Customers often overlook plants during the move process. However, the majority of moving companies will not transport live plants during a move; which means it is the customer’s responsibility to transport their plants from origin to destination. If you have never had experience with moving plants, you may not know how to start the process to ensure that your plants will make it to your new home alive and well. Our six tips for caring for plants during a move are a great reference to use when preparing your plants for a big relocation!
- Purchase Shatterproof Pots
Shatterproof pots are essential for plants during a move. About 3 weeks before your move date, re-pot all plants in clay pots into a plastic shatterproof pot of the same size, to ensure that the pot will not break during transport.
- Prune Larger Plants
Pruning is another word for trimming or cutting away overgrowth/dead parts of a plant. Prune your larger plants at least two weeks before your move date. You can temporarily preserve new growth on the plant by pinching back the new growth with your thumb and forefinger. This will keep the plant from getting larger before the move.
- Check for Pests
About one week before your move date, examine your plants for any insects or pests. If you find any pests, use an insecticide and apply, cautiously, following the directions on the label. Dispose of the pesticide after use or take it with you personally during your move as pesticides are on the non-allowable list for most moving companies. Certain plants are illegal in certain states due to the pests they carry. If you are moving interstate check online to make sure your plants are allowed in your new state.
- Water
Two days before your move water your plants as you normally would, being careful not to over-water.
- Pack your Plants
Wrap all large plants with tissue paper to prevent branches from bending. Place all potted plants in a box, and check to make sure they are packed snugly to prevent them from moving around during transport. Label the box and set aside, so the movers do not load them on the truck by mistake. Keep the temperature in your car at a comfortable level, so plants do not go into shock from extreme temperatures.
- Unpack and Heal
Once you have arrived at your new home, it is important that you get your plants back into their stable environment as soon as possible. Remove plants from the box and place plants back into their clay pots. Sit the plants outside for a few hours, so they can acclimated to their new surroundings. If your plant went into shock during the move, leave it alone for a few days to recover, water regularly, and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight or plenty of shade depending upon what type of plant it is.
Remember, movers will not transport plants of any kind, so be sure to make it a priority to care for your plants throughout the move process. For more great moving tips, or to schedule a free in-home estimate for your upcoming move, contact Fry-Wagner today!
