Moving house can be a big project, especially when you want to bring your beloved houseplants along for the journey. With a little planning and the right steps, you can help ensure that your green friends arrive at your new home happy and healthy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to safely transport your plants, from preparing them before the move to helping them settle in once you’ve arrived.
1. Pre-move prep: getting your plants ready for the journey
Inspect and prune
Before you start packing, check each plant for any signs of pests or disease. This is a good time to prune any dead or yellowing leaves, as well as to trim back any branches that might be too large or prone to breaking. Healthy plants are more resilient, so getting rid of dead or damaged growth helps ensure they’ll handle the journey better.
Water wisely
One of the biggest mistakes when moving plants is overwatering right before the move. Water your plants a day or two before moving day, but don’t water on the day itself. Damp soil can make pots heavy and may increase the risk of root rot, especially during a long move. By watering ahead, your plants will have enough moisture to make it through the move without adding unnecessary weight.
Consider repotting if necessary
If you have plants in heavy or breakable ceramic pots, consider repotting them temporarily into lighter, unbreakable plastic containers. Moving with ceramic pots is possible, but it increases the risk of damage both to the pot and plant. If you choose to repot, do this about a week before the move to give the plants time to settle into their new containers.
2. Packing your plants properly for safe transport
Gather packing materials
To keep your plants safe during transit, gather the right packing materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cardboard boxes for each plant or group of smaller plants
Bubble wrap or old towels for extra cushioning
Plastic bags or plastic wrap to secure the soil
Bamboo stakes or plant ties for any tall plants
Pack carefully
For smaller plants, group a few together in a sturdy box, placing them snugly to minimise movement. Line the box with bubble wrap or old towels to provide extra padding. For each plant, wrap a plastic bag around the base to keep soil from spilling out, and secure it with a rubber band. Leave the tops of the plants open to allow airflow.
Support tall or delicate plants
If you have tall or delicate plants, such as fiddle-leaf figs or dracaenas, consider staking them gently with bamboo or dowels and tying them loosely to provide support during the journey. For plants that are especially sensitive to temperature changes or light, try covering them lightly with a sheet or breathable fabric to shield them from direct sun or cold drafts.
Label and secure the boxes
Don’t forget to label each box with “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” to ensure that your movers (or anyone helping you) know to handle them with care. If possible, transport the plants in a temperature-controlled car instead of a removal van, which may be too hot, cold, or bumpy.
3. Transportation: keeping your Plants safe on the road
Control the temperature
Most houseplants are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it’s best to keep them in the passenger section of your car if possible. Avoid leaving them in a hot car during breaks, and try to park in the shade if you’re taking rest stops. If you’re moving in cold weather, don’t leave the plants in the car overnight, as the low temperature could harm them.
Secure plants in the vehicle
Make sure your plants are secure and upright in the car. Placing them on the floor or on a stable seat is ideal, as these surfaces are less likely to shift. Use seat belts or additional padding (like towels or pillows) to keep the boxes from tipping over. Just make sure your plants have enough room to breathe!
4. Arrival: settling your plants into their new home
Unpack gradually
When you arrive, bring your plants inside as soon as possible, especially if it’s very hot or cold outside. However, avoid putting them immediately in their new spots. Plants can be sensitive to the stress of moving and benefit from being gradually introduced to a new environment. Start by placing them in a low-light room or an area with indirect light to help them recover.
Reintroduce watering carefully
After a move, some plants may need extra water if they appear wilted, while others might still have enough moisture from before the journey. Assess each plant individually, and try not to overwater if the soil is still damp. Water lightly as needed, and give them a day or two to settle.
Watch out for signs of stress
Moving is stressful for plants, so it’s normal for some to show minor signs of stress like drooping or yellowing leaves in the first few days. Monitor your plants for any signs of severe distress, and avoid repotting or fertilising them right after a move, as they need time to acclimate to their new surroundings.
5. Helping your plants thrive in their new home
Choose the right spot
Once your plants have had a few days to adjust, you can start moving them to their permanent locations. Pay attention to the light and humidity levels in each area, and try to match them to what your plants are used to. If your new home has different lighting conditions, consider adjusting your plant arrangement to ensure each one has what it needs to thrive.
Re-establish a routine
Re-establishing a care routine can help your plants feel more “at home.” Resume regular watering, check for any needs like misting, and try to maintain their usual care habits. If you have humid-loving plants like ferns, consider placing them in a more humid area, like a bathroom or kitchen.
Final Tips for a Smooth Plant Move
Research local conditions: If you’re moving to a new climate, research how that might impact your plants. You may need to adjust your care routine slightly, especially if moving to a drier or more humid area.
Use plant apps: If you have a large collection, plant apps can help you track each plant’s needs, light requirements, and care schedules in your new home.
Stay patient: Moving is a big adjustment for plants, just like it is for people. Give them a little time, and soon they’ll be thriving in your new home!
By following these steps, you can make the move smooth and safe for all your leafy companions. Moving with plants requires a bit of extra care, but with the right approach, you can look forward to enjoying your green friends in your new home for years to come!
Start your Saint Removals journey today!
If you're still unsure about moving home with plants, then why not let the experts take care of most of it. With over 25 years of combined experience on our team, there isn't much we haven't packed and moved across the country, and that includes plants.
We have a range of removal services for you to choose from, so you can mix and match to create a removal package that suits your needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.
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