If you have plants which are rare and treasured, you’re not alone. The thought of moving your pot plants or garden plants may be especially concerning, but it’s not impossible. While there are many movers that will move plants, there are also many that will not. Plants are much lower maintenance than pets, but they are still alive; so they need care, love and lots of attention. Here’s what you need to know about moving plants and how to help your movers move your plants.
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What to Ask Moving Companies
If your plants are a concern, finding the right moving company is essential. Start by asking your chosen moving company if they move plants. If they say yes, there are a lot more questions you still need to ask before you book your move.
What you need to ask your moving company about moving your plants:
- What plants are they prepared to move, will they move houseplants and are they willing to move larger garden plants?
- What size plants are the moving company able to move? Some companies cannot move plants over a certain size.
- Is the moving company able to guarantee the welfare of your plants, and do they offer insurance for the transportation of plants?
- How will they transport your plants? Will the plants be loaded onto a flatbed truck, put into a moving truck, or will they be transported another way?
- Does their transportation have climate control and/or enough airflow? Your plants need to be protected from extreme heat and extreme cold.
- Will they wrap up and pack your plants, and how will they secure your plants?
- Are you allowed to move your plants across borders or state lines?
How to Prepare Your Plants for the Move
With all the preliminary information you need available, you can choose which plants you are going to move and begin to prepare them. Don’t underestimate the care required to ensure a successful move for your plants.
- A month ahead of the move you will need to transplant your potted plants into plastic pots, which will be lighter and easier to move than ceramic pots.
- You will need to continually monitor your plants for signs of disease or insect infestation.
- In the days leading up to the move, make sure you keep your plant hydrated but do not over water it.
- Consider taking cuttings from a plant if moving it is risky, many plants are easily propagated.
How to Pack Your Plants
Moving day is a whirlwind, but don’t get swept up and forget to properly protect your plants before you hit the road.
Here are some important tips:
- Trim any branches or stems which extend beyond the pot to prevent them from getting damaged.
- Put a plastic bag over your plant, poke holes into the plastic and secure the plastic at the base.
- Place your potted plants into a box surrounded by plenty of newspaper to keep the plant from shifting around. Label the box as ‘fragile’ and ‘live plant’.
- Pack your plants onto a level surface and don’t stack them.
How to Care for Your Plants After the Move
As you arrive in your new home, you need to unpack your plants immediately and make sure they have enough water and light. Your plants will go into shock if the trip has been tough for them, so you will need to monitor them while they adjust to their new home.
If you’re thinking of moving home or business, contact New Zealand Movers today. Let us give you a quote, answer your questions and book your move.