You will probably like to decorate your new place with ornamental foliage to add character to your new abode. However, moving with plants is as delicate as moving pets to your new place—possibly even more so. Naturally, there are things you need to bear in mind and consider before you can bring your green friends with you.
1. Take Inventory
Make a list of the plants that you are going to bring with you on your move. This is not only practical, it’s also cost-efficient for you. You will find that there may be certain plants that you can easily find in the same area that you’re moving to, so do consider acquiring them locally instead. In turn, you can give away or maybe even sell some of your plants. You can then use the proceeds to buy the same kind of plants when you get to your new place, or other stuff for your new home. This will also free up more space in the moving vehicle for your home essentials. Remember that shipping plants could cost you a pretty penny, so taking stock definitely goes a long way!
2. Prepare Them for the Big Day
Once you’ve decided which plants you’re going to take with you, you will have to think about packing them. It’s a good idea prepare the packaging of your plants weeks before your move. Small indoor plants in clay pots should be transferred to plastic pots of the same size. Do the same thing if you’re bringing taller plants, but add moss (preferably sphagnum moss) on the top soil. And by all means, make sure that you don’t damage the roots! A day before your move, wrap your plants with newspaper but loosely enough to allow them to breathe. In the moving vehicle, make sure that they are secure so they won’t tip over and they get plenty of fresh air. The move will stress out your plants, so make sure that you water them before loading. For tall plants, wrap the branches with soft cloth or tissue paper to avoid breaking the branches during the trip. This may cause plants to freeze in cold weather or encourage fungus growth in warm weather. Load plants into the moving vehicle at the last possible moment to keep them from being exposed to extreme temperatures. When you arrive at your destination, unpack them first and let them settle and get accustomed to the new climate.
3. Choose a Nice Day to Move If Possible
Check the weather of your destination. This is crucial for the care of your plants. There are certain plants that can only survive in certain climates. So make sure that your plants are, indeed, okay for the new climes. A lso ensure that you check the weather forecast of the entire trip in order for you to make appropriate measures in preparation for any weather changes.
4. Treat Them Like Pets
Long distance trips can be challenging for your plants, particularly if you’re making several stops along the way. If you insist on having stops, treat your plants as you would your pets. Don’t let them get too hot or too cold. If you leave them in the car for more than an hour, leave the windows in the car slightly open and make sure they get enough water throughout the trip.
5. Don’t Do Anything Illegal
If you’re moving to another state, make sure that you check the state regulations on importing plants. These regulations protect local agriculture from pests and fungi. It’s better to be sure that their requirements are met before making the move. You don’t want to end up having to throw your plants away due to shoddy research.
6. Make Sure You’ve Got the Right Team and Equipment
Lastly, take into consideration how you will transport your stuff. You’re not just transporting your plants, after all; you have other items, too. Having more room in your vehicle is, therefore, appropriate if you have plants to transport, so consider hiring larger vehicles. If you are hiring movers, consider going for a service that has experience in transporting plants. Remember that plants are more than just eye candy for your home. They are living creatures that require care, too.
