By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman
Professional movers do everything they are able to that will help you move specialty items to Austin, from paintings to sensitive electronics. No matter what the size, weight, or awkwardness to transport, your movers can most likely handle the job. Nevertheless, there are some things that movers will not be legally permitted to move, and for good purpose. Moving trucks are dark, not temperature-controlled, as well as the inside of the truck may go unmonitored for many days to more than a week during the moving process. This is why movers cannot handle anything living for you, including furniture-like things that are alive like your houseplants and aquariums.
Having said that, because stuff can't be put into the truck does not mean we cannot help you take care of them. Specialty item moving is a tricky project and we are here to work with you all the way. Even with items that has to be moved to Austin in your own vehicle.
Verify the Regulations
If you're moving to Austin across state lines, be sure all of your plant species are allowed in. Some states have strict laws about transporting in new plant types.
Re-Pot in lightweight Plastic Pots
Big, heavy, and ceramic pots will not be convenient for moving. They're more difficult to lift and a lot more prone to break by mistake during the move. Repot your houseplants in lightweight plastic pots if possible so they are easier to move rapidly and adequately.
Pack the Soil with Damp Paper
To prevent the soil from spilling, pack the very top of your pot with damp paper. This will stop the soil from drying out and from spilling all over your car.
Place in Roomy Boxes with Air Holes
Your houseplants need protection and a passable growing ambiance during the move. Take into consideration tall boxes like wardrobe boxes for larger plants. Ensure that you pack the pot securely at the base to prevent slipping while allowing room enough for the leaves and stems. You could possibly consider cutting your plants down for your move to Austin to ensure that they are simpler to transport.
Going with Your Plants
If you have not many plants, securing them within your backseat is an ideal option. Otherwise, consider a small trailer for your large bunch of plants. Make sure to keep your interior of the car a comfortable neutral temperature and do not water them unless they become very dry. Be cautious about extraordinary temperatures. If you stop along the way, bring the plants inside and open them up to receive some light.
Consider Taking Cuttings Instead
If moving your plants seems like an enormous amount of work but you still want them at your new residence, think about taking small cuttings to restart with and gifting your current potted collection to buddies or perhaps selling them to get a little extra moving funds.
Pack in Their Own Water
As you know already, the water in a fish tank is properly balanced for healthy fish which means your fish are best transported within their water. To ensure this water is correctly balanced and as clean as is feasible, replace about 20% of the tank water each day for 5 days prior to the trip and stop feeding your fish for a day prior to the trip. This should reduce waste in the water and make your fish more healthy during the move. Fish can survive for approximately one week without having food if well-fed prior to the move to Austin.
For Few Fish, Transport in sturdy Plastic Bags
If you should just have a small amount of fish in a tiny aquarium, you can pack them in a single or 2 strong plastic bags. Make sure the bags are filled with water from the aquarium. This is how fish get home from the pet store also it should be safe for your little swimming pets on the way to another home.
For Many Fish, Separate into 5 Gallon Containers
Should you have a large collection of fish within a sizeable aquarium, buy several 5-gallon containers with lids that secure firmly. Fill the containers with tank water and space your fish amongst them, ensuring to not crowd the fish very much in any one container.
Moving Your Fish
Fish in bags could be packed in Styrofoam in containers. Fish inside storage containers should be secured in your backseat where they will move minimally. Be cautious concerning transportation temperature, especially if traveling in the summer or winter. Take the fish inside together with you if you should stop at hotels en route.
Think about Using a Pet Shop
Certain pet stores will in reality help you to move and in some cases board your fish. This can be the most suitable solution if it will take you some time to get the aquarium tank set back up once again within your new home.
Aquarium with You or maybe the Movers
Lastly, choose what you should do with the fish tank. Fully emptied and thoroughly cleaned up, your movers may manage it as a specialty item going into the moving van itself to Austin. Having said that, in case you might get to the new house ahead of the moving company, you might want to load up the fish tank within your trunk as an alternative.
Ready to begin organizing your move to Austin, including your plants and fish? Click here to find out how we can assist!
