There is a lot of misconceptions when it comes to moving houseplants. So much so that even some professional movers are not sure how to prepare them for relocation and how to ensure their safety. Well, to combat this and help our photosynthesizing friends move, we are going to go over the proper procedure for houseplant transportation. That way you will be able to safely move your houseplants any day of the week.
Preparing plants for relocation
In order to safely move your houseplants, you will first need to prepare them for relocation. Now, some of you might think that this simply means putting them in a box and loading them up in a moving truck. But, the proper way to prepare them is far from so. What you need to remember throughout your relocation is that plants are living things. They need sun, air, and water in order to survive your relocation. And, if you don’t ensure that they have plenty of it before moving, your plants are going wither away.
In order to safely move your houseplants, you need to keep them in their natural conditions for as long as possible.
Taking care of plants
Ok, so let’s say that moving is weeks, if not months, ahead of you. Is there a way to start preparing your plants for relocation? Well, as it turns out, there is something that you need to keep doing until moving day comes. And that is to keep your plants healthy. Especially if you are dealing with interstate moving. First, we suggest that you study up your plants online and see what their requirements are. If they have any illnesses or issues, try to deal with them before moving. Most plants are quite fragile, so there is always a chance that they will not survive the relocation. And, if you do not ensure that they are healthy and throwing before moving, their death is guaranteed.
Getting packing supplies
If you are only moving a single plant, you can consider simply carrying it with you throughout your relocation. But, if you have multiple plants or your plant is too big, you will need to use a moving truck. And to do so safely, you will need to pack your plants. Around two weeks before moving is a great time to start dealing with packing supplies. Now, if you are moving items besides plants, you should start doing so a month in advance. But, if you are only moving your plants, two weeks is plenty of time.
Houseplants, fruits, vegetables… All of them require sturdier packing then everyday cardboard.
When it comes to safely move your houseplants, you need to avoid using cheap packing supplies. Remember that your container needs to protect your plant from both bad weather and physical harm. Therefore, a worn-out, used box simply won’t do. Now, you can go for high-quality, sturdy boxes. But, our advice is to use plastic bins. They are your best bet to simplify the moving process as much as you can as they are sturdier and safer to handle than any cardboard box could ever be. Plus, if you rent them, they will end up costing you less then cardboard. Not to mention that it is an eco-friendlier solution.
Packing
Packing is pretty straightforward when it comes to houseplants. In essence, there are two things you have to ensure. First is that the plant doesn’t move around in the container. This means padding up the plant pot so that it doesn’t move around. Know that even small vibrations of the moving truck can easily cause damage to a ceramic pot if it is not padded properly. So, make sure to use good padding supplies and to use enough of it. Second is that the plant fits comfortably inside the container. By this, we mean that no branch of the plant should be crumbled up in order to fit inside the container. If you need to push in a leaf or two, no problem. But, avoid pushing branches as they can break after prolonged transport.
Finding movers to safely move your houseplants
An important aspect of how to safely move your houseplants is to have capable movers helping you out. By finding the right movers, you will ensure that your plants are transported safely and that all the moving mishaps are avoided. So, how do you go about finding them? Simple. Go online and look for local movers that can help you out. Ideally, you want to find movers that have experience with moving plants. If you have a lot of difficult plants to move, you can consider hiring professionals who solely relocate plants. These companies usually work with florists, so it can be a good idea to ask around there. Just keep in mind that even when moving plants, you want to do whatever possible to avoid moving scams. Check online reviews and ensure that the company you end up hiring is legit.
Talk with your local florist before you move plants.
Can you move plants by yourself
Now, some of you might wonder whether it is possible to move plants on your own. Well, just like moving other specialty items, theoretically – yes. If you have the necessary equipment, and you know how to use it, you can safely move your houseplants. But, in most cases, it is simply not so. Most people either need to move multiple plants or they need to move other items along with their plants. Neither of these situations can be properly dealt with by an amateur. So, unless you are absolutely sure that you can move your plants, hire professionals to help you out.
Final tip
Remember to take care of your plants throughout the relocation. They are living things, and they can easily get dry or cold. So, in order to ensure their safety, you need to regularly check up on them and make sure that they are ok. If you are dealing with a particularly long relocation, try to put them in the sunlight whenever possible. The more natural resources you can give them, the better the odds are that they will make it out ok.
Good to know, thanks for sharing!