Plants have so many benefits to your home. Not only are they beautiful but they have many health benefits. Some indoor plants purify the air and others keep away certain insects and pests. If you are lucky enough to have a green thumb, you know planting them and watching them grow is a source of great pride too!
A topic less commonly covered is what to do with your plants when getting ready to move. You can’t throw a plant in a box with some bubble wrap and tape it up. Plants take a bit more care when getting ready to be moved.. days even weeks in advance. So to be sure your plants arrive to your new home in tact, follow the schedule below prior to your move.
Prior to Moving Day
- About three weeks prior to moving day, repot plants that are in clay or ceramic pots into unbreakable plastic containers. You’ll want to make sure the new containers are the same size since changing pot sizes can be fatal to some plants. Increasing or decreasing the size of the plants new pot effect the roots and could kill them.
- Two weeks prior to move day you’ll want to prune plants. If there are any dead leaves, branches or dying buds simply trim them off. This will allow for better packing and keep the plants healthy and strong during the move.
- One week prior to move day inspect your plants for insects and or parasites. Make sure the plants are in overall good condition.
Two days before move day water your plants as you normally do. Keep in mind not to over-water. In the summer months overwatering can cause plants to grow fungus and in winter they can freeze. Keeping water levels consistent is best for your plants.
Moving Day
It’s a good idea to pack your plants in advance. Packing them in the morning or the night before allows you to let the plants settle in their new temporary surroundings while you tend to the chaos of moving everything else in your home.
To properly pack your plants, you’ll want to wrap any large houseplants with an old lightweight sheet or tissue paper to prevent branches from breaking. You could also use bubble wrap or foam sheets to keep them secure.
Place the pot in a box, making sure it fits snugly at the bottom. If necessary, use packing paper around the base to hold the pot in place.
Long Distance Moves
Some plants require special attention. If you are doing a long-distance move, you will want to transport your plants in a temperature-controlled environment. Examples of this would be inside your car rather in the back of a moving truck. Extreme temperatures and lack of fresh air in a moving truck can be fatal to plants.
Have you had any experiences moving with plants? Let us know in the comments below!
(flickr: pixelsuite, F.D.Richards / via cc)