How To Transport Plants When Moving House

When moving with plants, it’s essential to take several factors into account, including the weather, temperature, and the type of transportation used. The materials chosen to protect your plants during the move are equally important.

With so many details to manage during a house move, it’s easy to forget about your plants. However, given the care and attention they’ve received over time, it’s crucial to plan their relocation properly. This will ensure they are moved safely without harm or damage.

In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to pack and move plants when relocating to a new home.

How to Transport Plants When Moving House

Before loading your plants, make sure to label the boxes clearly. Mark the top with "fragile" tape so the movers handle them with extra care. Whenever possible, bring the plants with you in the car instead of placing them in the moving van. This way, you can keep a closer eye on them and reduce the risk of damage.

Extreme temperatures—either hot or cold—can harm your plants. When transporting them yourself, try to control the temperature inside the vehicle to maintain a stable environment, especially for larger plants. Smaller potted plants can generally handle the conditions in the removal van, but larger plants will require more careful planning.

If you do need to place the plants in the van, be thoughtful about their arrangement. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the plant boxes to prevent damage. Pay attention to each plant’s needs, and try to place them in spaces that offer the right amount of sunlight.

For plants in boxes, avoid taping the tops shut to signal to movers that these boxes should not be stacked. To make your plants easier to transport, it's a good idea to skip watering them for a day or so before the move. This will lighten the soil and make the plants more manageable for the move.

When is the Best Time to Move Plants?

Ideally, you should aim to move plants during cooler times of the year, such as early spring or late autumn. These seasons help minimize disruption to your plants and give them the best chance to adjust to their new environment.

Between October and March, most plants enter a dormant phase. During this period, they are more adaptable and can cope better with the stress of being moved, making it an ideal time to relocate them. The milder weather and moderate temperatures of these months further support a smoother transition for your plants.

However, it's important to note that different plant species have varying dormant periods, so be sure to research the specific needs of your plants. If your move is happening at the last minute, it might not align with these optimal moving times. Understanding your plants’ care requirements is crucial to help them recover and thrive once settled in your new home.

When transporting plants, be mindful of extreme heat. Moving them in a hot car or truck can damage the foliage and even kill them, as they can’t withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures. To ensure their safety, make sure to move the plants as quickly as possible and maintain a temperature that is conducive to their survival.

Before Moving Day

Proper preparation is key when moving your plants, and it's important to plan ahead for the best way to transport them. The distance your plants need to travel will play a significant role in how you prepare them for the move.

For short-distance moves, the plants will need to be wrapped and secured to ensure their safety, but they won't require as much intensive care as they would for a long-distance journey. You can still ensure they are comfortable and well-protected during the short trip by using the right materials.

For long-distance moves, plants require more careful attention. They should be kept slightly moist, but not too wet, to prevent them from drying out during the journey. Proper airflow is crucial, so make sure they are placed in breathable boxes to allow oxygen flow. Wrapping the plants securely will help avoid damage, but providing enough ventilation is just as important to keep them healthy during the trip. Even for short-distance moves, it’s essential that the plants are able to breathe and remain comfortable during transport.

Consider the Right Removal Company (What Do They Offer?)

While many moving companies will move plants, it's important to note that not all removal services, particularly those for long-distance moves, will accommodate them. It's a good idea to check with the removal company directly before booking to ensure they can handle your plants.

Some premium or "white glove" delivery services may offer the transportation of live plants. However, these services are typically more expensive due to their specialized care.

Though some removal companies may offer packing services that include plants, it's less common. In most cases, you will need to prepare and pack your plants yourself. This involves wrapping larger plants securely and ensuring the boxes have adequate ventilation holes. Keep in mind that most moving vans are not temperature-controlled, which can put your plants at risk, particularly in extreme temperatures, like those experienced during summer.

Avoid placing your plants at the back of the van. This is because they are more vulnerable to being crushed. Additionally, the back of the van often has less airflow, which can create a harmful environment for your plants. Always ensure they are placed in a position where they will receive proper care and air circulation during the move.

How Early Should You Get Your Plants Ready?

Your plants should be one of the last things you pack to ensure they remain in their natural environment for as long as possible. The quicker they are packed, moved, and replanted, the better their chances of survival.

A few days before your move, start preparing your plants by placing them into their moving boxes. However, avoid sealing the boxes until just before you load them into the vehicle. This will allow them to have some air circulation and minimize stress before the move. Keeping them in their natural habitat for as long as possible helps to reduce any shock and gives them the best chance of thriving in their new location.

On Moving Day

On moving day, your goal is to get your plants moved as quickly and safely as possible. This ensures a smooth transition and allows you to focus on the other aspects of the move. Make sure to load the plants last, so they are the first items unloaded at the new home. By carefully loading and unloading the plants into the vehicle, you can help minimize stress and prevent damage, keeping your plants in the best condition for the journey ahead.

How to Pack Plants for Moving House

When packing plants for a move, it’s important to ensure they are well-prepared for the journey. Start by re-potting any plants in clay pots into shatter-proof plastic pots to prevent damage during transit. Not only will this help protect the pots, but it will also make the plants lighter and easier to handle.

