How to Care For Your Plants When Moving Home

With all of the chaos that comes with moving, it’s easy to forget about your plants. But, let’s face it, moving into a new home without even a single touch of greenery can feel quite drab and empty.

If you’ve ever wondered about how to keep your treasured garden plants safe during a move, we’ve got you covered! Here are some tips to take care of your plants when moving.

1. Research the best plants for your new home and climate.

Don’t just start packing your entire garden. It’s important to make sure the plants you’re bringing can thrive in their new environment.

Many people make the mistake of disregarding the weather in their new location. Your destination may have moderate weather at present, but you’ll need to ensure that it stays that way all year round or that your plants can withstand seasonal changes.

Fortunately, most houseplants can survive regulated temperature conditions at home. But for garden plants, a new climate can mean drastic changes in temperature, humidity, and light exposure that can be dangerous to your green friend.

Therefore, it’s important to narrow your options for plants that will thrive in your new home before you start packing them up.

2. Consider pruning before moving.

We get it. Pruning your plants may seem like a lot of work during the days leading up to the move. But if you prioritise the safety of your plants, you’ll reap the reward of a green and lush new home.

Pruning helps make your plant more manageable to transport, which is extremely helpful with all the other furniture pieces you have to worry about on moving day. It also helps reduce the chances of your plant getting damaged during transit.

For a more detailed checklist on what to do during moving day, this moving house guide can fill you in.

3. Hydrate your plans three days before the move (and not any sooner).

Newly-hydrated potted plants can cause leakages to fill at the bottom, which is the last thing you want on moving day.

To avoid this, water your plants three days before the move but not any sooner. This will give ample time for water to be absorbed by the plant without making the pot too heavy to carry. It also ensures that there won’t be any spillages on moving day itself.

4. Wrap larger plants in cardboard and used newspaper.

If you plan to bring larger plants with you on moving day, make sure they’re properly secured. A well-fitted cardboard box or crate will do the trick.

For the leaves, consider wrapping larger plants in old newspapers for added protection. You wouldn’t want the leaves to get squashed, so make sure you fit the material snugly around the plant. This will help protect your plants from getting scratched or damaged during transit. It also prevents them from shedding leaves and petals from weather exposure and scratches.

If you own a large, sprawled plant, use a set of cable ties or twine to bundle the leaves together. This will prevent them from moving around during transit.

5. Get an expert’s help

If you have more delicate plants that you can’t care for all by yourself, it may be best to leave them in the care of a professional.

Most moving companies are well-equipped to relocate just about anything to their new homes, including plants and flowers, without causing any damage.

This is a great option if you’re not sure how to care for your plants during the move or if you simply don’t have the time to do it yourself. If you have any special conditions, you can also provide a general list of instructions on how to handle your little green buddies.

6. Don’t immediately go back to routine

Instead of going back to the swing of things, take a step back from your usual watering and fertilising schedule. Give your plants some time to adjust to their new surroundings. This way, you won’t overstress them and cause any irreversible damage.

Observe your plants closely for the first few days and water them only when necessary. 

For light and water, expose them to a moderate level of light from their transport pot for around a week or so and use a mister to keep the leaves hydrated and prevent them from drying out.

7. Let them settle in for a month or two

It takes around a month or two for plants to fully adjust to a new environment. During this time, make sure you avoid any drastic changes, such as pruning or rehousing them. This will stress them out. 

Instead, give them enough time to fully acclimatise and grow accustomed to their new homes.

You should also check for pests and diseases regularly. These can be more prevalent in new environments, so keep a close eye out for any changes in your plant’s appearance.