Guide to packing houseplants

A lot awaits you in your upcoming move. From planning how to fit the relocation into your budget, to devising a functional timeframe. From finding a reliable moving and packing Los Angeles company, to shipping your belongings safely to their new destination. Surely, you’ll need to acquire specific knowledge about each of these things to be able to do it properly. One of the most essential details that will require your attention includes your leafy friends. Not many items can make your house a home like houseplants. Therefore, if you own any, make sure to keep reading our guide to packing houseplants.

A guide to packing houseplants is necessary when moving.
Plants become an integral part of our home, and leaving them behind is simply not an option. This is why we need a guide to packing houseplants.

Do you even need a guide to packing houseplants?

To move or not to move your plants? Even before figuring out how precisely you will go about moving your house plants, there are two questions to ask yourself. First – if you should take them with you. Second – if you can take them with you. Let’s see what we mean by this.

  • How strongly are you attached to them? Most often, the sentimental value you see in your green friends has a lot to do with your decision whether to take them with you or not. After nurturing your plants and watching them grow for so long, you are very likely to develop an emotional attachment.
  • Can they thrive in your new area? Indeed, plants kept indoors can be very hardy. However, they can still be affected by very dry or moist conditions. Consider the climate, available light, and the frequency of rainfall at your new home. If your plants have healthy growing conditions, then you may proceed to our guide to packing houseplants.
  • Have you checked the state’s laws and regulations? If you are moving out of state, be sure to check out the specific laws and regulations of the state you’re headed to. If you can take them with you, examine the specific guidelines as well, so that you import your plant properly.

Something to keep in mind

Plants are sometimes on the do-not-ship list

Bear in mind that some companies have plants on their do-not-ship list since it is as risky as moving fine art. The lack of airflow, water, and sunlight makes shipping living items in a moving truck anything but ideal. Moreover, not to forget their incredible fragility. On the other hand, those who will, will not cover any damage that might happen during the packing, loading process, or transit. In case the moving company you’ve chosen decides not to assist you with this task, you’ll have to do it on your own. That is, with the help of your vehicle and our guide to packing houseplants.

Your vehicle is probably your best bet

Although challenging, transporting your plants in your car is probably the best solution. This way, you can ensure that their environment is temperature-controlled. However, we recommend placing them in the passenger area, and not in the trunk of your vehicle. This will enable you to keep a close eye on them, as well as prevent pots from spilling or breaking if the contents shift. If you plan on making any overnight stops during your trip, don’t leave them in your car. Instead, bring them indoors with you, don’t let them get too hot or too cold, and make sure they get enough water.

The best season to move your houseplants

Usually, it’s recommended to move perennial plants in the autumn or the early spring. These are the times when most plants are dormant and able to adjust much more quickly to the new environment. If you are moving plants in summer, be aware that your plant will be growing quite rapidly. Whereas, in the winter, the cold could harm the roots.

Your guide to packing houseplants

First, you will need some supplies

Preparing your houseplants for their safe travel depends mainly on having the right supplies. Our instructions to packing houseplants properly include the following material:

  • A small sturdy moving box for each pot
  • Plastic pots (to replace clay pots)
  • Sterilized potting soil
  • Packing paper or newsprint
  • Bubble Wrap
  • Plastic bags and ties
  • Flea collars

Second, you will need to prep the plants

Conditioning your plants for the move is a vital step in this process. Especially if you’re moving long-distance. By using proper plant preparation techniques and taking care of them, you will drastically improve their chance of survival.

Three weeks before you move

Approximately three weeks before your moving day is a great time to re-pot your plants because your plant will have a chance to settle. First, using fresh sterile soil, put your plants into plastic containers of the same size as the original pot. You can get this at any home improvement store or garden center. Second, use bubble wrap to pack empty ceramic pots and place them safely into a moving box.

Re-pot your plants three weeks before you move.
When you start repotting your plants, use fresh sterile soil and plastic containers.

Two weeks before you move

This is the right time to prune all of your plants. Remove any dead leaves, unneeded branches, flowers, or excess foliage. Pruning your leafy friends helps keep them healthy while it endures the stress of the move. Moreover, it will make the plants compact for comfortable handling and safer transport. If you’re not exactly sure how to go about it, you should consult an expert.

One week before you move

About seven days before one of the La Verne moving companies you’ve chosen arrives to relocate your household, check the plants for insects and parasites. If any of your plants are infested with some sort of parasites, don’t start to panic! Instead, simply take immediate action and treat it appropriately. Place a flea collar on the base of each plastic pot to draw out any pests. Of course, if you apply insecticides, exercise caution, and follow label directions. If the infestation problem persists, get good advice from your local florist or a qualified horticulturist.

Two to three days before you move

Water each plant accordingly. It is important not to overwater them as too much water may cause plants to freeze in cold weather or promote fungus growth in warm weather. On the other hand, you wouldn’t want to under-water your plants because the ultimate risk of too little water for a plant is death.

Water the plants before you move.
Make sure to water your plants according to their type and needs.

Moving day

The day of your move finally come! Don’t worry, you’re doing amazing! This is the time to pack your plants for moving.  Just follow our advice for packing plants and, we assure you, they will arrive healthy and intact.

Guide to packing smaller houseplants

  • The first thing you’ll need to do when handling smaller plants is placing a plastic bag over the pot. Of course, you’ll need to tie it at the base of the plant. This will keep the soil contained so it doesn’t make a mess in your vehicle.
  • Next, put the plant inside a regular moving box. Smaller plants can share one box, just make sure there isn’t any room for them to move around. You can use packing paper, newsprint, or bubble wrap to fill the empty spaces between the pots.
  • Lastly, keep the box open to let the plants breathe. If you have to close it, seal the top very loosely and make sure to cut air holes on each side.

Guide to packing larger houseplants

  • When moving some of your larger and taller leafy friends, you may need even better protection. First, place the base of the plant in a trash bag to prevent its soil to spill. Then, wrap the base gently in an old towel or a sheet. For additional protection, buckle up your plants or fasten them with a bungee cord.
  • When packing tall plants, pack sphagnum moss into the top of each pot. Wrap each pot with plastic or stretch wrap and secure it with string or tape. Then you can tip the plant on its side in your vehicle without causing any mess.