, the living room or maybe even the bedroom…if you’re having trouble sleeping.
Man and Van Merton will be back next week with more useful Feng Shui tips.
Man and Van Merton loves a bit of Feng Shui
Spring Clean with Man and Van Merton
Man and Van Merton are strong believers in our annual spring clean! It’s a great opportunity to de-clutter and make space for bigger and better things.
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to get rid of some of the stuff you really don’t need in your life any longer; things you’ve been hoarding away for years, in hope that one day, your children will want them/you’ll find an obscure use for them/you’ll retire and want to make your own bread again. To this we say nay, and yes to spring cleaning- it also means you’ll have less stuff to move, and thus will take a shorter time to get it from A to B. So, if you’re looking for places to take some specific items, then Man and Van Merton can help with finding a new home for them:
Clothes and shoes that haven’t been worn in a while: Your local clothes bank is always looking for items to send abroad to those who’ll really appreciate them.
Old books: Amazon is a great place to sell things you no longer read- and your beloved treasures will get a new home where they’ll be just as loved a second time around!
Lecture notes from University: Although sentimental, when will you really ever read them ever again? Maybe keep a few to remind you of what you once learnt, and the rest can go into your recycling bin.
If you have any other clearing out tips for our Man and Van Merton clients/blog readers, please do get in touch and share your invaluable advice.