Any move can be tricky, but moving plants and other living things requires extra care. While you may a green thumb when it comes to your house plant collection moving can easily disrupt their health.
We know we can’t always be there to help you move so we pay it forward by providing helpful tips to the community.
How Hard is Moving Plants?
Repot Ahead of Time
Your houseplants may be in valuable, fragile, or meaningful pots. Repotting them in plastic containers before your move can be a life saver. This will give your plants time to adjust to the new pot and you the ability to pack their normal pots safely.
Research Growing Conditions
Moving plants varies by difficulty depending on the species. Some plants are more resistant to temperature and light changes. Knowing how flexible and hardy your plants are will allow you to plan the right environments during your move. If you are planning on planting outdoors it can also be great research to see what ones are suited to the climate at your new location.
Pack Them Correctly
When you are packing your plants into boxes make sure to take a few steps. First you can use plastic bags to contain the soil. Next to help with airflow we recommend poking holes in the bottom of your box. Finally make sure to correctly label the boxes as “fragile”, “this side up”, and “live plant.”
Avoid too Much Exposure to Direct Light
Too much light can burn and damage the plants beyond recovery. With enough fluctuation or extreme heat they may not bounce back. If you are moving in the heat make sure to take breaks in shaded parking areas.
Know Moving Your Options
For those of you who are moving by car it may be easiest and safest to just bring them in your vehicle. If you are flying or traveling other ways it is possible to ship them to your destination. You can ship plants using most of the main shipping carriers nationally by following their guidelines.
Keep a Comfortable Temperature
Note that moving plants in any extreme weather requires a little extra attention. It is important to keep them in a stable temperature and avoid freezing or burning. To get the best results try to keep them in a temperature similar to that of your home.
Avoid Watering
In addition to these other steps you may think that you have to water your plants as normal during a move. This however is something you want to avoid unless absolutely required cause of dryness. Watering your plants while they’re packed can lead to the water sitting and causing root rot. Also the standing water sitting for too long can cause muddy water to spill from the vehicle’s movement. Additionally it can help to trim any dry or dead leaves off your plant before relocating.
Load Plants Close to Your Move Date
As you know plants require consistent care. It’s important to check on them and take them with you when lodging for moves exceeding two days. Opening any boxes where they are packed to get fresh air and some temporary light never hurts and will keep them normalized.
Check State Guidelines Before Moving Plants
Some states regulate which plants can cross their lines. The USDA regulates some specific plants such as citrus trees. To learn more about regulation and find out about your state check here.
Unpack and Repot Plants on Arrival
Getting your plants set in their new home can be important to keeping them healthy. Plants become disoriented and can become uprooted during a move. To prevent any further stress or damage that can cause rotting or decay we recommend getting them to normal as soon as possible.
We hope you found this guide informative and helpful. If you need help packing Caseys Movers LLC is on your side, and we got your plants back too. You can view all of our services here.