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How To Move Houseplants Successfully

Plants are delicate living structures that require care and attention to flourish. With this in mind, you may be worried about how your upcoming move might impact your houseplants. However, it’s easier than you think to keep your plants fit and healthy during transit, as long as you take the time to learn some handy hints. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to how to move house plants successfully, ensuring that they are nurtured throughout the process and ready to settle into their new home.

Time is of the essence

Some types of plants will experience a dormant season, usually between October and February, and it is during this period that moving them will be easier. Check first to see if the species you own undergo dormancy, and whether this could be a factor in the timing of your move.

Another thing to consider is the season in which transit is attempted. Often indoor plants can suffer damage by being exposed to just a few minutes of cold temperatures, so get them into the safety of the removal vehicle as quickly as possible. To avoid your plants freezing in winter, it’s wise not to overwater them and instead allow them dry out a little. The summer season will bring opposite problems, meaning you should thoroughly water your plants before the removal process and also be aware that warm weather can encourage the growth of fungus.

Prepare your plants

A week before the move, put plants into your garage or shed to allow them to dry out. Often house plants are housed in easily breakable clay pots, so it’s advisable to repot them into plastic pots to prevent breakage during transport. If possible, try and keep the pot size consistent, as this can sometimes influence the health of plants. You may also wish to take the opportunity to prune leaves and dead branches to tidy up the plants and make them easier to transport. Also have a quick look for any insects or parasites, and deal with these prior to the move.

Moving day

When the big day arrives, give your plants a final watering but also ensure your drain any excess water away. You may wish to put the plastic pots into a carton or similar, lining it with waterproof sheeting and putting newspaper in between the pots to prop them up. You may also wish to wrap larger plants in tissue paper to prevent branch breakage. To avoid your plants being out of their comfort zone for too long, try and load them into the van as close to departure time as possible.

In the vehicle

Whether you are using your own car or the vehicle of a removal company, it’s important to try and control the conditions inside according to the needs of the plant. Communicate with your chosen removal company; that’s what they’re there for! It may be wise to not put a lid on the boxes containing your plants, as this will ensure they are easily seen and that nothing else is placed on top.

If the journey is a long one, you may need to consider treating your plants to some fresh air every now and then, either from a slightly open window or by regularly stopping. If the journey will last longer than a day, try and remove your plants from the van to treat them to a spell of fresh air and, most crucially, sunlight and water.

Once you arrive

When you arrive at your new home, many thoughts and feelings will be going through your mind, but it’s essential that you don’t forget to remove your house plants from the van as soon as possible. Your first step should be to settle them into the new home and allow them to acclimatise, giving them a good dose of water.

Here at Rylands of Manchester we offer comprehensive moving services for domestic and commercial clients alike, and can also provide safe and secure storage for your valuables. We are available 24/7, and are always ready to ensure your possessions are transferred from A to B with minimal hassle and with the utmost care. So let our specialists do the heavy lifting, and call our team today to get your free, no obligation quote.