How to Move Your Houseplants and Aquariums
By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman
Professional movers are going to do everything they can that will help you move specialty items to Dallas, from paintings to sensitive electronics. No matter what the size, weight, or awkwardness to carry, your movers can most likely handle the task. But, there are certain things that movers aren't legally permitted to move, and for good purpose. Moving trucks are dim, not temperature-controlled, and the inside of the truck may go unmonitored for several days to in excess of a week through the moving process. For this reason movers cannot manage anything living for you, including furniture-like alive items such as houseplants and aquariums.
Having said that, because things can't be put into the moving van doesn't mean we can't assist you to look after them. Specialty item moving is a tricky job and we're here to be of assistance all the way. Even with items that will need to be moved to Dallas within your vehicle.
Ways to Move Houseplants
Verify the Regulations
If you are moving to Dallas across state lines, make sure your entire plant species are permitted in. Some states have rigorous laws about bringing in new plant types.
Re-Pot in Light Plastic Pots
Big, heavy, and ceramic pots aren't convenient for moving. They are more challenging to lift and more apt to break mistakenly amidst the move. Repot your houseplants in light and portable plastic pots if possible so they are easier to move quickly and successfully.
Pack the Soil with Damp Paper
To help keep the soil from spilling, pack the very top of your pot with damp paper. This tends to stop the soil from drying out and from spilling in your car or truck.
Place in Roomy Boxes with Air Holes
Your houseplants need protection and a passable growing atmosphere during the move. Take into consideration tall boxes like wardrobe boxes for larger plants. Be sure to pack the pot firmly at the base to prevent slippage while giving plenty of room for the leaves and stems. You may give consideration to cutting your plants down for your move to Dallas so they are easier to transport.
Going with Your Plants
Should you have not many plants, securing them into your backseat is an ideal option. Alternatively, consider a small trailer for a large bunch of plants. Make sure to keep the interior of the car a comfortable neutral temperature and don't water them except if they get very dry. Watch out for extreme temperatures. If you stop on the way, bring the plants inside and open them up to have some light.
Consider Taking Cuttings Instead
If moving your plants may seem like an enormous amount of work nevertheless you still desire them in your new home, consider taking small cuttings to restart with and gifting your current potted collection to pals or even selling them for a little extra moving funds.
How to Move an Aquarium
Pack in Their Water
As you already know, water within a aquarium is carefully balanced for healthy fish which means your fish would be better transported in their water. To ensure this water is correctly balanced and as clean as possible, replace about 20% from the tank water every day for 5 days ahead of the trip and stop feeding your fish for a day before the trip. This may reduce waste in the water and make your fish healthier during the move. Fish can survive for roughly a week devoid of food if well-fed prior to the move to Dallas.
For Few Fish, Transport in sturdy Plastic Bags
If you should only have a small number of fish in a tiny aquarium tank, you can pack them in a single or 2 tough plastic bags. Make sure the bags are filled up with water from your tank. This is how fish come home from the pet store also it ought to be safe for your little swimming pets en route to your new home.
For Numerous Fish, Separate into Five Gallon Containers
If you have a great bunch of fish within a large fish tank, purchase several 5-gallon containers together with lids which seal tightly. Fill the containers with aquarium water and space out your fish between them, being sure never to crowd the fish too much in any one reservoir.
Transporting Your Fish
Fish in bags could be packed inside Styrofoam in boxes. Fish in storage containers must be secured in your backseat where they will vibrate minimally. Be cautious about transport temperature, particularly if traveling in the summertime or winter. Take your fish inside together with you if you stop at places to stay along the route.
Think about Using a Pet Shop
Certain pet stores will actually help you to transport and in some cases board your fish. This can be the optimal choice if it will take you some hours to get the aquarium set back up again within your new house.
Aquarium with You or the Movers
Lastly, decide what you should do with the fish tank. Completely emptied and adequately cleaned, your movers can certainly manage it as a specialty item moving in the moving van itself to Dallas. But, in the event you might get to the new house ahead of the moving company, you might want to load up the fish tank inside your trunk instead.
Ready to begin planning your move to Dallas, including your plants and fish? Click here to find out how we can help!