Making any big move is hard enough, but then add in living things like children, pets, and plants to the mix and the pressure of your move gets even harder. You probably already thought about how to keep kids and pets happy during the move to a new home, but have you considered the comfort of your plants, too?
Easy Tips for Moving Plants
Just like your glassware and furniture, moving your home and garden plants will need special attention, too. Here are some great suggestions for making sure your plants survive the trip to a new home while staying happy and healthy the whole way.
Prepare Plants Ahead of Time
• Transfer plants in any clay pots into plastic pots of the same size at least three weeks before moving day.
• One week before you move, be sure to check plants for insects, parasites, or disease, and remedy the situation if needed.
• Be sure to water your plants two days before the move but only if they are dry.
Pack Your Plants in Your Vehicle
You probably don’t want your movers handling your plants anyway, so place plants on the floor of your car, SUV, or the cab of your moving truck instead. Place your plants in open boxes and fill the space around them with packing material to keep from tipping.
Make sure to keep plants out of direct sunlight and if traveling in the cold, keep your car warm or wrap the plants with blankets when the vehicle is parked. Do not stow plants in a car trunk as the lack of oxygen and heat could kill them before you get to your destination.
Bring Plants Inside If Staying Overnight
If you’re traveling and staying overnight somewhere you don’t want to leave your plants inside the car to wilt or freeze in a hotel parking lot. Bring them inside your hotel room and out of the elements for the night.
Help Your Plants Adjust After the Move
When you arrive at your new home, take the plants out of their boxes and give them water and plant food. If you transplanted them into plastic containers, make sure you wait a week before putting them back into their original pots. By changing their location and then re-potting your plants, this can cause stress which can result in stunted growth or even death. However, by following the above steps, you can avoid as much damage as possible.
Is It Legal?
Before you uproot that citrus tree in the backyard or pack up those foreign houseplants, be sure to check with the Department of Agriculture in the state you’re moving to for regulations, specifically Arizona and California, although each state has their own rules.