Even if moving a house can be a stressful experience, things get even more challenging when you take into account the presence of outside plants. In the eyes of many people, plants are not merely ornaments but rather cherished companions that have been meticulously cared for. There is no way that one could afford to abandon them.
Nevertheless, try not to worry! Your plants can travel with you and flourish in their new surroundings if they are packed carefully and prepared for the trip. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about packing and moving your outside plants securely.
Preparing your plants for the move
Your plants should be ready for the big relocation before you begin packing. Look over every plant for pests or illnesses a couple of weeks before your transfer date. Bringing any unwelcome visitors into your new house is the last thing you want! Early on treat any issues with natural insecticides or by cutting impacted sections.
Then, where suitable, trim your plants. Reducing extra leaves will assist the plant save energy under the stress of relocation and help to lower breaking risk. If your bigger plants are in delicate or heavy pots right now, it’s also a good time to re-pot them into plastic containers. They are thus lighter and more manageable. Water your plants one day or two before the relocation; enough to keep them hydrated but not so much that the ground is moist and prone to spillage.
Choosing the right moving boxes
Moving plants properly depends on using the correct kind of packaging. Though they are excellent, house moving boxes must be the correct size and strong enough to support a plant’s weight including its soil. Especially for bigger plants, look for double-walled boxes that offer extra strength. Particularly helpful are plant boxes that are specifically designed to restrict the movement of pots and come with built-in compartments.
Check that the boxes’ height will be sufficient to cover your plants. Small plants fit multiple in one box, but be cautious not to crowd them. One box works well for bigger plants. To catch any loose dirt or water that could flee during the relocation, line the bottoms of the boxes with a plastic bag or tray.
Packing your plants safely
In comparison to packing your ordinary belongings, packing plants is a very different experience. If you haven’t done it, start by putting every plant in its own plastic pot. This reduces the harm of ceramic or clay pots that can shatter on the route. Wrap the base of every pot tightly using packing paper or old towels, therefore cushioning it against any impacts.
Softly place every plant into its box to guarantee little movement. Taller plants can benefit from stakes to support their stems and keep them from bending or breaking. To keep the plant steady, cover any voids surrounding the pot with bubble wrap or packing paper. Avoid covering the leaves or limiting the plant’s capacity for breathing. If your plants are really delicate, think about opening little air holes in the box.
Seal the boxes gently; you want them closed enough to keep the plant safe but not so tightly that the plant suffices without air. Clearly mark every package with “This Side Up” and “Live Plant,” so that anyone handling them is especially careful.
Moving your plants – keeping them happy on the road
It could be difficult to move plants, especially across long distances. Plants should ideally be transported in a climate-regulated vehicle – your car, for example – rather than in a moving truck. Keeping plants close guarantees they are watched over and shielded from extreme temperatures, lack of light, and bumpy roadways that may all stress them.
Stow the boxes in the car such that they are straight and won’t tip over. Steer clear of putting them in direct sunlight for extended lengths of time since the heat can destroy leaves and create dehydration. If your travel takes more than a few hours, think about operating the air conditioning or opening the windows sometimes to maintain the temperature moderate.
Plan pit stops to check on your plants during long-distance travels. If the soil seems dry, give them some water, but be careful not to overwater them on the trip. Bring your plants inside if you are stopping overnight; left in a hot or cold car, they will not survive.
Special considerations for fragile or large plants
Large, heavy plants like trees or shrubs, as well as fragile plants like succulents or ferns, require special handling when being transported. Wrap delicate plants gently and handle them as little as possible. Utilise additional packing material to cushion them and keep them stable.
Larger plants would be better suited for dollies or plant caddies to be moved about without lifting. Should a plant be too large for a box, tightly wrap the pot and cover the foliage loosely. Moving companies can provide specialist transportation options for big plants, including climate-controlled vehicles that can maintain the condition of your vegetation.
Unpacking your plants at the new home
Now that you’ve moved into your new home, it’s time to help plants settle in. Sort them right away to start. Carefully take them from their boxes and arrange them in an area with light conditions to their former position. Once they have become acclimatised, replant them into their original or new permanent pots if you have potted them in temporary containers.
Avoid fertilising for a few weeks; plants need time to adapt to their new surroundings before they are ready for a development boost. Check the soil moisture and, if necessary, provide a little water. Watch them regularly for indicators of stress like as yellowing leaves or wilting; modify their treatment as necessary. Plants naturally experience a temporary period of shock, but given enough care they will recover.
Helping your plants thrive post-move
Your plants deserve some extra love after all the commotion of relocating. Make sure they are in a good location with enough light; then, progressively bring them back into their usual watering and maintenance schedule. Should their relocation expose them to extreme temperatures, it could take some time for them to fully recover.
If the plant seems crowded or if the soil compacted during the relocation, think about repotting. Adding fresh soil can also provide a nutrient boost, which will assist in their settling into their new habitat. Over the next weeks, keep an eye on your plants; little changes in treatment can significantly assist them grow once more.
Final thoughts
Although packing and moving outside plants can seem like a difficult chore, with the correct planning and technique you can guarantee they travel safely. Your plants will flow naturally to their new home if you choose the appropriate house moving boxes, pack them carefully, and give them some extra attention upon arrival.
Your plants are live reminders of the care and effort you have placed into your location, therefore taking them along gives that familiar touch to your new garden or patio. So take your time and do it correctly and watch as your plants become stronger over time.
