How to Move Your Houseplants and Aquariums
By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman
Professional movers will do everything they are able to that will help you move specialty items to Denver, from fine art to fragile electronics. No matter the size, weight, or awkwardness to transport, your movers can probably handle the job. However, there are some things that movers will not be legally allowed to move, and for good rationale. Moving trucks are dark, not temperature-controlled, and also the interior of the truck can go unmonitored for many days to in excess of a week through the moving process. This is exactly why movers cannot deal with anything living for you, including furniture-like things that are alive including houseplants and fish tanks.
But, because stuff can't go into the moving van does not imply we won't assist you to look after them. Specialty item moving can be a tricky task and we're here to help you every step of the way. Even with stuff that has to be moved to Denver within your vehicle.
How to Move Houseplants
Check the Regulations
Should you be moving to Denver across state lines, make sure all your plant species are permitted in. Some states have strict laws about transporting in new plant types.
Re-Pot in lightweight Plastic Pots
Big, heavy, and ceramic pots aren't convenient for moving. They may be harder to lift and much more prone to break accidentally amidst the move. Repot your houseplants in light plastic pots if possible so they are far better to move quickly and successfully.
Pack the Soil with Damp Paper
To keep the soil from dumping out, pack the top of your pot with damp paper. This tends to prevent the soil from drying out and from spilling in your vehicle.
Place in Roomy Boxes with Air Holes
Your houseplants need proper protection and a acceptable growing environment during the move. Think about tall boxes like wardrobe boxes for bigger plants. Ensure that you pack the pot tightly at the base to avoid sliding while allowing lots of space for the leaves and stems. You might think about trimming your plants back for your move to Denver so they are easier to transport.
Going with Your Plants
If you have only a few plants, securing them within your backseat is the perfect option. Alternatively, look at a small trailer for a large bunch of plants. Ensure that you keep the inside of the car a comfortable neutral temperature and do not water them unless they get very dry. Watch out for extreme temperatures. In the event you stop along the route, bring the plants inside and open them up to have some light.
Consider Taking Cuttings Instead
If moving your plants might appear to be an enormous amount of work but you still desire them at your new home, consider taking small cuttings to restart with and gifting your existing potted collection to pals or perhaps selling them for a little extra moving funds.
Ways to Move an Aquarium
Pack in Their Water
As you already know, water within a tank for your fish is carefully balanced for healthy fish which means your fish would be better transported within their water. To make sure this water is correctly balanced and as clean as possible, replace about 20% of the tank water each day for five days prior to the trip and stop feeding your fish for a day prior to the trip. This may reduce waste in the water and make your fish healthier during the move. Fish can survive for roughly a week without food if well-fed prior to the move to Denver.
For Few Fish, Transport in sturdy Plastic Bags
If you happen to just have only a few fish in a small aquarium tank, it is possible to pack them in one or 2 tough plastic bags. Be sure the bags are full of water out of your fish tank. This is how fish come home from the pet shop also it should really be safe for the little swimming pets on the way to a new house.
For Many Fish, Separate into Five Gallon Containers
If you have a great bunch of fish in a large fish tank, buy several 5-gallon containers with lids which seal solidly. Fill the containers with tank water and space your fish between them, ensuring not to crowd the fish very much in any one reservoir.
Moving Your Fish
Fish in bags could be loaded in Styrofoam in containers. Fish in storage containers should be secured within your backseat where they'll vibrate the least. Be cautious with regards to transportation temperature, particularly if driving in the summertime or winter. Take your fish inside with you if you should stop at hotels along the route.
Take into consideration Using a Pet Store
Certain pet stores will actually help you to transport and even board your fish. This is basically the most suitable answer when it will take you some time to get their fish tank set back up once again within your new home.
Aquarium along with you or maybe the Movers
Last but not least, decide what you should do with the fish tank. Entirely emptied and carefully cleaned out, your movers can deal with it as a specialty item going into the truck itself to Denver. Having said that, in case you might get to your new home before the moving company, you may want to load up the fish tank in your trunk instead.
Ready to begin organizing your move to Denver, including your plants and fish? Click here to find out how we can help!