A recent poll found that 64% of people would say that moving house is one of the most stressful events they have ever experienced. From packing up your entire home to organizing all of the small, practical arrangements, there is so much to think about when you are moving house. For plant lovers, there is an added concern – that is, how will I get my plants to the new property without damage?
This guide is here to help you learn all you need to know about keeping your plants safe during your upcoming move.
1. Prepare in Advance
Anyone who has ever moved house before will tell you that there is a lot of planning in advance that needs to occur, and this should extend to moving your plants too. There are a number of preparations you should make before the moving day itself; these include:
Avoid watering
Give your plants a good watering a few days before you plan to move them. Watering your plant right before a move will add unnecessary weight, making it much heavier and more difficult to transport. It also increases the chances of messy water leakage in the moving truck or your car. Instead, aim to water them about 2-3 days in advance, allowing the soil to absorb the moisture and dry out just enough to be damp but not soggy.
Prune the leaves
A few weeks before the move itself, you might want to consider pruning your plant down so it is less bulky.
Think about protection
To prevent unnecessary damage during a move, it’s wise to provide your plants with adequate protection. Depending on the size and sturdiness of the plant, this could involve several methods. For smaller plants, placing them snugly in a supportive box with packing material to prevent shifting is a great option. For larger plants, you can wrap the pot to secure the soil and then gently wrap the leaves and stems with fleece, old sheets, or paper to shield them from breakage and temperature changes.
Insulate When Necessary
If you are moving during the winter, then you might want to think about insulating some of your more temperature-sensitive plants.
2. Find The Right Movers
While you can take steps to prepare your plants for a move, much of their safety depends on the removals partner you choose. Finding the right mover is crucial. Before you commit, do your homework by checking their past reviews and testimonials. Look for mentions of how they handle delicate items. This due diligence will give you peace of mind, allowing you to be confident that they will handle all your possessions—especially your green friends—with the care and attention they deserve.
3. Make Your Plants At Home
After a long day of moving, taking your plants out of their protective wrapping is likely going to be one of the last tasks you feel like doing, but it can make a big difference to their health. You should make sure you unpack your plants as soon as is reasonable to avoid them having to sit in the dark for too long.
The placement of your plants in your new home is also important. Of course, you will want to find a situation that allows your plants to receive their desired amount of natural light, but there are other considerations to make. For example, you should try to put them somewhere out of the moving madness to avoid moving damage and environmental stressors.
It is also recommended that you wait a few days before feeding your plants to give them time to acclimatize. You should try not to feed, prune, or repot your plant for the first couple of weeks after the move. If your plant requires water, try misting the leaves.
