Here’s a guest post from Marjorie at workingclasswow.com:

With the real estate market sizzling right now, there’s never been a better time to sell your home. If you’re looking for increased freedom and flexibility, you might want to cash in and become a renter. Renting allows you to try out new neighborhoods and avoid the unexpected costs that come along with homeownership. If you’re moving with a pet in tow, you might be worried about the process of relocating your furbaby. But with the right game plan, you could be settled into an amazing new location before you know it.

Today, Decker Properties has some tips and resources to get you started on the right track.

Get Ready to Sell

One of the perks of selling your home is the opportunity it provides to downsize and declutter your belongings. Donate items you no longer need or use. You could even consider selling some of your stuff to offset moving costs. Research the housing market in your area and depersonalize the space by removing family photos or other items with too much “character” to help your listing get maximum attention from buyers. You want to help buyers envision themselves and their possessions in your space.

As much as we love our pets, pet-related items can make your home seem more cluttered than it is. Gather up all of your furry friend’s toys, treats, and other accessories and stash them in a closet, storage area, or garage. You want them out of sight when you take real estate photos or anytime a potential buyer comes to tour your home.

Last but certainly not least, schedule movers as soon as possible. Trying to schedule a moving company at the last minute can cause a lot of problems, so take care of this step early in the process.

Relocate Your Pet First

If you can, try to line up a new home before closing the sale on your current place. If you can swing a month or two of rent without the proceeds from your current sale, it’ll definitely save you some stress. Plus, your cat or dog will have more time to acclimate to the new surroundings. Get them a larger crate or some new toys to give them an additional feeling of security, but you also want to make sure you’re getting a trustworthy product, so checking online reviews can be a big help.

If you can’t move into your permanent location right away, there are lots of short-term care options for cats and dogs. You could ask a friend to pet-sit or find a pet-friendly vacation rental. Or you can work with a business to place your beloved pet in a pre-screened, pre-approved private home where they’ll get undivided attention and superior care!

Keep this in mind when relocating with your pet: they’re going to be stressed. So, whenever possible, take steps to lessen your own stress levels. Animals are very sensitive to our emotions; when we’re upset, they can get upset. This can be doubly compounded if you bring work-related stress home with you at the end of the day. So, keep calm, take deep breaths, and focus on your pet and get them acclimated to their new home.

Finding Pet-Friendly Apartments

More and more landlords are realizing that tenants with pets are more reliable and responsible than non-pet owners. That’s why it’s easier than ever to find great apartments that allow a dog or cat with a small deposit.

To start your search, view online listings and select your ideal neighborhood. You can limit your results to apartments close to public transportation, shopping, medical care, or work. From there, be sure to filter by pet-friendliness and indicate how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need. Always read the fine print on listings; some have a weight limit for dogs or have a limit of only one pet.

Before moving your pet into your home, make sure to pet-proof the space. Secure your furniture, keep chemicals and cleaning supplies locked away, and install outlet covers to prevent electrical shock.

Reap the Benefits of Downsizing

You may find that you love the renter’s lifestyle. Without the obligations of a home, you’ll be able to enjoy having more free time to explore the city – with your pet by your side.

Decker Properties traces its inception to 1986 with the acquisition of its first small apartment building. The company today owns and manages hundreds of apartments throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Call 262-785-0840.