Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

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  • DIY Backyard Decorating Tips

    When you’ve been blessed with a backyard, you certainly want to get the most out of it. A carefully considered backyard can transform the entire appeal of your home and the enjoyment you receive from it – without breaking the bank.   With these decorating tips, you’ll quickly see how lighting, landscaping and furniture can be the key to turning your backyard into the ultimate outdoor living space.

    Think Outside of the Electrical Box

    Lighting is the key to achieving the ambiance you want from your outdoor living space. However, keeping strings of lighting plugged in throughout the evening or turning on the patio light can cause a spike in your electrical bill. Instead, think outside of the electrical box and set a soothing ambiance throughout your landscaping with these affordable ideas:

    • Use Asian-inspired lanterns on table tops to add subtle light and enchanting ambiance to the area
    • Achieve a shimmering glow with kerosene lanterns
    • Make an outdoor living space inhabitable both day and night with solar lighting
    • Use backlights behind and under chairs and tables for a unique effect

    Draw Attention to Focal Points

    The great thing about the backyard is that a little can go a long way. If you’ve decided to keep your landscaping low-maintenance with minimal gardens, plants that are self-sufficient and limited décor, it’s important to draw attention towards the few focal points that you have put into place. Whether it’s a seating area on the patio, a backyard fire pit, some statues, or a pond or pathway to your garden oasis, here are some landscape design ideas that can help you do just that:

    • Line backyard walkways with glowing tiki torches or solar lights
    • Lay mulch around trees to enhance the landscape design
    • Make focal points easy to access with pathways
    • Add a dramatic effect with lighting around your focal points

    Attention to Detail

    The most luxurious and stunning landscape designs are all about attention to detail. The big boulders match the fire pit stones, the grass matches the pathway, and the nearby flowers accent the furniture. The secret is that you don’t have to put that much time and effort into achieving the same flawless appeal in your own backyard. Pay attention to the small things to make everything look cohesive:

    • Match the natural stones found in your backyard, from the patio to the paths, from the outdoor kitchen to the landscaping rocks, etc.
    • Plant flowers that bloom in colors that match your outdoor furniture
    • If you have red cushions, plant a red rosebush nearby

    Everything Shouldn’t Match

    Although adding matching elements throughout your landscape design is important to achieving a cohesive backyard, it’s just as important to add in differences for dimension. While things should certainly match, they shouldn’t blend out the accents and focal points. Incorporate these decorating ideas to add dimension where it counts:

    • Choose plants with different heights and flowering types
    • Plant flowers with different blooming times for a spark of color throughout the season
    • Use different fabrics and textures within your furniture décor
    • Mix different lighting sources for dimension and a change in ambiance

    Even the smallest of backyards can hold so much potential. With these backyard ideas, you can create the landscape design of your dreams without breaking the bank.

     

  • Fireworks and Pets: The Do’s and Don’ts

    By Jenny Stout from Trips with Pets

    Your human family members might “Ooh” and “Aah” at the fireworks this Fourth of July, but what about your pet?  This holiday is one of the most distressing, and possibly dangerous, annual events for pets.  What is a cause for celebration for you can be source of anxiety for your pet.

    Here’s what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to fireworks and your pet:

    Don’t Assume All Noise Is Created Equal
    Many pet parents think that their pet will not be affected by fireworks if he or she is normally fine during thunderstorms, or when other loud noises are present.  However, this is not necessarily the case.  Even pets who are calm, cool and collected when it’s thundering, or when a loud motorcycle goes by, may panic during fireworks.  The full effect of the sounds, excitement and noise from the people outside, and the fact that he or she is alone inside the house, can add up to stress and fear for your pet.

    Don’t Leave Your Pet Outside Unattended
    When frightened, pets who normally would not leave the yard may run away and become lost.  If you leave your pet on a chain, he or she may become tangled up, which can lead to injury or even death.

