Moving plants can be a bit of a challenge, considering that their odd shape and fragility makes them difficult to pack. Additionally, they are living things, which means that if they are deprived of sunlight and water for too long, they will die. As such, you need to pay special attention to prepping your plants for the big move. Keep in mind that plants cannot me moved across state lines. The following are a few tips that our professional movers recommend you follow when moving plants:
- Roughly three weeks before you're scheduled to move, take all of your plants in clay pots and re-pot them into plastic pots that won't break as easily.
- Begin pruning your larger plants by pinching back newer growth two weeks before you move. Doing this will help make your plants more compact so that they are easier to handle and transport. (However, avoid pruning succulents and ferns.)
- Inspect your plants for any insects or parasites a week before your move. You won't want to transport these with you. If you find any, use an insecticide to eliminate them.
- Keep watering your plants as usual up until the day before the move.
- The night before the move, pack your plants. Larger plants should be wrapped with tissue paper or old bed sheets to help protect their branches.
- Use regular boxes to pack smaller plants. Make sure that each pot is situated at the bottom of the box. Use packing paper around the pots to ensure that they don't shift in place during the move.
- Punch holes into the lid of the box as well as into the sides so that your plants get the oxygen they need to breathe.
- Label your boxes so that you know what's in them and which they should be placed. You can do serious damage to your plants if the box is placed on its side or upside down.
- Move your plants in your car and not in the moving truck. Not only is there a risk that they will be damaged in a moving truck, but they won't get any sunlight or oxygen.
- When you get to your final destination, unpack your plants as soon as possible and place them back into their original pots.
These tips should help you move your plants without risking damage or harm to their health. For more tips from our professional movers or to schedule an upcoming move, contact us at Brandon Transfer today.