HOW TO MOVE WITH YOUR PLANTS AND MAKE THEM HAPPY AGAIN WHEN YOU UNPACK

If you’re moving, chances are good that you’ll want to take your plants with you. After all, they’re living creatures that have been part of your life for a while, and it can be difficult to say goodbye to them. Plus, starting over with new plants can be expensive.

However, moving with plants can be challenging, as they are delicate and need special care. Here are some tips on how to make sure your plants survive the move and are happy in their new home:

Since packing plants is such a delicate task, it’s imperative that it’s done right. We’re here to help with a simple guide to plant-packing that will ensure all your houseplants arrive in one piece.

Before you move your plants, you will need to gather some supplies.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shatterproof pots or containers
• Pruning shears
• Sturdy boxes
• Packing tape
• Plastic grocery bags
• Newspaper, extra plastic bags, or bubble wrap
• Sterile scissors or knife (for moving cuttings)
• Damp paper towels (for moving cuttings)
• Sandwich bags (for moving cuttings)

To guarantee your plants arrive safely, there are a few precautions to take for either option. You can either drive your plants yourself or hire movers.

Step 1: Three weeks before the move: Repot your plants into shatterproof containers

Plants need time to adjust to their new surroundings. By moving them gradually, you’ll reduce the chance of them getting stressed out and breaking something. Use shatterproof containers if you have them available, as they’ll help protect the plants from bumps and sudden movements.

Step 2: Two weeks before the move: Prune any plants you’re worried about

If you’re moving with plants, it’s important to take into account how much space they’ll take up and whether their stems are strong enough to withstand the rigors of a move. Prune back leafier, bushier plants if you’re worried about how much space they’ll take up, or if you’re worried about long stems breaking during the move. Repotting and pruning two to three weeks before the move will help them adjust to their new environment and make the move less stressful for them.

Step 3: Two days before the move: Cease watering plants

Before you move your plants, it is important to follow a few simple tips. First, water your plants normally until two days before the move.

After the move, wait to water your plants until after they’re in their new environment. If the soil is too wet during the move, it could cause damage to your plants. Finally, don’t overwater your plants; give them just enough water to wet the root area.

The way you pack your plants will largely depend on the type of transportation. If you’re transporting plants yourself, it’s easy enough to put a plant in an open box, or place them upright on the floor. But if you’re packing for professionals to move, consider some of these tips:

1. Make sure that the box you choose can comfortably fit your plants and that the bottom is taped up so there’s minimal risk of the plants falling through.
2. Make sure to keep the soil intact by using a secure plastic bag over each pot. Once the plants are in the box, it’s easy to transport them without any soil spilling.
3. It’s important to fill the empty spaces between the pots with packing material. This will help to prevent the plants from being damaged during transport. You can use newspaper, extra plastic bags or bubble wrap.
4. Make the move easier – to seal the box and put a few holes in it for airflow! This will help the plants stay cool and hydrated during the move. Additionally, make sure to clearly label the outside of the box so anyone who handles it know what’s inside.

If you can’t live without your plant, but it’s too big to move in a box, you may want to consider taking a cutting. Cutting a plant takes less time than moving it, and it’s usually less riskier than moving the entire plant.

1. Once you have determined your plant can be regrown from a cutting, use a sterile pair of pruning shears, scissors, or a sharp knife to cut a healthy piece of the plant the morning of your move. Depending on the plant, this might be a root cutting or a leaf cutting.
2. Wrap the cutting in a damp paper towel and secure it in a sandwich bag or clear wrap so that it stays closed through the move. Be sure to keep the paper towel moist throughout the move, and propagate the cutting as soon as possible after arriving at your new home.

Moving plants is a big job, but it can be done safely with a little planning and preparation. Follow our tips to make the move go as smoothly as possible for you and your plants.