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Managing more than one home can be a big job, especially if you travel between them frequently while also caring for your family and pets. There are so many details to think about, from ensuring that both homes are well stocked with essentials to making sure your pets are comfortable and anxiety-free. In order to prevent the process from being overwhelming, create a routine that you and your loved ones can stick to as you go back and forth between homes. Get organized and optimize each location for your mental wellness by decluttering; if you have items you no longer need in the home but don’t want to get rid of at the moment, rent a storage unit to keep them safe.

Of course, you’ll also want to save money no matter which home you’re staying in, so it’s important to take steps that will help you stick to a budget, especially as prices rise all over the country. It’s also a good idea to get some help with your pets, especially if they need to work on things like potty training or behavioral issues; Newyorkdognanny.com offers several services in both New York and California for pets and their owners.

Here are a few tips on how to manage your homes and keep your pets safe and happy at the same time.

Keep Pet Supplies on Hand

Traveling between more than one home often means that important things get left behind, no matter how organized you are. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep certain items for your pets on hand at each location; not only will this ensure that your animals are comfortable and safe no matter where you are, it will prevent last-minute trips to the store, which can really add up. Look online for items you know your pets will need, such as crates, bedding, food dishes, treats, and harnesses, and read reviews before purchasing to make sure they’re the best quality for the price. Check out sites that offer reviews from veterinarians, since they understand which items are the best choices for pets.

Save Money on Essentials

Pet supplies aren’t the only items you can keep on hand to save money; you can also ensure that each property has all the essentials that you and your family will need, from groceries to toiletries, in order to prevent unnecessary spending as you travel. Stock up on frozen vegetables and use a deep freeze to keep meat longer. Use energy-efficient appliances in your homes to save money on the utility bills, and cut out monthly cable bills by using streaming services instead. You can even save on things like car and health insurance by comparing the costs in different areas; for instance, if you divide your time between two cities, you might be able to get a better rate by signing up in one over the other. This also applies to pet insurance, which can help you keep your animals safe and healthy no matter where you are.

Get to Know Your Neighbors and Their Pets

Depending on how many homes you own and how often you travel between them, you might hire caretakers to look after the properties while you’re away. However, it’s also beneficial to get to know your neighbors and their pets and vice versa. Not only can it be useful to build relationships with them when it comes to keeping your properties safe, your neighbors can also be helpful resources when it comes to local money-saving tips. Letting them know a general timeline for when you’ll be home and away will give you some peace of mind, as they can keep an unofficial eye on things when you can’t be there or help look out for a pet that has gone wandering.

Get Organized at Every Location

No matter how many homes you own, it’s crucial to get organized at each location. Not only will this help you stick to a budget in some instances, it can also prevent stress and anxiety for both you and your pets. Setting up a dedicated home office as well as a space for your animals is a great start, and you can also give yourself a spot to keep bills and other important documents at each home. If possible, keep items in roughly the same areas at each location to make the transition between homes easier for everyone. 

Whether you’re trying to keep your finances organized or you want to declutter your homes, it’s important to have the right resources on hand. Here are a few essential things to keep in mind as you travel from city to city, including the cost of living:

  • San Diego, CA has a slightly higher cost of living than other cities in some aspects, but you can still find great deals; the trick is knowing where to look for storage, groceries, and gas. The average cost of a storage unit in San Diego is $141.60, and while gas prices vary, you can find the cheapest option near you with a handy app.
  • New York, NY has an average home sale price of $777,000 while licensing fees and first veterinarian bills for dogs can run about $600.
  • Chicago, IL has a lot to offer when it comes to dining out and finding entertainment, but be prepared to spend an average of between $37-$62 per day per person. Looking for healthcare? The lowest average cost for an individual health plan is about $589.
  • Washington, D.C. is pretty comparable to Chicago where costs are concerned, with a family of four spending about $4,327 per month on living expenses before rent. Preschool costs average about $2,154 per month.
  • Los Angeles, CA is one of the more costly areas to live in, with an average home sale price of $910,328 and grocery prices that stand at about 13% higher than the national average.

Managing multiple properties can be challenging, but with the right tools and resources, you can make the process much easier while sticking to your budget. Stock up on pet supplies, get organized, and find a storage unit that meets your needs so you can easily settle into each home without worry.

Need to find some help with your pets? Contact the pros at Newyorkdognanny.com today to talk about their services.

Photo via Pexels

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