Are you a reptile keeper moving house? While moving your snake or lizard can be a challenge, moving your terrarium can be even more stressful. If you're unsure how to keep your terrarium safe during transit, follow these 6 simple steps.

Empty and Clean the Terrarium

The first thing you need to do is empty the terrarium of all contents. Decorative items and bowls can knock against the inside of the terrarium while it's in transit, causing potentially irreparable damage. Likewise, bedding and foraging materials can damage the terrarium due to their moisture content, particularly if soiled. While you're moving, your terrarium will be taped up with no ventilation, so any wet aspen or soil could cause mould growth. Once you've emptied the vivarium, clean it, then wait until it's thoroughly dry before continuing.

Dismantle if Possible

While many terrariums can't be dismantled, some models have removable glass panels. If possible, it's a good idea to remove your terrarium's glass doors and pack them separately. You can wrap glass snugly in newspaper and bubble wrap to keep it from breaking during transit.

Tape On Furniture Blankets

Whether you can remove the glass or not, your next step is to wrap the terrarium in a cushioning material. Ideally, you should use furniture blankets, but regular blankets will work in a pinch. To keep the blankets in place, tape them tightly to the terrarium with packing tape.

Box it Up

Do you still have the original box your terrarium came in? If so, this is the best box to pack it in, as it's designed to keep terrariums safe during transit. A box of the same size is the next best thing, but be wary of using a box that's too large. If your terrarium can slide around in the box, it's more likely to get damaged while moving. If you do choose to use a box that's bigger than the terrarium, fill the void with more blankets or packing peanuts. Alternatively, you can tape sheets of cardboard around the terrarium to act as a makeshift box.

Don't Forget the Bulb

If you use a bulb to heat your terrarium, remember that you'll need to pack it carefully to avoid cracks or smashes. Bulbs can be packed in bubble wrap or bubble bags and taped securely with packing tape. If you can't pack them back into their original box, remember to pad the void in the box of your choice with peanuts or tissue paper.

Use a Reputable Furniture Removals Company

Once your terrarium is packed and ready for your move, the most important thing to do is contact a reputable furniture removals company to get it to your new house. As terrariums are fragile, it's crucial that you have an experienced, responsible removals team who will get it from A to B in one piece.