The Do's and Don'ts of Moving With Houseplants
Do you have houseplants to move? Before you prep, pack, or transport blooms or greenery, take a look at the do's and don'ts of moving with plants.
Do Talk to the Moving Company About Rules
Most moving companies have a list of prohibited items or rules about what they will and won't transport. Hazardous materials such as chemicals or corrosives, flammables and combustibles, perishable foods, and live animals are typically top do-not-move items. But these aren't the only prohibited picks.
Many moving companies refuse to transport houseplants. This type of rule helps to protect your plants, other items in the moving truck, and the community or wildlife in the area.
Plant-moving rules are often state laws. These laws prevent the accidental transportation of invasive insect or pest species. While not every state has regulations that restrict the movement of plants from one area to another (or across state lines), yours may. The moving contractor can provide you with information on local plant-moving laws.
Some states require plant or soil inspections for transportation. If you'll cross state lines, ask the mover about the requirements or contact your new home state's agricultural department.
Along with the legal issues, moving your household greenery in the back of a truck could put live plants at risk. A long-distance move leaves your plants without much-needed sunlight for days at a time. Even though light isn't a major issue for short-distance moves, heat or cold and the potential for plants to tip over or spill soil pose hazards.
Don't Wait to Prep Your Plants
If you can't put your plants in the back of the moving truck, how should you move them? Provided local laws won't stop you from transporting pants across state borders, the easiest option is to move the plants with you. But this doesn't mean you should wait until your move day to prep your plants.
To reduce risks to your plants (and your car or the other items you'll travel with), start your move with careful preparation and packing. Prune dead or brown leaves and blooms in the weeks leading up to your move. Check the soil in the planter pot for signs of insects or other potential pests. Even though you'll move the plant in your car, you don't want to start an invasion in your new home.
To reduce the risk of pest problems and keep your plants healthy during (and after) the move, replace the soil. Moisten the soil - but don't soak your plant before the move. The roots need enough water to remain healthy. Too much water could pose a problem for your plant or leave your car covered in a mess of mud.
Do Protect Other Items
Protect your car and anything else you'll move in it from the plants, excess moisture, and soil. Pack each plant in a cardboard box - minus the lid. Keep the top of the box open to allow sunlight and air in.
Place towels, packing paper balls, or a similar filler in the box to stop the plant from tipping over or rolling during the move. Add an extra layer of protection from dampness or soil and cover the car seats with plastic sheeting or a tarp.
Don't Move Plants in Heavy Pots
The heavy ceramic pot your plant sits in can go in the moving truck. Take the plant out of the pot and place it into a light-weight plastic planter for the move.
Carefully pack ceramic or other potentially breakable pots. Fill the interior spaces with balled packing paper and protect the outside in layers of bubble wrap or thick towels.
Contact Azalea City Moving Co . for more information regarding your next move.