When moving home, it's not just your belongings, pets or children that you need to plan ahead for. The plants that you've lovingly nurtured in your current home are an important consideration too. Transporting your plants safely takes a bit of forethought and preparation, but the rewards are well worth it. Not only will having your plants help you feel more at home after the move, but they also offer benefits such as improving the air quality and reducing stress levels.
In this article, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of moving your precious plants safely - from preparing them for the journey to settling them into your new home.
Planning Ahead When Moving Home with Plants
Plants are sensitive to changes in temperature, light and humidity - it's important to consider the conditions in your new home. First, decide on which plants are best suited to your new living space. Then, begin preparing them at least a week before the move. Although moving plants always comes with risk, following these tips will maximise their chances of surviving transportation and thriving in their new space.
Preparing your plants before the move
Preparing your plants doesn't have to be an overwhelming process. There are a few simple steps to help prepare the plants you've decided to take with you.
Prune and tidy: Check the health of your plant and prune any overgrown or damaged leaves and stems, which has the added benefit of making them more compact for transport.
Pest control: Examine the plant for any pests such as aphids or whiteflies and treat the infestation with a suitable, non-toxic method such as neem oil to reduce stress on the plant.
Water wisely: Water the plants well a week before the journey, but don't waterlog the soil. Allowing the soil to dry out a bit before the move keeps the pot lighter but lets your plants stay well-hydrated.
Storage: Find an area in your house to keep your plants while you're packing up the rest of your belongings. This minimises the stress on your plants and also keeps them out of the way while you get on with your other preparations.
Preparing outdoor plants
Although you'll need to start getting ready sooner, it is possible to take your prized garden plants with you when you move. Follow the same guidelines for moving plants, but pay attention to the further steps you'll need to take. Doing this well in advance will avoid plant shock and help you gauge how they will fare during transportation.
Timing is important: Outdoor perennial plants are best moved between late autumn and early spring. Most plants are dormant then, which will make it easier for them to adjust to their new home. You can try to move your plants at any time, but they may not handle the move as well if they are in an active growing phase.
Preparing garden plants: Remove any weeds or debris from around the soil. Dig as far around the plant as possible to help the keep the root ball intact. It's best to use plastic pots to temporarily store your plants before the move and wrap the pot in insulation such as garden fleece or bubble wrap if it's cold.
Storing them Safely: Choose a place that is protected from the elements and out of direct sunlight to store the plants in ahead of your moving day.
Be organised: Label the plants with any special handling instructions. Make a note of where in the new garden you plan on settling them to make unpacking them later easier.
Packing and securing plants for moving day
Taking the time to protect the delicate stems and leaves will help them arrive at your new home in the best possible condition.
Consider the condition of your plant pots. Cracked or brittle pots may break during the move, even with meticulous handling. Transferring the plant to a plastic pot for the journey might be a better choice.
Remove plants from decorative pots and wrap these separately. You can label the plastic pot and the decorative one with colour coding or a number system to make it simpler to reunite them when unpacking.
Wrap taller plants gently in packing paper, burlap or gardening fleece and consider using sticks, canes or a wire cage for extra support and to protect more fragile plants when moving.
Choose sturdy boxes or a plant carrier to hold your smaller plants. If you plan on using cardboard boxes, line the base with plastic to prevent moisture from weakening the base of the box.
Fill empty spaces between small plants in a box with paper or rags to stop them from shifting in transit. You can also wrap a strip of cardboard around the entire plant and pot as a simple way of using what you already have on hand.
Choosing the right transportation method for your plants
Deciding whether to transport your plants in your personal vehicle or in a moving van will depend on the number and size of your plants, as well as the distance of the move.
If you only have a few small boxes of plants and have the space to, it may be best to take them with you in your own vehicle.
For tall plants, larger collections or longer-distance moves, a moving van may be the better choice. Movers are experienced in handling fragile items, and a van can provide more space and protection for your plants. However, be sure to communicate your plant needs to the moving company so that they can be packed safely and securely with your furniture and other belongings.
Unpacking and settling your plants into their new home
Once you've arrived at your new home, it's time to unpack and get your plants acclimatised to their new environment.
Unpack Carefully: Plants should be unpacked soon after arriving so that they get air and light. Gently remove your plants from their protective wrappings, being mindful of any fragile or top-heavy specimens. Avoid tipping or shaking the pots, as this can disturb the roots and spill soil.
Assess Light and Temperature: Keep moving the plants to a minimum for the first few days. If you can, leave them out of direct sunlight while they get used to the conditions in their new home.
Water and Fertilise: After the move, water your plants thoroughly, and consider applying a gentle fertiliser to help them recover from the stress of the transition.
Monitor and Adjust: Keep a close eye on your plants in the weeks following the move, especially after you've placed them in their new locations to make sure they are handling the transition well. If the air is quite dry, give them a misting to keep them hydrated.
Outdoor Plants: Put plants in a covered area outside, or even directly into the soil if possible. As with houseplants, water well and give them some fertiliser.
With careful planning, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Your greenery will continue to thrive in their new environment and will also continue to enhance your living space and contribute to your overall well-being.