How To Make Living in Two States With a Doodle Easier and More Affordable

A second home can be a wonderful investment and owning a doodle has many benefits; however, combining the two things can be a challenge. These tips can help you manage your households more efficiently and save money.

1. Keep Your Freezer Full

Keeping your freezer stocked saves money in several ways. First, a full freezer operates more efficiently and requires less energy to keep your food frozen. Second, you can freeze most perishable foods, such as fruits and vegetables, before they go bad. The texture may change, but you can use frozen fruits and vegetables in smoothies or soups. Finally, keeping your freezer stocked allows you to stock up on-sale items and freeze them for later.

2. Find a Vet in Each State

Regular vet visits are important for your doodle’s health. When you are dividing time between two states, make sure you find a vet in both states. This way, you will have someplace to go if your dog becomes ill or gets injured. It is also a good idea to take your pet for a checkup every few months, whichever state you are living in. 

Doodles, like other pets, need flea and tick prevention so make sure you stock up at both homes. It is also a good idea to have a dog sitting option in case you need to spend some time away from home. Pet insurance can help you cover your pet's medical bills so that you can focus on keeping your doodle healthy without worrying about how you are going to pay for it. Whichever insurance you choose, review the coverage options, the reputation of the provider, and the premiums and deductibles before you purchase a policy.

3. Do the Laundry Before You Leave

If you are constantly packing up a load of dirty clothes that need to be washed when you get to your other house, it can be easy to fall behind on this chore. Instead, designate a day in the last week before you move houses to wash all the laundry. While the laundry is running, take some time to clean and organize the rest of the house. 

4. Stock Up on Pet Gear

It is easier to purchase some of your pet's gear for both houses instead of hauling it back and forth. Bulky items, such as crates, beds, cat trees, and litter boxes may be easier to purchase two versions of. When shopping for gear, look for product reviews before buying. Customer ratings can be useful, but veterinarian reviews are more reliable for indicating which products are safe and healthy for your doodle.

5. Prepare the House To Be Empty

Before you leave one home for the other, make sure the house you are leaving is ready to be left empty. Set the thermostat to an appropriate level. Make sure storm windows and doors are secure and tie down or put away outside furniture.

6. Research Costs in Your New Location

Whether you need pet care, insurance, or home maintenance services, it’s a good idea to learn about costs in your new location. For example:

• You can find a 10’ x 10’ self-storage unit in the greater San Antonio area for under $50 per month. 

• In Los Angeles, dog walkers typically charge between $20-$30 for a 30-minute walk. 

• A routine checkup for your pet will run you an average of $145 in Chicago.

• If you need plumbing work done, expect to pay an average of $458 in Portland.

Managing multiple households can be difficult, but the better prepared you are the easier it will be. These tips can help you keep your household running smoothly and your doodle puppy healthy and happy.

Check our content for more tips about dogs and their care, we have pulled together some of the most helpful resources for pet parents, from information on health and nutrition, advice on promoting great behavior, to tips on bringing up puppies. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram @stokeshiredesignerdoodles