When it is time to move, you may find yourself with some extra travel companions: Your plants. While many plants end up staying at the old place or being rehomed, there are some that are just too valuable to leave behind. Maybe you grew them yourself from seeds, or maybe someone special gave them to you. Whatever the reason you have for bringing plants along, there are a few hacks that can make it easier, and safer, to relocate them.
Take cuttings instead of the whole plant
Fully grown plants can be difficult to move. They can be large. They can be heavy. And they can be easier to accidentally damage or kill along the way. An easier way to bring your favorite bush, flower, or succulent along is to take a cutting and leave the rest of the plant behind.
The best approach to taking a cutting will depend upon the plant. However, the important thing is to cut it off with a sharp knife and wrap it in moist paper towels during the move. If your trip is extended, you may need to rewrap it with fresh paper towels to keep it wet.
Once at your next location, allow the cutting to root and then plant it in the perfect spot at your new house. You will have a quickly-growing piece of your favorite plants to enjoy in your new home.
Wrap your plants in plastic to prevent dirt spills
When packing plants for moving, one of the most important factors to consider is the dirt that can easily spill out of the pots. If the pot tips over in the truck or your car, you could end up with a mess (And a plant with exposed roots).
Instead, try wrapping the plants in plastic or sturdy paper to catch any dirt that spills. The simplest method is to place the pot and plant in a trash bag and secure the bag around the trunk of the plant.
Even if you have to place the plant on an angle to fit in the truck or car, you can be sure that the dirt will stay off your upholstery and on the roots, where it belongs. This method works particularly well for large plants that may not sit upright in your car.
Prepare your plants for moving early
Most household plant moving tips will require you to think about your plants several days or weeks before you undertake your move. For example, you will need to prune your plants and replace their dirt with new (bug free) potting soil well before Moving Day.
As a result, make prepping your plants for moving a part of your to-do list at least a couple of weeks before the big day. By thinking ahead, you can get the materials and prep work ready that will ensure your plants’ survival.
Consider totes for moving a lot of plants
When you have a lot of plants to move, placing them all in your vehicle or truck individually can be time-consuming, and complicated. One of the easiest ways to move a lot of plants all at once is to use a sturdy tote.
When choosing a tote, look for a large one that has a sturdy bottom and a soft top. This will make it easier to support a number of plants without damaging the foliage. Use newspaper or bubble wrap to fill in any gaps between the plants, and place any trailing vines on top of the plant once it is inside the bag.
The right tote can fit snugly in your car or truck, preventing falling and keeping your plants secure and happy for the entire trip.
Keep your plants in a temperate environment
Want to know how to move plants without killing them? Avoid exposing them to extreme environments, even for a short period of time, during the move. In a frigid environment, even a few minutes of exposure to the cold can kill your plant, while direct sunlight can similarly damage their tender leaves.
Instead, try to carry your plants out of direct sunlight both when driving the car and carrying your plants into your new home. In addition, try removing them from the car as soon as you get to your destination (And anytime you stop for the night at a hotel if moving cross-country or other large distances). Carefully keeping your plant in a temperate environment will reduce shock and help preserve it for its new home.
Check with your new state about their plant regulations
Invasive species can be a major problem in certain states. In an attempt to protect important crops and prevent damaging invasions, some states put limitations on the plants that you can bring with you. It may be especially important to check if you are moving interstate, where the flora may be significantly different from that in your home state.
Plants and flowers that are moving with you should, therefore, be vetted with your new location before you pack them up. You can usually check out regulations with the state’s Department of Agriculture.
Prep plants for moving and relocate them with less stress by following these simple hacks. Want a simple hack for making your whole move stress-free? Hire the professional-strength team at Ward North American and enjoy a truly seamless move.
