Moving homes is stressful enough, but what about all your beloved houseplants? Relocating with your green companions requires careful planning and execution. From preparing your plants for the move to transportation tips to seamlessly integrating them into your new space, we’ve found the perfect moving solutions for you. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a budding botanist, these tips will ensure a smooth, sustainable transition for you and your leafy roommates.
Selecting Your Plants
The first step is selecting which plants will make the journey. Larger specimens rooted into the soil will pose more difficulties than self-contained pots. If you have room, take everything, but if space is tight, evaluate each plant’s hardiness. Succulents, pothos, snake, and spider plants will handle travel better than fickle ferns or tropicals needing consistent humidity. You may want to rehome more delicate specimens with plant-loving friends or family until you’re settled.
Preparing Plants for the Move
Once you’ve chosen your moving plants, the next step is preparation. Gather boxes or bags suited to the size of each container. Make sure drainage holes aren’t blocked so roots don’t sit in water. I used old moving boxes and cut holes in the sides for ventilation. A few days before moving day, water plants well but let the soil dry slightly before packing to avoid squishing soggy dirt. Reduce light and warmth a bit to harden them off for the journey. Trim any developing flowers or buds that could be crushed.
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Packing and Transporting Plants
Moving day arrives, and it’s time to carefully pack each plant, cushioning the container with shredded paper, bubble wrap, or towels to avoid jostling. Remember, plants are fragile! While loading the truck, try to keep boxes out of direct sun and heat as much as possible. Adding moisture control packets or folded paper towels to each box can help maintain humidity levels. You likely won’t be able to water during transit, so choosing a day without extreme heat is wise.
Unpacking and Acclimating Plants
At your new place, avoid unpacking plants immediately if tired from the move. Wait until everything is inside and you’ve set up growing areas before gingerly removing padding and placing pots in temporary spots with good light and filtered sun. Resist the urge to water right away – let soil fully dry out before moistening. Observe plants over the next few days and isolate any showing signs of shock or stress for extra TLC until they recover. Remember, patience is key in this process.
Once settled, evaluate lighting and arrange plants in their permanent homes, spacing containers appropriately for each species’ needs. Succulents near windows, pothos in a bathroom. Give fertilizer a few weeks after the move to perk them back up. Mark calendars to resume regular care routines like watering, pruning and crop rotation. Make notes of any that didn’t handle travel well for future reference on toughness. With some care and patience, my collection made a move with very little casualties! The reward of seeing them thrive in their new environment is truly worth the effort.
The Rewards of Moving with Plants
While there’s always risk in transporting plants, following these steps of preparation, careful packing and gradual acclimation after arrival can help minimize stress. Moving with your plant friends takes more effort than rehoming them temporarily, but it’s worth it to keep your leafy companions by your side as you start fresh in a new place. And the sense of accomplishment when they recover, knowing you’ve played a crucial role in their successful relocation, makes the extra work rewarding. With practice, you’ll learn which specimens travel best and gain confidence.
Next time you’re facing a move, don’t leave your plants behind – with a little practice, you can master the art of green relocation! If you want to eliminate stress from your upcoming move, contact Econo Moving & Storage today! We provide quality moving and storage services in North Vancouver at an affordable price. Let us help you make moving easy!
