Moving Pets and Plants (Continued)
<< PREVIOUS PAGE1. Preparing your pet for the move
Animal transport services
If you want to assure safe transportation of your pet, you should consider hiring an animal transport service. The expense may be justified by the peace of mind that your pet will be with people who make their living transporting animals. They are professional, and they care about animals, and it will take away some of the stress of moving.
Reputable pet transporters can organize every aspect of moving your pet from beginning to end. Pet transporters can help you with many issues, such as:
Sensible advice on preparing your pet for the trip
Specific details about requirements or restrictions on pet ownership in your new locality
Collecting your pet at the airport
Boarding your pet until you arrive
Delivery of your pet to your new home.
Don't forget to confirm rules and regulations with your pet transporter so that you can purchase any pet products that may be needed. Remember to advise your pet transporter of any specific requirements for your pet.
Whether you use a service or arrange airfreight for your pet on your own, make sure you reserve well in advance and follow the instructions carefully.
Moving your house plants
When moving your house plants keep in mind the following tips:
Pruning: You should prune your house plants two or three weeks before you move. This way you ensure leaves are not damaged during transportation and also promote new growth to the plant. Note it is not advisable to prune cacti or succulents. Consult a plant book or a florist for instructions.
Pest Treatment: A week before you move you should treat your plant for pests. Place your plant in a black plastic bag. In the same bag place a bug/pest strip, conventional flea collar or bug powder. Then close the bag and place in a cool area overnight. This will kill any pests on the plant or in the soil.
Cuttings: If you have to leave your plants behind, you can take cuttings. Put them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them.
Packing: When you prepare your plants for move place them in cardboard boxes and clearly label "DO NOT LOAD" so they won't mistakenly be taken on the moving van. Cushion the leaves with wet paper towel and place a final layer of wet paper towel on top to keep them moist. Before loading into your car close the boxes and punch air holes in the top.
Driving: When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch. Pay attention where you park your car. Look for a shaded area in the summer and a sunny spot in the winter.
Unpacking: The plants should be unpacked as soon as possible after arrival. To avoid breaking the stems, remove plants through the bottom of the box. Initially, do not expose the plants to large amounts of light. Allow them to gradually become accustomed to more illumination.
Insulation: You can protect your plants from temperature fluctuations during transport by insulating each plant. Wrapping layers of dry newspaper around the root ball or around the plastic pots and the plant stem is useful in insulating each plant. The colder the temperature, the more insulation will be needed.
Watering: Water your plants the evening before the day the plants are to be transported. Remember, if you are moving during the winter months water in the root system may freeze during transport. During warm weather, plants with an abundance of water in the root systems may develop fungus.
State Regulations: If you plan to move your house plants call your local U.S. Department of Agriculture to check on regulations if moving from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain kinds of plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops in that state.
Moving Companies: Most moving companies will not take your plants in the moving van, as there is little chance they will survive. There are no temperature controls in a moving van, and temperature changes may be extreme. In addition, the plants will not be watered, or receive any sunlight, from the time they leave until the time they arrive. Should a mover allow your plants to be loaded with the rest of your belongings - it will be at your own risk.
Moving your garden plants
When moving garden plants make sure that your plants will be able to survive their new surroundings. Research the climate and soils of your new home.
Seeds: Seeds can be transported safely if stored in an airtight container.
Bulbs: Bulbs should be dug up and transported during their natural dormant season. They should be packed in a mixture of vermiculite and loose, dry peat moss.
Garden Tools: When moving your garden tools and equipment clean and disinfect rakes, hoes and sprinklers. Household bleach can be used to disinfect a variety of items. The blades of lawn mowers, clippers, and shears should be sharpened and then a coating of household or motor oil should be applied to protect parts.
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