How to Move Your Houseplants and Fish Tanks
By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman
Professional movers do everything they can to help you move specialty items to Wichita Falls, from art work to delicate electronics. No matter the size, weight, or awkwardness to handle, your movers can most likely handle the work. Even so, there are some things that movers aren't legally able to move, and for good reason. Moving trucks are dimly lit, not temperature-controlled, as well as the interior of the truck might be unmonitored for days to more than a week through the moving process. This is why movers cannot handle anything living for you, including furniture-like alive items such as houseplants and aquariums.
But, because stuff can't be put into the moving truck doesn't mean we're not able to show you how to look after them. Specialty item moving is a tricky job and we are here to help you every step of the way. Even with items that has to be moved to Wichita Falls within your own vehicle.
Methods to Move Houseplants
Check the Regulations
Should you be moving to Wichita Falls across state lines, make sure all your plant species are allowed in. Some states have stringent laws about introducing new plant types.
Re-Pot in lightweight Plastic Pots
Big, weighty, and ceramic pots are not convenient for moving. They may be more difficult to lift and much more likely to break unintentionally in the middle of the move. Repot your houseplants in lightweight plastic pots whenever possible to ensure they are easier to move quickly and efficiently.
Pack the Soil with Damp Paper
To help keep the soil from dumping out, pack the very top of your pot with damp paper. This will keep the soil from becoming dry and from spilling in your car.
Put in Roomy Boxes with Air Holes
Your houseplants need proper protection along with a satisfactory growing atmosphere throughout the move. Think about tall boxes like wardrobe boxes for bigger plants. Ensure that you pack the pot firmly in the bottom to avoid slippage while leaving lots of space for the leaves and stems. You could possibly give consideration to cutting your plants down for the move to Wichita Falls to ensure that they are simpler to transport.
Traveling with Your Plants
Should you have not many plants, securing them in your backseat is an ideal option. Alternatively, think about a small trailer for a large bunch of plants. Ensure that you maintain the interior of the car a comfortable neutral temperature and you should not water them unless they become very dry. Look out for extraordinary temperatures. Should you stop on the way, bring the plants inside and open them up to get some light.
Consider Taking Cuttings Instead
If moving your plants might appear to be a whole lot of work nevertheless you still want them as part of your new home, consider taking small cuttings to restart with and gifting your current potted collection to friends or even selling them to get a little extra moving money.
Ways to Move an Aquarium
Pack in Their Water
As you may have learned, water within a aquarium is carefully balanced for healthy fish which means your fish would be best transported within their water. To make certain this water is properly balanced but also as clean as is feasible, replace about 20% of the tank water every day for 5 days ahead of the trip and stop feeding your fish for 1 day before the trip. This may reduce waste within the water making your fish more healthy on the move. Fish can survive for roughly a week without having food if well-fed ahead of the move to Wichita Falls.
For Few Fish, Transport in sturdy Plastic Bags
If you happen to simply have a small number of fish in a small fish tank, you can pack them in a single or two durable plastic bags. Make sure the bags are full of water from your fish tank. This is how fish come home from the pet store and it should be safe for the little swimming pets en route to a new house.
For A Lot Of Fish, Separate into Five Gallon Containers
Should you have a large bunch of fish within a big tank, pick up several 5-gallon containers along with lids that seal tightly. Fill the containers with fish tank water and space your fish amongst them, being sure not to crowd the fish a lot in any one carrier.
Moving Your Fish
Fish in bags can be packed inside Styrofoam in boxes. Fish in containers need to be properly secured inside your backseat where they are going to shake the least. Be mindful concerning transport temperature, particularly if traveling in the summertime or winter months. Take the fish inside together with you if you stop at places to stay en route.
Think about Using a Pet Store
Certain pet stores will in reality help you to transport and even board your fish. This can be the ideal choice when it will take you some time to get the fish tank set back up again in your new home.
Aquarium along with you or the Movers
Lastly, choose what you'd like to do with the fish tank. Fully emptied and carefully cleaned up, your movers can deal with it as a specialty item going into the moving truck itself to Wichita Falls. However, if you could possibly get to the new residence prior to the moving company, you ought to pack the aquarium within your trunk as an alternative.
Ready to begin organizing your move to Wichita Falls, including your plants and fish? Click here to find out how we can help!