Furniture Removal
Are you concerned about moving houseplants while relocating to your new home? Here’s all you need to know and take note of on a moving day.
Moving houseplants can be both exciting and challenging. As green-thumb enthusiasts, ensuring the well-being of our botanical companions during relocation is a top priority.
What you need to remember is to understand what your plant needs in terms of space, temperature, light, etc. Another essential aspect is settling in and ensuring your plant is rehydrated and repotted once you move in. Be wary of stress indications post-moving day and attend to them.
Working with removalists with experience in moving plants long distance can be a game changer and give you peace of mind as you move to another location.
Pre-Move Preparation
Plant Inventory
Create a detailed list noting each plant's size, species, and specific needs. This inventory serves as a guide for packing plants for moving, care strategies, and post-move placement. It helps you understand each plant's unique requirements, enabling tailored care.
Research
Understanding each plant's ideal temperature, light, and humidity preferences is essential. This knowledge allows you to customise travel arrangements and create a post-move environment that mimics their natural habitat.
Timing
Consider the climate and the impact on your plants when choosing the relocation season. Spring and early fall often offer more temperate conditions, minimising stress on your botanical companions.
Packing Supplies
Invest in sturdy cardboard boxes, packing materials, ties, stakes, and moss for adequate plant protection. Choosing quality materials ensures your plants are securely packed, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Plant Preparation
Give your plants a pre-move spa day by watering them thoroughly a few days before the journey. Prune for stress reduction and to reduce bulk. Secure larger plants with ties or stakes, while delicate specimens benefit from careful wrapping for protection.
Potting Up/Down
For smaller plants, consider downsizing into travel-friendly containers. This reduces weight, minimises space requirements, and prevents pots from toppling over during transport.
Moving Day
Communication
Clearly communicate your expectations to your removalist regarding the handling and transportation of your plants. Provide specific instructions on temperature preferences, securing methods, and any special care requirements.
Temperature Control
Ensure the removalists have access to a temperature-controlled vehicle, especially if you have heat-sensitive plants. If such an option is unavailable, discuss alternative measures, such as using insulated blankets or creating makeshift shade to shield your plants from direct sunlight and abrupt temperature changes during transit.
Secure Placement
Treat your plants like VIPs by carefully considering their placement within the moving vehicle. Instruct the removalists to avoid exposing the plants to direct sunlight, drafts, or unnecessary jostling from loose cargo. Utilise straps, bungee cords, or appropriate packing materials to secure the plants, preventing tipping or bumping during transportation.
Large Plants
Large plants require special attention and handling. If feasible, transport them upright and secure the root ball with stakes or packing materials to maintain stability. For taller specimens, consider laying them on their sides with the pot securely cradled to prevent potential root damage.
Plant-Friendly Packaging
Discuss using padding and cushioning to protect delicate leaves, branches, and blooms. Encourage the removalists to be meticulous in their packing approach, ensuring that each plant is securely wrapped and cushioned to minimise the risk of damage.
Unpacking and Settling In
Rehydration
After their travel adventure, your plants might be feeling a tad parched. Lightly water them to rehydrate and replenish any moisture lost during the journey. However, resist the urge to overwater, as this can be counterproductive.
Unpacking and Repotting
Carefully unpack your plant companions and assess their condition. If your downsizing strategy involves temporary travel pots, replant them into their original containers or suitable long-term homes now. Give your plants a few days to acclimate to their new environment before repotting.
Light and Humidity
Find your plants in their perfect corner in your new abode. Mimic their preferred light conditions, adjusting window blinds or schedules if necessary. Humidity levels are crucial for some species. Invest in a humidifier or group humidity-loving plants together to create a mini-oasis.
Post-Move Care for Plants
As your plants adjust to their new surroundings, keep a watchful eye for any signs of stress, such as drooping leaves, yellowing foliage, or slowed growth. Provide consistent care tailored to their individual needs, adjusting watering, light, and humidity as needed. Remember, small changes can make a big difference!
Special Needs and Considerations
Flowering Plants
Plants in bud or bloom might require extra TLC during the move. Consider delaying their relocation until after their flowering period to minimise stress and avoid bud drop. If moving during their blooming phase is unavoidable, provide them with the most stable conditions possible and minimise handling.
Plants with Thin Leaves
Delicate plants with thin leaves, like ferns or calatheas, require extra protection. Wrap them loosely in breathable fabric or paper to shield their leaves from damage during transport. Once settled, mist them regularly to maintain humidity levels and help them adjust.
High-Moisture Plants
Some plants, like ferns and peace lilies, have high water needs. During the move, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Consider placing them on a tray filled with pebbles and water to create a mini-humidifier and provide additional moisture.
Sun-Seeking Plants
Light-loving plants like succulents and cacti crave bright sunshine. In your new home, position them near south-facing windows or invest in grow lights to ensure they receive adequate sunlight. Conversely, shade-loving plants like philodendrons or snake plants will thrive in low-light corners.
Grouping Plants with Similar Needs
If you have multiple plants that thrive together, like an African violet collection or a mini jungle of ferns, keep them grouped together during the move and in their new home. This can help recreate their familiar microclimate and reduce stress.
Moving houseplants can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to share your love for greenery with your new space. Understanding their needs, planning, and providing attentive care will ensure your botanical companions thrive in their new chapter.
Enlisting the help of professional removalists offers a wealth of benefits, including streamlining the process with their expertise and efficiency, taking the stress off your shoulders, and utilising specialised equipment to ensure your leafy friends arrive safe and sound.