It’s not as easy as a packing box when you move using plants. Care must be taken to ensure that it arrives safely and thrives in a new environment. Whether you’re relocating across the town of Austin, heading towards Denver’s mountains, or in cross-country movements from Seattle, learning how to properly move plants requires planning and care. This guide will cover practical tips on how to safely move plants when you move to a new home.
Pruning plants in advance
Before you begin the migration process, you will want to prepare the plants for changes. No matter how long they leave the sun or travel in a moving van, they need to be cleaned and special attention is required before moving.
The Brave Moving Company’s home base states that “reduce watering to dry out the soil and facilitate transport around a week prior to travel.” Simon Cooper, managing director of SC Gardening, adds, “We will check for pests and water them a day or two in advance.” Joshua Stach of Chesapeake Moving Moving said, “This will create a heavy pot that is flooded and so make sure you don’t cover them.”
“Give the plants a little TLC before moving,” advises Sonya Cauley in every way. “Set up the dead leaves and be ready for a fresh, new home.” David D. Cohen of God’s Movement and Storage also advises “Pruning plants in advance to reduce stress and breakage during transportation.”
Carefully pack the plants before moving
Transporting plants in your home can be a difficult part of any movement, as they have the fragile containers they grow and loose soil that can run out if not properly secured.
Briar Baughman, president of Off Load Moving, starts by “separating the plants by size and wrapping a small pot in a blanket with foam wrap and medium to intense plants.” Anthony Koomson of Sebastian Moving said, “We recommend using heavy-duty, lightweight containers to prevent damage and protect the leaves and pans during transportation. Instead, don’t put them in a closed moving truck.
“Pick a sturdy box and clean up the plants with paper or soft materials to protect the stems and leaves.” Vermont Moving & Storage, Inc. Quinn says. “Be aware that you’ll be clearly labelled with the boxes and unpacking them first,” says Austin Moschler of VA Moving. Finally, move to the truck at the end so that it becomes the first item at your destination.
Keep it safe while traveling
The most important aspect to focus on when understanding how to safely move plants is to protect and keep your plants safe during your trip from your old home to your new home.
Crazy Plant Bay advises that “plants should be placed in space where they won’t fall and/or that doesn’t change anything while riding. Ideally, stuff them in a car rather than a moving truck. Treat plants like puppies. Quickly stop windows, stop windows for a long time, and bring out plants.
“Make sure they’re the last thing they’re going to the truck and come out first,” says Sarah Goldsmith of the rooted garden. “Beware of delicate leaves. Push the vinning plants into the pot and protect the upright plants with newspapers around the newspaper.”
Garden chain Arisie Nawaz said, “If you have a long trip, place the plant in the back of the vehicle or in a place where it is unlikely to cause shock.
Do not shock the plants
“Your new home may have different air quality, light levels and humidity than your previous space,” says Maddie, the charming mover. When you move to a new home, take the time to make sure your plants adapt to the new environment.
Lovely plants Joe and Jacob said, “Once in your new home, keep in mind that you place the plants near vents and draft areas, as both hot and cold drafts can harm them. Furthermore, placing the plants near the bright south or west windows can lead to leaf burns. “Give them in bright, indirect light for a few days to slowly adjust and recover from movement. Then relax into your normal routine, looking at signs of stress like leaf falls and bookmarks.”
“One of the most overlooked aspects of moving in a house plant is the air that breathes upon arrival. Frederikka Deuyer, relocation manager at Two-Sibro Service Inc. points out. Plants respond to air quality as people do. Our air purification services help to eliminate prolonged toxins from previous tenants and renovations, creating a healthy environment for both plants and people from day one.”
I’ll continue to nurture them
Moving plants from one environment to another can surprise them, regardless of how much effort and attention they are taking to care for them. Don’t worry – this is a common side effect.
“It’s very common for certain species to drain some leaves during this process,” says Ryan of Canopy Plant Co. “Don’t worry. Take a little time and your plants will settle into your new home.”
To avoid permanently damaging your plants, Caroline Maurer, CFO (Chief Floral Officer) reduces sharp shear and reduces healthy growth if the plant is damaged during movement.
Some moving companies do not move plants.
In many states in the US, the USDA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulate the commercial transport of certain plants across state lines to prevent the spread of invasive species and plant diseases. These regulations vary from state to state, but are often enforced through the state’s agricultural sector and federal guidelines.
“Usually, a houseplant is part of the last few items that are loaded, as it is fragile, can not pack your luggage, and can take up valuable space on the truck.” Justin Revland, Marketing Manager at Hornet Moving Notes. “And this also means less stress on the organisms because it takes less time outside of a normal growing environment. Unfortunately, it is not possible to transport plants for some of these reasons.
With the charming movers, we love green. But we don’t move our live house plants for our clients due to dot regulations and potential pest migration risks,” says Maddie, the attractive mover.
