No home would be complete without a few houseplants to help liven up your living spaces. In addition to bringing plenty of appeal to otherwise bare spaces, houseplants also come with plenty of health benefits. Not only do they literally clear the air by removing harmful airborne toxins, but they can also relieve stress and create a calmer, more positive environment.
So it's no wonder that you're bringing your houseplants along for your moving trip. And since you don't want any harm to befall them on your journey, you'll need a few pointers on how to protect them from damage throughout the moving process.
1. Check the Laws, First
A houseplant that's considered relatively harmless in one state may be an invasive species in another. Many countries, states and even local jurisdictions have laws requiring inspections of plants crossing their borders. Some states inspect plants upon arrival, while others must be inspected and declared pest-free prior to their arrival. In some cases, you may need to change your houseplant's potting soil before it can be given a clean bill of health. Ignoring the rules and regulations could put your houseplants at risk of being quarantined or even confiscated.
2. Take Size Into Account and Plan Accordingly
The bigger the plant, the more likely it'll spend its journey inside your moving truck. As you figure out other aspects of your moving logistics, take your plant's height and width into account. Consider pruning long branches and leaves as far back as your plant's aesthetics and health allow. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of your plants getting snagged on other items during transit.
Smaller plants can be transported inside of your personal vehicle, provided you have enough space to accommodate them. If you have any overnight stops planned and you're traveling under exceptionally hot or cold temperatures, consider bringing your houseplants indoors with you. Keep in mind you may need to clear it with your hotel's management first.
3. Make Sure Your Plants Are in Good Health
Without any ventilation or climate control, your moving truck's cargo area can be a stifling area for houseplants. Before setting off on your big move, make sure your houseplants are physically up for the challenge. The healthier your houseplants, the better they can weather the journey without suffering from dehydration, fungal infections, or any other maladies.
Here are a few tips you can use to boost your plants' health prior to moving:
- Water your plants a day or two before the move. To avoid leaks and other issues, use only the correct amount of water your plants need.
- Keep tabs on temperatures inside your vehicle. Don't let your vehicle get too hot or too cold for your plants to handle. While this is easier said than done in a moving truck with an unconditioned and unventilated cargo area, controlling temperatures is much easier inside your personal vehicle.
- Treat your plants for pests and weeds prior to moving. Not only can pest and weeds wreak havoc on your houseplants' health, but they can also trigger red flags for agricultural inspectors in some states.
4. Transplant Your Plants Into Sturdier Containers
Glass and ceramics are notorious for their fragility, especially in the rough-and-tumble environment in the back of your moving truck. Glass and ceramic pots can also be extraordinarily heavy when dealing with larger houseplants. To avert any loading mishaps, transplant your houseplants into plastic pots prior to moving day. Your plants and your back will thank you.
5. Load Everything Else Before Loading Your Houseplants
While some items deserve top billing when it comes to loading, your houseplants can afford to wait until the last minute. Houseplants can suffer if left in the back of a moving truck all day long. Instead, make your houseplants the last items to be loaded in the moving truck before setting off.
For additional information on how to handle a move, contact a company like Wheaton World Wide Moving.
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