    Animal shelters across the country have reported that they take in more dogs around the Fourth of July than any other time of year.  These are mostly dogs who have run away during fireworks.  Additionally, many police stations report an increase in calls about stray dogs and complaints about excessive barking on the Fourth of July in relation to other days during the year.

    Don’t Let Your Pet Sit in the Car Alone
    Do not plan to take your pet with you to watch the fireworks.  Cars can heat up in a matter of minutes, and your pet can encounter serious health problems or even death in just a short time.  Cracking open the windows does not provide enough fresh air, and unfortunately only invite thieves to take your pet for themselves.  Additionally, the stress that your pet may endure while sitting alone in the car during the fireworks could cause him or herto get hurt.  He or she may try to hide under a seat and become trapped, or jump around and get injured.  Also, a pet can become destructive when under stress, and could do damage to the interior of your car if he or she chews and scratches.

    Do Allow Your Pet to Be Where He Feels Safe
    It is best to keep your pet in your home, preferably with the blinds drawn and in a quiet area where he or she will be comfortable.  Many pets seek safety and comfort in their crates. If your pet is not a “crate pooch” (or kitty), be sure to remove any items in the area that he or she can chew in the event he or she becomes destructive because of fear .  You can also leave a TV or radio on at a neutral volume so he or she has something to keep them company while you are at festivities.

    Some pets seek comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or in another small, enclosed area.  If your pet fits this description, then let him or her go to their “safe spot.”  Do not attempt to make him or her come out, as long as he or she is safe and secure.

    If you know that your pet enjoys riding in the car, taking him or her for a drive while the fireworks are in full swing may also help ease the tension.

    Do Seek Counsel from Vet
    If you’re concerned that your pet will become stressed and anxious from the loud firework noises,  you may want to contact your veterinarian for suggestions of more ways to help keep him or her calm.

    Do Ensure Your Pet Is Properly ID’d
    Be sure your pet is wearing his or her collar with an updated ID tag, just in case he or she gets lost.  This will ensure that he or she is returned to you quickly and safely.

    Just like you are planning for the activities your family will participate in on the Fourth of July, be sure to also plan for your pet to ease him or her into the holiday.  Take some basic, common sense steps ahead of time to make sure he or she has a happy and safe holiday !

     

    Kim Salerno is the President and Founder of TripsWithPets.com, a pet travel guide that provides online reservations at more than 30,000 pet-friendly accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. Kim spends her free time traveling with her four-legged kids, Tucker, Charlie and Brownie.

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet-friendly travel guide  providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet-friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet-friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com.

     

  • Getting Started with Your Gallery Wall

    Creating a gallery wall is not only a great way to stay on trend, but creates a customized home. The Better Homes and Gardens Vintage Gallery Wall is ideal for the living room, entryway, or hallway. With just a few frames and nails, blank walls will transform into a beautiful focal point. The key to pulling all the pieces together is a balance of framing, mapping, and spacing. Although gallery walls have a reputation for being difficult, we have provided a few easy steps that will prevent any mishaps or unnecessary holes in your wall.

    Frame Them Up

    Frames are a great way to get creative or go for a more classic look. Selections can be uniform or eclectic to set the right tone for your statement. Just make sure the frames you choose do not leave an abundance of white space, which can give off a less than designer vibe. These BHG cover prints have been formatted to fit 11-by-14-inch photo frames that include matting for 8-by-10-inch photos. White matting works, but take care not to use cream as it may not be as pleasing to the eye as white. Select black frames with edges at least 1-inch wide. Frames of this type are inexpensive and available at Target, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Walmart, etc. The frames shown here are the Black Belmond Frame with Mat by Studio Décor® from Michaels.com.

    Map It Out

    Planning is essential to achieving the right look for your gallery wall. Consider the best location for your frames and make sure the gallery fits in with the surroundings. If your home has a fountain or a spectacular view, try not to compete, as a gallery wall might seem out of place there. Pick the grid formation that best fits your space from the options shown below.. Choose a horizontal or vertical orientation for all of your frames. Outer dimensions of the frames should be the same, and take care that mat openings are proportionate. Take the time to map out what works best with the other elements in your space. Use 12 prints over a sofa, or flanking a large mirror. If space is limited, either by windows or ceiling height, use only six or nine frames in your grid.

