HOW TO PACK PLANTS FOR A MOVEMENT

Whether you are moving, state, city or company, properly packing your plans for the move is an important part of the process. Relocation can be quite stressful and the last thing you need is for your plants to die during transport due to improper preparation.

Fear not - packing plants for a move isn't as daunting as it sounds and can be done successfully.

During the move, you need to expose your plants to as little stress as possible. This means your plants should be one of the last items to be packed and one of the first to be unpacked, once you arrive at your destination.

Prepare your plants for the move

Transfer your plants to plastic pots

Three weeks before the move date, transfer all potted plants to plastic containers. Not only will this ensure your clay pots don't break during transport, but it will also make your plants lighter and easier to transport and pack in moveable boxes.

Don't take pests on the move

Before packing all of your plants for your new home or business, it's a good idea to inspect them carefully. The last thing you want to deal with while you're unpacking boxes and settling into your new home is a dust mite infestation.

Even if you don't find evidence of pests on your plants, applying the correct dose of insecticide as a precautionary measure will give you more peace of mind post-move.

Can your plants

About a week before your move, prune your plants. Cutting back clutter will not only help your plants stay compact and easier to transport, but it will also encourage new growth that will help them get used to their new environment.

Avoid pruning ferns, cacti and succulents - these plants will be happier if they are left alone.

How to pack your plants

There are many different ways to pack your plants for a move, and the method you choose will likely depend on the type of plant you have.

Do you have small succulents and cacti? If this is the case, the boxes and bubble wrap will be enough to pack. Now, if you have tropical plants with large foliage, they may need extra packaging to protect the leaves during transport.

The day before your move is the best time to start packing your plants. Yes, this may seem short-lived, but remember that you want to expose your plants to as little stress as possible. If the plants need to be packed in boxes, it is best that they stay in the boxes for 24 hours or less so that the absence of light does not seriously harm them.

Use bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is your best friend when you're packing plants for a move, particularly for prickly cacti and succulents that can damage nearby plants if they come into direct contact with them. Use old sheets, newspaper, cardboard, or bubble wrap to protect your plants and keep them in place inside the boxes.

An extra tip: If possible, leave box lids open to allow plants access to airflow and sunlight while moving. However, if you're moving during extreme weather, it's a good idea to provide some protection from these elements. Either way, drill some holes in the sides of the boxes to allow airflow.

Hang from vehicle handles or backseat

Another way to pack your plants for transport is to use the top handles of the vehicle to hang them. You can also use hanging pots and baskets to hang your plants, or you can buy macramé hangers to hang plants that are planted in containers. If you don't want to buy it, you can make your own hangers out of string and/or yarn.

Tall plants in the back seat

Your larger plants may not fit in boxes or hang from the roof of your car and will likely need to be positioned directly on the floor or vehicle seat.

Consider folding the back seats to create more backseat space for your plants. It's a good idea to wrap a plastic bag around the base of the pots or place a drip tray under the plant to protect the car from dirt or water residue.

Before starting the trip, make sure that the plants are secure and that they will not fall during transport. The best way to do this is to position other items or plants tightly around the base of the pots to keep them in place.

Wrap the plants in wrapping paper or plastic

To prevent leaves from getting stuck or torn during transport, another way to pack your plants safely is to use wrapping paper or plastic. Get inspired by the way the florist packs bouquets or the way your favorite store packs your plants after you buy them.

Do not expose plants to extreme temperatures

Keeping your plants in a temperature-controlled environment is one of the trickiest aspects of changing plants.

If you're on a short drive to your new home or business, this probably won't be a problem. Otherwise, make sure the transport car, truck or van is at a stable temperature before placing your plants inside. This goes for both extreme heat and air conditioning at very low temperatures.

You also need to be aware of environmental changes that can impact sensitive plants, especially if you've just made a big move.

For example, is the humidity in your new home drastically different from the old one? Have you just moved to a place with a different climate, where cold winters predominate and sunlight is minimal?

Take these factors into account when adapting your plants to the new home, they will also feel with the changes.

And to not need all that work to pack, transport and unpack your plants in the new destination, count on us! We transport safely for you.