Packing is the most stressful part of any relocation, especially when it comes to moving interstate. If you are about to embark on this endeavor, you must be wondering how to move plants, as they are living things, after all, and you wouldn’t want them to die or suffer. We’ve prepared a guide to moving plants across the country to help those wondering how to move house plants long-distance.
Can I Take My Plants When I Move?
Short answer – yes, you can. And the longer answer would be – you’ll find houseplants on some of the lists of items movers won’t move if you are using moving services. Furthermore, some friends will tell you to give them away when you donate unwanted items as you discuss what not to pack when moving. But, it is possible to take them with you, and people do it all the time.
So, don’t fret about your leafy friends, as that’s the last you want to be doing now when you are nervous about moving with kids and trying to figure out how to make your home and your life coronavirus-proof. We’ve got you covered with tips on how to transport plants for a stress-free moving experience.
You Can Bring to Your New Garden
Some of the most important things to consider when moving to a new state are your new state’s rules and regulations. Some states have restrictions when it comes to importing vegetation – some won’t allow specific kinds, or will have special regulations regarding the shipping method, or soil, or will require a Gypsy Moth inspection certificate, to minimize the spread of insects, diseases, or pests.
California and Arizona have some of the strictest rules on importing vegetation if you are looking for the best places to live out west. Wherever you’re going, it’s best to check out the rules online or contact The Department of Natural Resources to make sure your leafy friends are allowed where you are going.
Get Your Leafy Friends Ready to Go
While there are packing tips for moving in a hurry that could get you through the process, it’s best to prepare your leafy friends on time – to avoid any potential losses and make the whole transporting process easier. Here’s how to do it.
Give Them a Good Prune
Rid your leafy friends of any dead leaves or branches and give them a good prune two weeks before the big day. This way, all the energy they get will go to the right places and they’ll be more convenient for transporting. Then, a week before the move, check them for any insects or pests.
Re-Pot Them in Plastic
Re-pot the houseplants you can from clay pots into lightweight plastic containers of the same size. This will make them a lot lighter and easier to transport, minimizing chances of damage. Pack the clay pots carefully with the rest of the breakables. And on that note, learn how to pack fragile items.
Give Them the Right Amount of Water
What you want to achieve here is to avoid the boxes being too heavy, avoid moisture, mold, or fungus developing during prolonged transport, and the moisture compromising the integrity of the cardboard boxes. So, depending on the type of your greenery – refrain from watering a week prior to moving day, especially if you are moving during the holidays, in cold and dry weather. If you are relocating in summer, you can water them up to 3 days before the trip.
How to Pack Plants for Moving?
There are different approaches to packing small and tall vegetation, so we’ll go through both. But, first – you gotta have all the packing materials for moving ready. You’ll need tape, bubble wrap, newspaper, scissors, and boxes. How many boxes do I need? – Well, that depends on how many plants you have, of course, but just so you know – you can stack smaller ones together (that’s why you need bubble wrap).
Put the Smaller Ones in Bags First, Then Boxes
Put the smaller ones in bags you will tie at the base or cover the pot with newspaper, to prevent the soil from spilling. You can put more of them together in a box, just fill in the gaps with newspaper or bubble wrap, so they don’t knock into each other. You can also place the smallest ones on top of each other, with padding in between them.
What You Need to Know About Packing That Tall Plant You Like So Much
Tall plants go in separate boxes. Cover the pot in a newspaper to contain the soil, and don’t worry if the whole plant can’t fit into a box, or if it ends up tilted – you can replant them after the move. If they do fit in a box and you’re able to seal it – poke some holes for air and sunshine during storage. Also, mark the box with THIS SIDE UP and LIVE PLANT labels, so you know where they are and how to handle them.
How Do You Transport Tall Plants?
Tall or not, all leafy friends should be packed and transported carefully. You want to avoid transporting them in a truck – if possible, keep them in the car with you. If not, you should know how to pack a moving truck. Pack them the night before the move or on the day and load them last. Don’t put anything on top of them and ensure they are not near anything that can fall over them.
Unpacking Your Leafy Friends
You want to avoid one of the common moving mistakes when it comes to unpacking after a move and unpack them by removing them through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking branches and leaves. Do this as soon as possible – remember, they are the last thing you’ll pack, the last into the truck, and the first thing you’ll unpack in your new home.
Ask Your State-to-State Movers to Help You Pack
If you choose a professional cross-country moving company, you will be able to get the right kind of moving boxes for your leafy friends, and professional long-distance movers can pack them and all your belongings properly if you choose packing services. That way, you don’t have to worry about a thing and you can focus on throwing an amazing moving away party to say goodbye to your friends. While maintaining long-distance friendships is important, it’s also good to embrace change, so know how to make friends in a new state and get ready to meet new neighbors – perhaps some of them share the same passion for flora as you do.