     Hang Them Up

    To plan out the grid on the wall, start by making templates. Trace each frame onto craft paper and cut it out. Mark each template with a dot showing where the picture hanger lies. Use painter’s tape on the back of the templates and stick them to your wall so you can see the layout before nailing. Rearrange as needed and experiment with different spacing options between frames. When spacing frames of this size in a grid, leave about 2-3.5 inches of space between each frame. By using craft paper and tape, you’re not damaging the walls with the nail holes from trial and error. Before removing your templates, double check the alignment with a bubble level. Add nails or screws where you marked the picture hangers, then remove the templates and hang your frames.

    Make Adjustments

    If you have a large blank wall such as a hallway (as in the photo to the left), you can fill the whole wall. Don’t be afraid to have some frames lower than eye level. When hanging a gallery above a sofa or console table, the bottom row of frames should start 8-10 inches above the back of the sofa or the top of the table. Nails or screws provide the greatest stability but if you need to avoid making holes in the walls, try 3M’s Command™ Large Picture Hanging Strips.

  • How to Clean Your Pool Easier This Summer

    When the summer season hits, the kitchen is no longer the center of the home. Instead, the pool area is where your loved ones gather to enjoy quality time, delicious foods and splashes of summer fun. However, a dirty pool can quickly ruin what could be the ultimate outdoor living space.  Swimming pool maintenance is essential to getting the most out of the summer season. Implement pool care tips to clean fun in the sun.

    Prevention is Key

    The best tip for cleaning a pool is to keep it from getting dirty. Summer breezes bring all kinds of debris floating in the water. Small reptiles and animals can slip into the water, which is an unpleasant surprise for any swimmer out there. Outdoor elements such as plants, animal droppings and fertilizers are also food for algae, which will only make the pool dirtier. Prevent these elements from landing in the water by:

    • Covering the pool when not in use
    • Removing any mess from outside forces immediately
    • Having a checklist for swimming pool maintenance
    • Make separate lists for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks

    Regularly Monitor Pool Chemicals

    The number one rule to caring for a pool is to monitor pool chemicals. They keep the pool clean and safe for everyone’s enjoyment. Unless you have an automatic or floating chlorinator, you will need to add chlorine daily. Pool chemicals can also interact differently in extreme summer temperatures. Get in the habit of monitoring pool chemicals on a regular basis with these tips:

    • Use a water testing kit to measure the quality and cleanliness of the water
    • Test your pool for pH levels, chlorine and alkalinity on a regular basis
    • pH levels should be between 7.2 to 7.4
    • Chlorine levels should be between 1 ppm to 3 ppm
    • Alkalinity levels should be between 80 to 120
    • Adjust pool chemicals as needed

    Never Underestimate the Filter, Skimmer and Scooper

    You should never skip out on essential pool tools. Always have a working filter, vacuum and scooper on deck. Use them on a regular basis to keep the pool clean from top to bottom. Filters should run approximately eight hours a day, and pool skimmers should be used at least once a day. These two tools will work wonders at keeping everything clean. Any debris missed can be scooped out with a handheld device. To decrease the amount of time you have to dedicate to cleaning your pool, here are some additional tips:

    • Use a pool filter system that has a timer
    • Clean the pool filters regularly to keep it working and cleaning properly
    • Trade in the traditional pool vacuum for a high-quality pool robot to keep the pool cleaner and much quicker

    Despite the best of efforts to keep your pool clean, it will still become dirty. However, with some daily swimming pool maintenance, the less dirty it’ll become. The less time you have to spend cleaning the pool, which equals more time you can spend enjoying it. Now, that’s math worth taking a splash!

