There may come a time in everyone’s life where a move will be necessary. The subsequent process can be relatively easy, or immensely stressful, depending on how prepared you are. Certain possessions will have to be packed more carefully than others, so they can endure the trip.
Furniture, for instance, will have to be carefully prepared and packaged away accordingly. Other smaller belongings, such as home plants, will require their own preparation. No matter if you are a botanist, or just a flora enthusiast, planning ahead will keep you in good spirits.
The following are the best tips on how to pack plants for moving:
1. Plant Size
The average person will generally keep some small plants in and around their property. Or, you may fancy larger plants growing within your premises. Either way, the size of your plants will each require their own preparation prior to moving them. Smaller plants should be wrapped carefully, if they are in pots.
Make sure the box that they inevitably go into are stacked on top of your other boxes. Bigger plants can use the same preparation, albeit in a more elaborate manner. Your pots should always be covered in external wrapping, such as newspaper. This will allow your plants to breathe, during transport.
2. Initial Watering
Initial watering before a move is another important thing to do when it comes on how to pack plants for moving. Once you have planned out how you are going to move your plants, you’ll have to water them next. When you are a few days out from the move, ensure all of your plants are irrigated appropriately. Be careful to not completely soak them; damp plants in transport can freeze.
Overwatering them before your move can also make your flora more prone to fungus growth. Don’t stress over how much water you should be using. Irrigate them as you normally do, so that they are healthy enough for a long distance travel.
3. Preliminary Packing
Now that the moving day is here, you’ll have to be delicate with your packing. Wrap your plants into some tissue paper, or an old bedsheet if you have one. This will help secure the plant inside, preventing it from shifting around in its box. Then, you’ll have to actually place it into your chosen box.
Use a very delicate motion when placing the wrapped plant and pot into the box. Your box, in addition, should be appropriately sized if it is to hold your flora during the move. After you have gotten all of your plants inside, be sure to label the boxes carefully and inform your movers with specific instructions.
4. Arranging The Package
Plants, unlike other material possessions, require a very refined means of packaging. As such, your box should have crumpled paper balls inside to provide extra security. Or, you may choose to include soft cushions inside, to prevent the pots from moving about. Any extra security measures that could be included, should be incorporated.
Label your package accordingly with a marker, so you know what is contained inside. You don’t want to accidentally pack more items into it, which could put the flora at risk. Make sure your moving truck or vehicle also has an adequate temperature too. This helps to vitalize the plant during the move.
5. Unpacking
Congratulations! If all directions have been followed, your plants should arrive at their new home without harm. Now, the final parts of the process will begin. Unpack your plants in a gentle manner, just like how you packed them initially. Do this as soon as possible, so they can get used to the atmosphere.
If you originally separated your plants from their pots, you should now rejoin the two. Once they have been put back in their pots, keep them in a nearby space within your new home. This is a neat trick you should implement, so they can quickly return to a lively state.
6. Stabilizing
Your plants should now be settled within their new environment. Now would be as good a time as any to start moving them. After they have acclimated, you can now place your plants in your desired area.
7. Restoration
In some rare instances, your plants may suffer a bit of shock during the move. If this is the case, you’ll have to heal it using a couple tricks. Depending on the plant itself, this can be allowing the soil to moisturize, or simply moving it to another spot.
8. Water Again
If need be, your plants should be watered once again. No matter if your plants arrived in good condition, or if they were damaged, a bit of irrigation can do wonders. Just be sure to not excessively soak them!
Transporting plants during a move can be a relatively simple process. With enough preparation beforehand, the actual move will be a breeze. Once you are finally settled down, you can then enjoy the greenery as you normally would!
