Moving & Packing Plants
Just like any other items in your household, it is to be noted that your plants, both indoor an outdoor plants in pots or planters require extra care when moving from one place to another. Like as you move all your items to your new home, you also need to transport plants to your new home and for that you will definitely need to plan well in advance of the move. You should have knowledge of the special precautions you must take when moving your household plants as they are delicate and easily affected by outside circumstances like climate, temperature, sunlight, humidity etc. As a rule,
movers and packing companies also undertake the task of moving and packing your plants together with other items, but prior to the move, you as the owner of these plants should follow certain tips.
Getting your plants ready: Preparing the move
Begin preparing your plants a few weeks before the move.
2-3 weeks before moving day
- It is recommended that you remove the plants from their ceramic or clay pots, which can easily break, and put them into plastic pots or containers. In the meantime you can pack the clay pots separately. Care must be taken to use the same sized pots while replanting them as changing pot sizes can be detrimental to some plants.
- Prune larger plants for better packing. Make them compact, bushy plants that are more attractive. Pruning can be done by simply pinching back newer growth with your thumb and forefinger. Cactus and jade plants and ferns do not respond well to pruning.
1 week before moving day
You should also check the plants for insects or any damage and take the appropriate action to treat them. Uses insecticides with extreme caution.
2 days before the move: Water your plants
It is always advisable to water your plants normally 2 days before the move. Watering them just before packing them up, could potentially spill and make the rest of your items wet. At the same time, the plants will be heavier to lift, which can also increase the weight of your shipment and the costs of your move. If you are moving in winter months, do not over-water them as it may cause the plants to freeze.
On the Day of the Move or 1 day Before the Move: Pack Your Plants
- Pack your plants on the day that you move or in the previous night. Collect all appropriate boxes and packing materials before hand.
- Wrap your large houseplants with a tissue paper or an old sheet to prevent branches from breaking.
- Put the plants inside the boxes depending on their sizes. If you donot want to spoil those boxes, then you should line them with plastic bags. This will protect them from getting damaged by any water or soil spillage.
- When putting your plants into the boxes, make sure there is enough cushioning so as to minimize movement within the box. If necessary, use paper or towels around the base to hold the pot in place.
- If it is a long distance movement, you should make holes in the tops and sides of the boxes so that the plants can breathe.
- Set the boxes upright and properly mark them so that they are not mistaken for other items.
Plants on the Road
- Load plants in the truck as close to your departure time as possible.
- Do not put plants in the trunk of your car as it can damage the plant due to heat and lack of fresh air.
- Avoid exposing the plants to direct sunlight at all times.
- In cold weather, avoid letting the temperature inside your car become harmful to your plants. If required, wrap plants thoroughly with newspaper or paper bags.
- When staying overnight, it is a good idea to bring plants indoors and open the boxes to expose plants to the light.
Unpacking your Plants in your New Home
Unpack your plants as soon as possible once you reach your new home. Remove them from boxes. Find appropriate places in your home to place these plants. Try to find the spaces according to the suitability of the plants. Take into account your plants’ lighting requirements. Let the plants adjust to the new outside environment before replanting them in the ceramic or clay pots. With proper attention and care, your plants will flourish in their new home.