  • 5 Recipes Every Housewarming Party Needs

    After many weeks or even months of looking for a new home, you finally find it. When the hustle and bustle of moving is behind you, it’s time to invite your family and friends to share the joy of your new home for a traditional housewarming party.

    Throwing a housewarming party does require a bit of planning. To help you in that process, we have compiled a few recipes we’ve come to love.

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad from Everyday Dishes

    This recipe is a favorite of ours; we love both pasta salads and Caesar salad. A recipe that combines both is simply amazing! This is easy to make, and can take some of the stress out of your housewarming party.

  • Simple Summer Backyard Barbecue Tips

    If there’s one thing that goes hand-in-hand with summer, it’s a backyard barbecue. With the sun shining and the weather forecast predicting temperatures that are in your favor, there’s no better time for freshly grilled meats and refreshingly cold drinks. Any good host knows that a successful summer barbecue takes a lot more than slapping some meat on the grill and serving cold lemonade on a tray. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to host a memorable summer meal with your loved ones. Grab your notepad because you’re about to become a barbecue expert with a few easy outdoor barbecue ideas.

    Prep and Plan Beforehand

    The key to hosting a summer barbecue you can also enjoy is organization. Get the planning done well before the grilling date to ensure you’re not running around day-of, or worse, during the barbecue. After all, you’re hosting so you can sit down and enjoy mouth-watering foods with your friends and family. Put these outdoor barbecue tips into action so you can kick back and relax during the barbecue:

    • Select your guest list, send out invitations and track RSVPs online by creating a private event on social media
    • Determine how much seating is required and borrow or rent any extras well before the barbecue date
    • Decide on activities or games to keep the children entertained and gather applicable materials as needed
    • Check the weather and plan accordingly
    • Double, triple and quadruple-check your grilling supplies and propane

    Provide Dietary Options

    When it comes to food, no two taste buds are the same. Everyone has his or her own preference for flavor. While it was once acceptable to give the option of a hotdog or hamburger, times have changed. Some people are vegetarian, some are vegan, others have allergies and the list goes on. Fortunately, you can easily keep all of your guests happy and their hunger satisfied by sticking with barbecue classics.  Here is a complete meal plan that caters to all palates, diets and lifestyles to ensure everyone can happily and comfortably enjoy your backyard barbecue:

    • Fresh fruits, vegetables and dip for vegetarians, vegans and those with gluten or dairy allergies
    • Beef and veggie burgers, chicken and hot dogs for all, including children
    • Potato chips, pretzels and trail mix
    • Soda, water, juice

    Set up a Comfortable Lounge Area

    Uncomfortable folding chairs surrounding a plastic foldable table is not ideal for long periods of sitting. Enhance the relaxation and enjoyment of your summer barbecue by creating a comfortable lounge area. Doing so will allow your guests to sit back with a full stomach, kick their feet up and socialize while also creating memories together. The good part is you don’t need to purchase anything extra; just use what you have with these outdoor ideas:

    • Remove the long foldable food tables once the meal is over and open up the space for some rest, relaxation and conversation
    • Stage chairs around focal points in your backyard, such as a patio table, fireplace or pool
    • Offer different seating options, such as lounger chairs, camper chairs, benches, etc. to ensure everyone finds a comfortable seat

    Create an Ambiance with Subtle Lighting and Soft Music

    Your summer barbecue is about to start. You have your chairs set up, the food prepped and a headcount of who’s attending, but there’s one thing missing – atmosphere. One of the best barbecue tips to think about is how you want your guests to feel while attending. The perfect tunes and subtle lighting can be everything you need to create the ideal ambiance for the evening. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

    • String colorful lights and play popular music for a dance party appeal
    • Light lanterns and candles and play music at a low volume for a laid back, relaxing feel
    • Use tiki torches to light paths and focal areas for a dramatic, mellow theme accompanied by some light tunes

    All the tips you need to host a memorable backyard barbecue are right here. With some prepping and planning, careful considerations and little tweaks, you can host the best summer barbecue of the season!

