When you move, there are heavy cardboard boxes full of books and dishes, and furniture pieces of all shapes and sizes. Beyond the usual suspects, however, are certain items that are especially difficult to move. They present specific challenges that require specialized knowledge, careful preparation, and maybe even the help of an expert moving professional. Which of your belongings are the most difficult to move to a new home? Hre are 6 examples.
Fish Tanks
Aquariums are large and heavy, and moving is stressful for fish. However, careful preparations will increase chances of your fish surviving the move and thriving in their new home.
Right before you leave your old house, empty most of the water out the fish tank, but leave a little in the bottom. This will keep the bacteria colony intact when you refill it. Transfer your fish into small containers or bags using your tank water and use these to transport them in your personal vehicle. Keep them as stable and secure as possible during their journey, to reduce stress and injury due to sloshing around and changing temperatures. Wrap the aquarium securely. Even mostly empty, fish tanks can be heavy, so get some help, or hire professional movers to carefully carry it outside and secure it in the moving truck.
When you arrive at your new home, set up the tank right away. Float the bags (or containers) in the newly filled aquariium to help your fish acclimate to the new water temperature before transferring them into the tank.
Pianos
Pianos are large, heavy and awkward to move. At the same time, they have many small, moving parts inside that are easily damaged. They are so cumbersome to move, in fact, that many people opt to leave them behind. However, if you want to keep your piano, have no fear! It can be done. Just be advised that tackling the job yourself is risky, even with plenty of strong helpers. Not only can you can damage your piano, which can be expensive to repair, but your doorways, hallways and staircases can also take a beating, not to mention your back. Hiring professional piano movers is the safest way to relocate your piano.
Artwork
Artwork is valuable, which means it is expensive and/or you have a sentimental attachment to it. Either way, original artwork is irreplaceable. While some artwork is framed, other pieces may be bulky, shaped unusually or very fragile. The key is to move the artwork carefully and avoid any damage. Framed artwork can be wrapped and secured before taping pieces of cardboard pieces all around for extra protection. Place it in a box with extra cushioning, like packing peanuts or bubble wrap, to keep it from moving around. If your artwork isn’t framed, wrap it generously, then place it in a reinforced box. Fill the box with additional cushioning and secure the top with tape. Be sure to label all of your boxed artwork so your movers or helpers know to take extra care when handling them. If you are nervous about packing and moving your artwork safely on your own, hire a professional team to do it for you. Many moving companies are even able to construct custom crates for items that are bulky, awkwardly shaped, or extremely valuable.
House Plants
While they seem simple to move, house plants can be tricky. These are living things, after all, that are housed in a large container of loose dirt. That can get very messy. In addition, the back of a moving truck is not climate controlled, so extreme temperatures are common. If they have to make long-distance trip to their new home, they may not make it alive. in those conditions.
Transfer your plants to a plastic pot a few weeks before moving day so they have time to settle. When the big day arrives, transport them in your own vehicle. This will allow you to control the environment and hopefully avoid damage. When you arrive, place them in a safe place as soon as possible, away from the hubbub of items being carried into your new home. Give your plants time to acclimate and recover from moving stress before attempting to re-pot them.
Firearms
While not very heavy or bulky, a gun collection can be tricky to move, especially when crossing state lines. Most states have specific laws on how and where guns must be stored during transport. Do your research or ask your moving coordinator well in advance of moving day to make sure you are prepared. And, of course, never move a loaded weapon.
Televisions
Modern flat screen TVs are much less sturdy than the older tube models. They can be quite large and heavy, and are easily damaged. However, there are options to keep them safe during a move. You can wrap iyour TV securely in a blanket after removing the cables, then secure the blanket (or other wrapping material) with tape. Alternatively, you can pack it in a box. Ideally you would use the box it came in or, if that is not an option, purchase a TV box from your local moving company. Make sure to wrap and pack it tightly so it doesn’t move around inside the box. Never put plasma or LCD TVs face down while packing, carrying or transporting, as that can cause damage.
Every item presents unique challenges when moving, but nothing is impossible to move. Do your research, have the right tools for the job, and get a qualified team there to help. If you have questions or need expert moving support, contact Bisson. Every move matters, and you can count on our 100 years of experience to get your valuable belongings home safely.
