Safely Transporting Houseplants During A Move

If you have houseplants and you are getting ready to move, you will have a little extra work to do to ensure that your houseplants make it from your old home to your new one intact and without damage. Below, you will find a few tips that will help make the move successful.

Check Permissions

If you are moving to a new state, it is important that you check to be sure that all of your houseplants are permitted in that state. Some states have restrictions on the types of plants or condition of the plants allowed. For example, California doesn't permit citrus plants of any kind. Houseplants brought into the state must have been in-house only plants – no outdoor plants allowed. Plants that show any sign of insect, fungal or bacterial disease are also forbidden.

Check with the State Food and Agriculture Department to find out any restrictions.

Transfer into Plastic Pots

Transporting your plants in glass or ceramic pots isn't the best idea for two reasons – the pots are heavy and they can easily get broken. You can complete the transfer into plastic weeks ahead of the move so you don't have to worry about it later.

Water the Plants

You don't want to water your plants right before you move. Instead, water them all two days before moving day. This will provide them with enough water to survive the trip without leaving the soil so wet that it makes a mess and water leaking. Wet soil is also very heavy, so if you water the plants just before you move, you will have heavier plants to transport.

Pack the Plants

You will need a stockpile of plastic grocery bags to help you with this next step. Layer four or five bags together and slide the pots of the plants into them. Tie the handles together or use a twist-tie to fasten them closed. This will help to prevent any moisture from leaking out of the pots onto the rest of the stuff packed in the moving truck.

Box small plants up. If you can find boxes to fit several small plants into a single box, do so. Then, after you have the plants safely tucked in the box, use crumbled plastic bags and/or newspaper tucked in around them to secure them.

Transport the Plants

Now, as you transport the plants, you have to worry about one thing – the temperature. If the plants are exposed to high or low temperatures in the back of the moving truck, they could get sick or die. If you expect these conditions, you would do well to transport the plants in a van or vehicle that is heated and/or cooled.

Talk with your local movers to learn more about packing and moving other things in your home safely.


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