     

  • How to Plant Your Perfect Herb Garden

    Herbs bring plenty of happiness. They’re delicious and nutritious. These green delights can transform your living space into a breath of fresh air. Little plants add a splash of aroma to your home, and you don’t even need to have a green thumb to enjoy them. Growing the perfect herb garden often takes more knowledge than talent. Follow a few easy steps to create a flavorful garden where your palate and palace will flourish.

    Start Simple with Pre-Potted Herbs

    Unless you’re a garden aficionado, you’ll want to start simple with pre-potted herbs. Growing any plant from seed can be a tedious and daunting task. It takes time and practice to learn what makes the seed grow into a delicious herb. Unless you want to spend several weeks trying to figure out the roots of your herbs, stick with the simple solution: pre-potted plants. Most grocery stores, nurseries, and health food stores have them. If you plan on switching the pots out for something more decorative, you should do so with care. Herbs need to drain properly in order to grow efficiently. Make sure your pots have stones, gravel, or holes in the bottom for proper drainage.

    Picking the Plants

    Choosing the herbs that’ll fill your home is one of the most important steps to creating a perfect herb garden. There are many different varieties of herbs, from soft, delicious ones that add a subtle hint of flavor, to woodsy, pungent ones. Some herbs need more care than others, such as soft herbs like basil. Woody herbs are a little tougher, handling more extreme conditions such as a cold winter season.  It is important to do your research to ensure you plant the herbs that are going to fulfill your planting aspirations as well as your palate.

    Placing the Perfect Herb Garden

    Now that you have your pre-potted plants, it’s time to place them. If you’re locating your herb garden outdoors, the plants can be put right into your garden. Otherwise, a windowsill that gets an ample amount of sunlight is sufficient. However, it is important to consider the types of herbs you’re growing, as different kinds have varying requirements. Some herbs need more sunlight, whereas others can stay in the shade for most of the day, requiring only more room to grow. If you are moving your pre-potted plants into a garden or larger pot, remember to give them enough room to breathe and grow.

    Harvesting the Herbs

    When your herbs are ready for harvesting, it’s the most exciting time. Not only are your gardening efforts paying off, but your dishes throughout the next week are bound to be nutritiously flavorful. All you need is a sharp pair of clean scissors and you can start snipping away at the ends.

    Planting an herb garden is a decision that’ll bring a punch of flavor into your interior and meals. This is one of the easiest gardens to grow, and it can be done right on a window sill. If you’re just dipping into the world of green thumbs, this is a great place to start.

    The Golden Rules to Growing a Herb Garden

    Your herb garden needs to be watered daily. Since they take in a lot of water, drainage via a variety of pot types keeps them from drowning. Remember to add a sufficient amount of space in between each herb to deter them from overcrowding and dying off. Herbs also need regular trimming to stop them from growing flowers. Although this is a beautiful sight, regular pruning prevents issues with flavor and the quality of the leaf.

  • Setting Up an Effective, Beautiful Entryway

    The entryway of your home holds a lot of power. Although it’s a small portion of your house, it’s the first thing people see when they walk through the door. If your guests are greeted with a pile of shoes and a heap of clutter, it can make the entire atmosphere seem chaotic. Instead, you want your entryway to be welcoming and beautiful. However, with so many essentials needing to be near the front door and with such a little space to work with, it can be hard to find a way to make the entryway effective as well as stunning. Fortunately, with these entryway ideas, you’ll see just how easy it is to turn your entryway into a practical masterpiece.

    Open the Space with a Large Mirror

    Entryways are small. The area is often crowded, and even more so when you have a plethora of guests arriving. However, hanging a large mirror on the wall will open up the space, making it seem significantly larger. It can also distract people from a small entryway. In addition, natural lighting from your front door will reflect in the mirror, making the space appear lighter and more inviting.

