Did you become a pet parent during the pandemic? Congratulations! Taking care of houseplants is a wonderful hobby that has many health benefits. But what happens when it’s time to move? How do you relocate all your beloved plants without harming them? It just takes a little bit of know-how and preparation. Here’s what you need to know to get your lovely houseplants from one location to another without issue.
Get a head start
The best thing you can do to make sure your plants survive your move is to get a head start. That means removing dead leaves and pruning away any dead branches. Be sure to also give them a good dusting and check for weeds and pests.
Make them lighter
Moving can be exhausting, and you don’t want your plants to add to your already heavy load. If you have any plants that are in heavy pots, then consider repotting those plants into lightweight plastic containers for your move. Your back will thank you!
Don’t put them on the moving truck
If you’re planning to use a moving truck to move your belongings, then don’t add your plants to the mix. Your green babies could easily overheat or get too cold in a truck (not to mention get easily damaged). For this reason, you should consider keeping your plants in your car with you. If your move is a multi-day trip, then bring them inside on your stopovers.
Monitor the water
It’s important to monitor your plant’s water levels when you move. If you’re moving when it’s hot, then be sure your plant stays hydrated. But if you’re moving during cold weather when your plant is dormant, you’ll want the soil to remain relatively dry during transport.
Check local laws
Did you know it isn’t always legal to transport live plants across state lines or country borders? Check local laws before you get your plants ready to move so you know what to expect.
Have plants shipped
Do you have more plants than what will actually fit in your car? In that case, you may want to look into having your plants shipped. Many plants make it through the mail system with no problems, it just requires a little prep. Remove pots, wrap root balls in wet towels and plastic, and secure them in sturdy boxes.
Take a baby
Sometimes, it’s just too much work to take all your plants with you. While it can be difficult to say goodbye to your favorites, you can take a piece of them with you. Many plants will regrow from cuttings. So don’t be afraid to take a few cuttings from a favorite plant so that you can regrow it in your new home.
Say goodbye
In some cases, you may just have to say goodbye to your beloved houseplants before your move. Fortunately, many people would be happy to be the new owners. You can give your plants away to friends and neighbors or even post them online for sale. There will always be new plants for you to discover and cherish in your new home.
