Multi-state living has various perks. Maybe you love California’s beaches, for example—but prefer to live in a state with lower tax rates. Or maybe you run a business that only works in a specific location. For example, if you want to run a ski resort, you’ve got to be somewhere where it snows. However, that doesn’t mean you have to live there full-time. Whatever your motivation for multi-state living, you want to make it as comfortable as possible for yourself and your entire family, including your pets. Here, Catastic shares how to make it happen.
You can save money with multi-state living—if you’re smart about it. For example, the costs of basic goods like food can vary between states. Things like auto, health, and even pet insurance can also differ. When selecting pet insurance, compare locations to find the best deal. For example, when looking for pet insurance in California, you can research options online, looking at points like coverage, provider reputations, and costs. For more general cost-of-living comparisons, try a tool like Numbeo.
Take the time to make both of your homes cozy, ensuring they have all the essential goods you and your pet need. You can create a more comfortable atmosphere with personal touches like throw pillows and blankets. Make sure your pet is cozy too. Stock each location with plenty of food and must-have items, like bedding, food and water dishes, and toys. If you have a yard, make sure it’s pet-friendly. For example, you can keep your dog safe by adding a fence to your garden, ensuring they don’t run into the road.
You can also add some novelty cat-themed accessories and cat products to your home to make it feel like home. Check out Catastic’s great selection of home goods and apparel.
Keep a list of basic goods and service providers handy for both of your locations. For example, you want to have a doctor you can rely on in either place. Similarly, make sure you have a veterinarian for your pet in every state. You can look up certified professionals via the American Veterinary Medical Association. Regular checkups can help detect early signs of disease and are an opportunity for preventative measures, like flea and tick deterrents. It’s also helpful to have a pet sitter in each place.
Switching back and forth between locations can be tiring and stressful for both you and your pet. Proactively take steps to reduce stress. For example, you don’t want to bring work-related worries home with you, as this can rub off on animals. If you can, try to work from home a couple of days per week, which can be less strenuous for you. This also gives you the chance to provide your pet with some extra attention and care, helping them acclimate to their new surroundings.
Staying on top of everything when you’re switching between states isn’t always easy. Invest in some tech to simplify matters. For example, you can use a free scanning tool to quickly scan a document so you have access to them wherever you are. Storing them on the cloud means you can access your files from any device or location, but be sure to encrypt important documents to keep them private.
If you have multiple computers, you can rely on a password manager to help track all your login credentials. Finally, use a digital calendar tool to organize all your deadlines and appointments. Again, the benefit of a digital tool is that you can access it from anywhere.
Multi-state living lets you tap into the benefits of two different locations and even save money in the process. However, it requires careful organization to make it work—especially if you have a pet to consider. By taking steps like creating cozy spaces for your furry friend in both homes and proactively reducing their stress, you can ensure you’re both thriving.