    Separate the Entry from the Entryway

    When people enter your home, they stop just after the front door. They take off their shoes, remove their jackets, set down their keys and handbags. This can quickly make your entryway crowded, especially if it’s a small space.  Designate a portion of the entryway for practicality. Move the shoe racks away from the front door so people can enter without tripping. Also, trade in the floor coat rack for one mounted on the wall to free up more floor space. It’ll make coming and going within your home easy.

    Prioritize and Organize

    Decide what actually needs to be in the entryway. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, consider moving it elsewhere, even if it’s just down the hall from the front door. Look beyond the large furniture pieces. The smallest items can sometimes be the biggest culprits, taking away from the aesthetics of your entryway. Hats, mitts, scarves, magazines, newspapers, flyers, and anything else that is currently being collected in a heaping pile of stuff should be moved.  Install more hooks in the hallway. Additionally, place decorative baskets to hide the clutter.

    Add in a Multi-Purpose Storage Bench

    Multi-purpose furniture pieces are excellent, especially in smaller areas of the home. A storage bench is the perfect piece of furniture for entryways. It allows your guests to sit down to remove or put on their shoes, while you get the added benefit of hidden storage compartments. Storage benches also come in various shapes and styles. Some look like actual benches whereas others look like vintage trunks. Either way, they’re perfect for your entryway.

    Display Personality

    Don’t put everything away. Your entryway should still showcase the things that make your house a home. Hang photos on the wall and little mementos with sentimental value. The best decorating tip is to make your home perfect for you.

    Your entryway doesn’t have to resemble that of a schoolyard when the recess bell rings and all the kids are trying to squeeze through the door at once. Gone are the days of tripping over shoes. With a little TLC and these decorating ideas, your entryway can be just as practical as it is beautiful.

  • Properly Securing Your Pet in Your Vehicle When You Move

    Most of us do something every time we hop into our cars, without even thinking about. We buckle up. Wearing seatbelts significantly lowers the risk of severe injuries, while also reducing the chance of critical injuries by more than half. So, it just makes sense that when you hit the road on moving day, you will buckle up yourself and your children. However, you may be forgetting about the safety of another important member of your family . . . your pet.

    Dangers of Not “Buckling-Up” Your Pet

    More pets are traveling in vehicles than ever before. Unfortunately, more of them are harmed when they are not safely secured in a vehicle. When pets are not properly secured, they can get injured and so can other passengers. A “free range” pet can easily divert the driver’s attention and result in an accident. A sudden stop or high impact accident can cause your unrestrained pet to become a projectile – causing serious injury to himself and others. Sadly, occurrences of unsecured pets being thrown through windshields are not uncommon with serious accidents.

    An additional thing to consider is that if there is an accident, a frightened, unsecured pet may bolt out of the car into traffic when a rescue worker or other person opens the door. So, whether you are moving across the country, or just across town, it is necessary to properly secure your pet to keep him, you and the rest of your family safe.

    Ways to Secure Your Pet

    There are actually many pet vehicle safety devices to choose from. The one you select will depend on your pet. Things to consider include: type of pet, size/weight, temperament, his comfort level…and yours. Pet safety belts, pet car seats that have built-in seat belts, pet travel crates and kennels, and vehicle pet barriers are among the options available to secure your pet.

    It’s important for pet parents to choose the best restraint option that their pet will easily become accustomed to and comfortable with while on the road. Be sure to give your pet time to get used to their new “buckling up” device before venturing out on a long car ride.

    For instance, when choosing a travel crate, put the crate in your home with some of your pet’s favorite toys or a blanket inside to welcome him. Allow your pet to go in and out of the crate as he pleases. Then, once he seems at ease, place the crate in the vehicle and put your pet inside. Take it slow, with short car trips around town, and then gradually drive longer distances until your pet feels comfortable.

    If you choose another option like a pet safety belt, allow your pet to wear the harness while at home. He needs time to become comfortable with this new device before using it in your vehicle. Similar to the travel crate, start out with short trips and slowly increase your travel distance. Whichever safety restraint you choose, the back seat or cargo area is always the safest place for your pet. When it comes to moving day, and every other day, plan for your pet’s safety and well-being when traveling in the car. Buckle up and secure the WHOLE family.

