Downsizing Your Home
Brock
How to Make the Home Downsizing Process Easy on You and Your Pets
So, you've decided to downsize your home. You can look forward to doing less cleaning. But you might not be looking forward to the moving process itself, especially if you have one or more pets in tow. Some research and preparation will go a long way toward a successful move for the whole family. Here’s some advice from Keeshond Rescuers.
What to Look For in a New Pet-Friendly Home and Area
If you have a large pet that's accustomed to a lot of space, look for a place with a big backyard or a very close park. Don't forget to check whether the garden has any toxic plants. These might include oleander, lantana, and Carolina jessamine in your area.
Assess your favorite properties to see which ones require minimal changes and what tweaks you can make for a more pet-friendly home. Perhaps you can put up a fence to reassure neighbors and keep your pet safe or install an outdoor faucet for bathing. Keep an eye out for features like tile or wood flooring that are easier to clean than carpets.
In terms of area, are there local diseases that might require pet vaccination? Check up on leash laws and breed permissions too.
Sort Out Home Maintenance Before Listing Your Property
Giving your home a little TLC in the months before an open house can raise its value and help it sell faster. Some simple and affordable ideas include:
• ECOS Paints notes that painting can bring harmful fumes into your home. If you’d rather skip the hassle of painting, try peel-and-stick wallpaper instead.
• Replacing worn carpets.
• Neatening up your outdoor area.
• Cleaning your gutter to prevent overflows, flooding, water damage, and mold. This will cost between $100 and $350. Read reviews to find someone who can do the job well.
Don't forget to air your home out to remove pet odors when you have a viewing.
Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Taking care of your finances enables you to move with peace of mind. Your lender can provide you with your debt-to-income ratio. Or you can calculate it by totaling your monthly debt, which includes auto loans, student loans, and credit card payments, and dividing the sum by your gross monthly income.
Investopedia points out that this percentage shows you how much you can afford for mortgage payments. It may be tempting to drive down those payment amounts by saving money upfront on the new property’s asking price by buying a house “as is.” Just be aware that when purchasing “as is” there are inherent risks associated with the repair of home systems like the HVAC and plumbing or the replacement of appliances if they break down. The seller won’t be liable for such costs.
Make the Process as Comfortable as Possible for Your Pet
It's time to focus on the logistics of moving. Do the following in the run-up to the move:
• Microchip pets in the event of separation. Put your contact details on the collar too.
• If your new home is nearby and you have a dog, help your pet get acclimated by driving there for walks in and around the area.
• Keep some unwashed items for your pet's bed to retain the smell of the old house and aid the transition.
Also, keep this in mind: Anyone who has ever had a stressful job knows that it can take a toll on your health. But what many people don't realize is that work-related stress can also affect your pets. Studies have shown that animals are sensitive to the emotions of their owners, and they can pick up on cues from our behavior and voice. When we're stressed out, our pets may become anxious or even agitated. In extreme cases, this can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and ulcers. So if you're concerned about your pet's well-being, it's important to get your work-related stress under control. There are several ways to do this, including exercise, relaxation techniques, and counseling. By taking steps to reduce your stress levels, you can help keep your pet healthy and happy.
Remember that your pets are sensitive to stress. Whether it’s work-related or move-related (or both), it’s important to manage your anxiety to help prevent your fur friends from becoming too overwhelmed by everything.
A knowledgeable real estate agent can make the process of finding a new home in Canada or selling your current one more manageable. With some assistance, you and your pet can start a fresh chapter. Remember to research the area you wish to move to with your pet in mind, take care of any maintenance before listing your current residence, understand the pros and cons of buying an “as is” home, and keep your pet comfortable during the move.
Keeshond Rescuers is on a mission to rescue every dog held in the squalor of the kennels of Marjorie Ingraham in Harpursville, New York. Reach out today to get involved!
— Cindy Aldridge
