T-N-T Moving Services Offers Tips on Moving House Plants
T-N-T Moving Services
Moving House Plants
At T-N-T Moving Systems, we know how stressful a move can be, not only on you but also on your house plants. If you are planning a move, you can move your house plants without damaging their wellbeing.
House plants can quickly transform a house into a home. They are warm and welcoming, and can even enhance your families’ health. But moving a house plant to a new home can be a traumatic experience. The move can cause stunted growth or even death if not done with care.
One option is that if you are not too attached to your plants, consider giving them to a friend or charity. You could also have a plant sale a few weeks before your move. This could help you make a few extra bucks to buy new plants after the move. It’s important to realize that longer distance moves are harsher on your plants. Some might not make it, so giving them away to a good home could be a good option. But if you cannot bear to part with them, use the following tips as a guide.
Consider packing them in your car, not the moving truck. To ensure the safety and care for your houseplants, it might be best to take them with you in the car. You will maximum control over the environment including temperature, light, ventilation and watering. You cannot get the same guarantee from the moving company.
Put Small Plants in an Open Box. For smaller house plants, pack them in an open cardboard box. Be sure to cushion all the sides with newspaper or bubble wrap.
Put Tall Plants in Plastic Bags. First pack the top of the plants with sphagnum moss. Then wrap each pot with plastic and tie it with string or tape. Then you can tip the plant on its side in the car without losing all the potting mix or making a mess. Open the plastic as soon as you arrive at your new house.
Treat Plants Like Pets. If you are traveling a long distance, especially if you are making overnight stops, it can be really challenging for your plants. Don’t let them get too hot or too cold. Make sure to leave the windows cracked for ventilation and give them enough water. They need to be treated like all living things.
Moving to a new state? You might need to get your plants inspected before you can move them to a new state or country. It might seem over-the-top, but some states have restrictions on houseplants. This is mostly to protect against certain pests entering a new state such as gypsy moths, fire ants and Japanese Beetles. Some plants will need to be quarantined and inspected before you can move them to your new home. Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Tennessee, Utah and Washington require all houseplants be inspected and certified pest-free. Check with your Department of Agriculture for a full list.
These tips can help you safely move your houseplants to your new home. Hopefully, with a little luck, you and your plants will be thriving at your new residence. And for help with any other part of your move, you can call us at 704-523-1455 or online. T-N-T Moving Systems has been moving people in and out of Charlotte for over 19 years.