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet-friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet-friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities. TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet-friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com.

  • Moving with Your Cat? Top Tips for Road Trips

    Unlike most dogs, cats typically aren’t fans of car rides.  Unfortunately, the majority of cats’ “car experience” is gained through visits to the vet.  So, it’s not surprising that they’re not happy car travelers.  Inevitably moving with your cat means a car ride – whether it’s long distance or short.  Planning and preparing your cat well before you move will help to ease his stress and who knows, he may even come to enjoy car rides!

    Here are our top tips for helping your cat become more comfortable when riding in the car.

    Acclimate Your Cat to Pet Travel Carrier
    When traveling by car with your cat, it’s best to have him travel in a pet carrier.  Be sure to choose the proper sized carrier.  It should be large enough so your cat can comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down. Allow your cat time to acclimate to his new carrier.  Start out by placing the carrier in your house with his favorite toys, bedding, and perhaps some treats or catnip.  Keep the carrier door open so your cat can meander in and out on his own terms.  Be patient and give him time to eventually become comfortable with his new carrier.  Make sure you are continuing this crate training while you simultaneously work on the rest of the tips.

    Make the Car Their Territory
    Cats are highly sensitive when it comes to their environment.  They are most comfortable in familiar surroundings and in their own territory.  Making the car part of their territory is key in your quest to making them happy travelers.  Grab a blanket that has your cat’s scent and place it on your car seat.  Get in your car with your cat, shut the door, and then let him explore.  Allow your cat to spread his scent around the car.  Start out doing this 2 – 3 times a day for just a couple of minutes.  Gradually increase the duration as your cat seems to feel more comfortable.

    Car = Good Things!
    After your cat starts feeling calmer in the car, it’s time for some positive reinforcement.  Begin feeding him in your parked car for a week or two.  For cats that are less food motivated, you might want to engage them in play or give them some catnip while in the car. The key is to get your cat to associate the car with good things.

    Introduce Pet Carrier into CarWith time, your cat will start to think of the car as his domain.  Once that happens, he’ll be ready for the next step — and that’s to introduce his carrier into your vehicle.  Have your cat get into his carrier, then secure it in the backseat or cargo area of your vehicle.  Avoid placing the carrier near airbags.  The next step is to start your car but don’t drive anywhere.  Keep it in park just so your cat can get accustomed to the sound and vibration of your car.  Practice this “exercise” a few times daily until your cat feels more comfortable.

    Start Off with Short Rides
    When your cat is more at ease with your car and the engine noise, you can then take it out of  “park”.  Start out slow and short (very short).  Go back and forth, down to the end of your driveway and back again.  Repeat this a few times, then bring your cat into the house, let him out of his carrier and reward him (treats, playtime, etc..).  Gauge your cat’s comfort level.  When he’s ready, gradually increase the length and duration of your car rides.  Be sure to do this very slowly and reward your cat after each step.  

    Stay Calm
    Do your best to not let the stress of the move or the process of  “car training” your cat get the best of you.  Your cat senses your energy.  So if you’re anxious and out of sorts, your cat is likely to be as well.

    Potty Time
    In planning your road trip to your new home, you’ll want to think about bathroom breaks for your cat.  Believe it or not, some pet parents use harnesses and leashes for their cats.  This allows them to actually “walk” their cats at rest stops so they can relieve themselves. Since most pet parents use the more traditional litter box, it is recommended to limit your day’s drive time to no more than 8 hours.  This will allow your cat to potty in their litter box set-up at your night’s destination.  You know your cat best, so you can gauge how long he can comfortably “hold it”.

    Ensuring that your cat is comfortable with car travel is a must when moving – particularly if it’s a long road trip.  Working with him so that he is acclimated to car travel will certainly take some time — so plan ahead, be patient and go slowly.  
    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com