Relocating a complete household to another city or state can often be difficult in itself. Moving house plants make the job even more difficult. Movers often understand how to pack and haul household contents. However they may possibly not have the knowledge or expertise to take proper care of plants.
Special care and handling are needed for plants, in the same way additional care is required for expensive jewelry, collectibles, and delicate glass items. Some individuals may decide that accepting such a task themselves is the best option.
Moving To a New Home: Discover how to Properly Transport House Plants
The very first words of advice is usually to take into account the distance you'll be traveling. Movers can take house plants in the event the distance is under 150 miles. However, regulations prohibit commercial moving companies from packing plants with other home goods if the trip is longer. Plants need a temperature controlled environment so it's usually a good idea to take them in a car if possible. Some states require plants to be grown in sterilized soil so soil obtained from the ground isn't an option. Sterilized potting soil is available in most garden centers and DIY stores.
If you want to leave the plants with a friend or neighbor and take cuttings this can be accomplished easily. Wrap the ends in moist newspaper and place each clipping in an unsealed plastic bag. Add some packing materials around the container. Clippings should certainly survive for several days using this method. To better prepare for the move prepare plants weeks ahead of time. Re-pot any plants in clay pots into plastic ones of the same size a couple weeks prior to the move. Trim or prune plants two weeks prior. One week prior to the move inspect for indications of insects and apply insecticides accordingly. Water plants normally two days before the move. Use packing boxes and place plants tightly so there isn't any room for movement. Punch air holes in the sides of the boxes and label the top of each box. Be sure you keep boxes upright while transporting.
If you're unable to drive talk with the moving company to find out if they offer any special services to take your plants. If nothing else they may be able to offer some solutions or give suggestions about moving the plants. Even though some companies offer special services most don't want to handle various regulations when moving plants from a state to another one. Sometimes travelers who're going the same way may be happy to transport the plants for a small charge. Make sure well meaning travelers have some knowledge in caring for plants and they will be kept in a climate controlled room, such as a hotel room, when not in transport.
