it's really easier than you think. Keep anything live, wet of course, and warm with movement to the water (live rock, fish ,critters). Sand is another story. I usually just put the sand in a container and let it sit...I have had it sit for 24 hours or more with no heat or water movement, and no problems. Don't worry about keeping the water, there is no real benefit to keeping it, unless you are trying to save money on mixing new salt. Once you transport everything get it set up...I usually let it run a day to assure no ammonia spikes or mini-cycle. If it reads ok I put the fish and critters back in. Just my experience and I have done this more than a few times.