Moving can be stressful, especially when trying to transport your belongings to your new home. Among the chaos of packing up our lives, those of us who have embraced the ‘plant parenthood’ trend might find ourselves facing a unique challenge. Our leafy companions, which have thrived under our care, now require special attention to ensure they make the journey safely while moving. With the boom in indoor gardening, it’s not uncommon to have a large collection of houseplants. Thankfully, removals expert Ed Burton, Co-Founder and CEO at Upmove, shares invaluable insights on how to prep and pack our beloved plants for the big move.

6 Top Tips on How To Keep Houseplants Safe for Moving

Keep what you can.

It’s hard to imagine leaving behind any of our plant babies, but the reality is that not all plants are cut out for the journey ahead. Burton advises being selective, focusing on plants that are sturdy, adaptable, or hold sentimental value. This is crucial for ensuring that only the most resilient or irreplaceable plants accompany you to your home.

Consider travel time and the climate of your new home.

The success of moving plants isn’t just about the journey; it’s also about how well they’ll adapt to their new environment. Burton suggests taking into account the travel duration and the climate of your destination. Timing your move to coincide with early spring or late fall can significantly improve the odds of your plants adjusting well to their new surroundings.

Move plants back into nursery pots two weeks in advance.

Transitioning your plants back into nursery pots two weeks before the move gives them time to acclimate to the travel conditions. This preemptive step is also an opportunity to assess their health, ensuring they’re pest-free and ready for the new environment.

Match the boxes with your plants’ corresponding sizes.

Securing the right-sized boxes for your plants is crucial for their protection. Burton recommends choosing sturdy boxes and making sure there is proper air circulation, such as poking holes for ventilation, to keep your plants happy during the move.

Use support sticks and tea towels to keep plants in place.

The journey to your new home can be rough on your plants. Using support sticks for taller plants and wrapping pots in padded materials helps minimize stress and damage. Tea towels or cushions can provide additional padding and stability, ensuring your plants arrive in tip-top shape.

Pack your boxed plants in the vehicle last.

To maximize light and air access, your plants should be the last items packed into the vehicle. For longer trips, Burton emphasizes the importance of not leaving plants in the car overnight, suggesting they be brought inside and given room to breathe.

Moving plants requires a gentle touch and a bit of planning, but with these expert tips from Ed Burton and the team at Upmove, you can ensure your green babies thrive in their new home. For those seeking additional help, consider enlisting professional movers who specialize in transporting plants and other delicate items. This can alleviate the stress of moving day and give you peace of mind knowing your plants are in good hands. For more tips and moving solutions, visit Upmove.