Not many things can bring life and warmth to a place like plants can. For this reason, and many others, people tend to enrich their home interior with various kinds of plants, and nurture them throughout the years. When the time of the move arrives, you would certainly want to bring your green friends along for the ride, having that you’ve invested so much time and effort into their wellbeing. With this goal in mind, you a certainly wondering what is the best way to move your house plants. We will note right from the get-go that there is no one action that will get you to the perfect transfer of your plants. The best way, or method if you will, consists of multiple necessary steps that will ensure a positive outcome.
Hiring movers to help
Now, before getting into the DIY plan relocation steps, we would like to make yet another disclaimer. If you plan on moving short distance with your Stoney Creek movers, a plant transplant shouldn’t be an issue. However, a vast majority of movers do not move plants when it comes to long distance relocations. So, we strongly advise that you consult the moving company of your choice and get properly informed on their policies.
Another thing worth noting is that since plants are so fragile and are very likely to receive at least some damage during transport, the moving company will not cover damage to plants.
The best way to move your house plants on your own
For this delicate task, you will need the following materials:
- sturdy boxes of various size (so as to correspond with all your pots)
- plastic sheets
- plastic bags
- bubble wrap
- ducktape
After acquiring the necessary materials, you would proceed by lining those sturdy boxes with plastic sheets. Place your plants inside the box, and make sure to carefully stuff the bubble wrap (or other cushioning material) between the pot and the box. Your goal here is to prevent any shifting or unnecessary moving during transport.
If you are moving to Hamilton by car, certain preparations need to take place. Before placing your plants in the car, make sure that there is some room on the floor of the backseats. At least behind the co-driver, if you require a lot of space when driving. Put the boxes on the backseat, with the tallest plants positioned on the floor. Keeping them here instead of the trunk will allow you to keep an eye on them while driving. Besides being able to adjust your driving so that the shifting and tipping of the plants are minimal, you will also be able to act quickly if some accident does happen to occur.
If you plan on spending a night in a motel, be mindful of the weather. Low temperatures can damage fragile plants, while the high ones can dry them out. Just in case, move your plants inside with you, so as to ensure their safety.
Move your house plants with a knowledgable approach
As you probably already know, not all plants are the same when it comes to size, preferences, and fragility. With this in mind, it’s only logical to assume that each of these different kinds of plants requires a unique approach when the time of moving preparations arrives. Taller plants should be bagged and wrapped with plastic in order to protect them during transport. Fragile branches, stems, flowers and leaves do not handle well trucks, not being handled too much. After you’ve wrapped them, make sure to poke some holes in the plastic, so as to ensure that your plants can breathe.
Plants from your garden, however, will be a little harder to transfer. Especially if you don’t want to deplete the new owner’s garden. Instead of digging out the whole plant, rather take some cuttings. You would then place them in the previously purchased floral tubes, that are also filled with water. Make sure to cap them as well. This approach ought to ensure that your cuttings reach their destination ready for your new home and soil.
Helping your plants get used to the new surroundings
As soon as you reach the front door of your new residence, start removing the plastic from the plants. Take them out of their boxes, and give them enough water. If you transplanted them into plastic containers for the move, and now want to put them back in their original pots, do not be too hasty. Relocation is rather hard on plants, so we suggest that you wait at least a week before another transplant. This will help prevent over-stressing them, which can lead to stunted growth or even death.
One of the key actions, when you move your house plants, is to realize that they, just like you and the rest of your family, require time to adjust and recuperate. Re-potting in itself is rather stressful, even without the transport. So, try to plan these actions for a few weeks in advance. Garden plants are super sensitive to the difference in soil, climate, and air quality. All of these factors have a huge effect on their health, not to mention the shock of having been moved and replanted. Make sure to keep a watchful eye on the progress of your green friends, and call in some local help if they seem to struggle with adjusting and advancing.