When it comes to moving with plants, it’s important to take extra care to ensure they survive the journey and thrive in their new surroundings. Whether you’re moving across town in Austin, heading to the mountains of Denver, or embarking on a cross-country move from Seattle, proper planning and care are essential. In this guide, we’ll provide practical tips on how to safely move your plants as you transition to your new home.
Prepare Your Plants Before Moving
Before you start the moving process, it’s crucial to get your plants ready for the change. Regardless of how long they’ll be without sunlight or in transit, it’s important to clean them up and give them special attention before the move.
Home Of The Brave Moving Company recommends reducing watering about a week before the move to help the soil dry out for easier transport. Make sure to check for pests and water your plants a day or two before the move. Avoid overwatering to prevent soggy pots.
“Give your plants some TLC before the move,” advises Sonya Cauley of All Ways Moving. Trim any dead leaves and prune your plants to reduce stress during transit, according to David D. Cohen of Divine Moving And Storage.
Pack Your Plants Carefully
Transporting house plants can be challenging due to their fragile containers and loose soil. Briar Baughman of Off Load Moving suggests wrapping smaller pots in bubble wrap and larger plants in moving blankets. Use sturdy, lightweight containers and cushion the plants with paper to protect them during transport.
Choose sturdy boxes, label them clearly, and move the plants onto the truck last so they are the first items out at the destination, advises Quinn of Vermont Moving & Storage, Inc.. Avoid placing plants in closed moving trucks and keep them in the climate-controlled cabin, suggests Anthony Koomson of Sebastian Moving.
Ensure Safe Travel for Your Plants
The key to safely moving your plants is to keep them secure and protected during the journey from your old home to your new one.
Crazy Plant Bae recommends positioning plants in a stable space, preferably in a car rather than a moving truck. Park in the shade, crack the windows for short stops, and bring the plants out for longer stops to protect them from extreme conditions.
“Make sure plants are the last items loaded and the first to be unloaded,” advises Sarah Goldsmith of Rooted Gardens. Be cautious with delicate leaves and protect plants during transit to prevent damage.
Alizy Nawaz of Garden Chains suggests placing plants where shocks are less likely to occur during long trips and using climate control in extreme weather conditions.
Avoid Shocking Your Plants
When moving plants to a new environment, it’s important to allow them time to acclimate to their surroundings to prevent shock.
“Give your plants a few days in bright, indirect light to acclimate slowly,” advises Sebastian Waite of Set Apart Farm & Gardens. Watch for signs of stress and adjust their placement accordingly.
“Refresh the air in your new space before bringing plants inside,” recommends Fredericka Decuir, relocation manager at 2 Brothers Services Inc.. Good air quality is essential for plant health.
Continue to Care for Your Plants
Moving plants can cause them to shed a few leaves as they adjust to their new environment. Give them time to settle in and recover.
Caroline Maurer of Figment Cottage Gardens suggests using sharp shears to trim damaged parts and propagate new plants if necessary.
Some Moving Companies Don’t Transport Plants
Certain regulations prevent some moving companies from transporting live plants due to the risk of spreading pests and diseases. It’s important to be aware of these restrictions before planning your move.
“House plants are fragile and take up valuable space, so they are usually the last items to be loaded and unloaded,” notes Justin Revland, marketing manager at Hornet Moving. Some companies, like Charming Movers, do not transport live plants due to regulations and potential risks.
When it comes to moving with houseplants, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the journey to your new home. By following these tips and being mindful of regulations, you can successfully move your plants and help them thrive in their new environment.