Prune any dead or damaged leaves before packing to promote plant health and minimize the risk of damage. It’s also important to check for pests or insects that could cause an infestation at your new home.

For larger plants, wrap the branches in old bedding, tissue paper, or similar soft materials to protect them from breakage. When packing plants, use sturdy boxes, as the moisture from plants can weaken cardboard boxes. Place newspaper, bubble wrap, or packing paper between smaller plants to prevent movement during transit.

For delicate or fragile plants, consider using a dog crate, birdcage, or cat carrier. These containers allow the plants to breathe and also offer extra protection. Make sure to poke holes in the sides and lids of boxes or containers that hold your plants to ensure proper ventilation.

Finally, keep the plants in a dry area of your home for at least a week before the move. This will help them acclimate to a less humid environment and prepare them for the transition to your new home.

Tips on How to Avoid Damage When Moving Plants

Here are some helpful tips for moving plants during a house move:

Let the Estate Agent Know the Plants You’re Taking from the Garden

Before your moving date, it’s important to decide which plants you're taking with you. Make sure to inform your estate agent of your intentions regarding plants in the garden before the contracts are signed and exchanged.

When moving home, you’ll need to fill out a TA10 Form, which details the fixtures and fittings of the property. This form outlines what is and isn’t included in the sale of the property, and plants in the garden are part of this.

You must clearly state on the form which plants you're taking with you. Failing to do so can lead to misunderstandings or legal action from the buyer, who may have expected those plants to stay with the property.

Research the Climate You’re Moving To

Your plants may thrive in the climate of your current location, but if you're moving to a new area, they might not survive. For instance, if you're moving within the UK from the South to the North, plants like fig trees might struggle to grow in the cooler, less sunny environment.

It's crucial to research how the new climate will affect your plants. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight can greatly impact whether your plants will flourish or not in the new location. Based on your findings, decide which plants are worth taking with you and which ones may need to be left behind.

Check the Soil Type

If you're transferring plants to your new garden, it's important to check the soil type in your new location. Certain plants require soil with a specific pH level—either acidic or alkaline—to thrive. Before moving, ensure the soil in your new garden matches the needs of your plants. If not, you may need to amend the soil with additives to create the optimal growing conditions for your plants to survive and flourish.

Know Which Plants Can Be Uprooted

Before moving your plants, it's important to research which plants can be uprooted and transplanted and which ones should be propagated through cuttings instead. For plants that can be moved, ensure you take proper care when digging them up. Look up detailed instructions on how to take cuttings from your plants and keep them in a pot filled with compost to root.

According to plant and tree experts Ashridge Trees, it's helpful to imagine the roots extending as far as the branches and to dig accordingly. Younger trees under 5 years old can typically be moved with less stress, while older, more established plants may require specialist assistance to ensure a successful transplant.

Show Your Removal Company the Current Garden

nsure the removal company conducts a house removal survey before your moving day. This survey will allow them to assess exactly what you're taking with you and identify any specific needs for handling delicate and fragile plants.

It also gives them a better understanding of the space the plants will occupy during transport. If you have large potted plants or heavy ceramic pots, the movers may need special lifting equipment to safely move them without causing damage.

Know How Big Your New Garden Is

In addition to the soil type and climate, it's important to evaluate the size and shape of your new garden. This will help you determine if your plants are suitable for the new space. You should also consider where the sunlight hits most throughout the day, as different plants have varying light requirements. Some plants thrive in full sunlight, while others may need more shaded areas to flourish.

Keep Your Plants Well Hydrated

Moving house can disrupt your plants' regular watering routine, so it’s important to plan ahead. Before your move, make sure the plants you're transporting are adequately watered. However, a few days before the move, drain any potted plants to minimize their weight and reduce the risk of spillage during transit.

It's crucial not to let your indoor or outdoor plants dry out completely, as this can lead to damage or death. Using a water sprayer is an excellent way to keep your plants hydrated throughout the move, ensuring they stay in good condition until they can be replanted in their new home.

Know Which Plants You Should Avoid Moving

There are certain plants you should avoid bringing with you to your new home, especially invasive species like Japanese Knotweed. This plant can grow rapidly—up to 10cm a day—and can force its way through concrete, foundations, walls, and drains. Japanese Knotweed can cause serious damage, such as subsidence, cracks in brickwork, and dampness.

When moving plants, it's important to only bring native plants that are suitable for the area you're moving to. Invasive plants can harm local ecosystems, so avoid transferring any species that could negatively impact the environment. If you're moving within the UK, this should typically not be a concern, as long as you stick to suitable, non-invasive plants.

Unpacking Plants in Your New Home

Upon arrival at your new home, it's important to get your plants settled back into a similar environment as quickly as possible to increase their chances of surviving the move.

Unpack your plants carefully as soon as they're off the removal van, provided you have the space to do so safely. To prevent damage, remove plants from their containers by lifting them from the bottom rather than pulling them by the stems or leaves.

Once unpacked, return the plants to their original pots, and if needed, give them a gentle spray of water to help revitalise them. If you're moving on a warm day, be sure to water them to keep them hydrated.

Find the ideal spot for each plant in your new home, taking into account the amount of light and temperature they require. The goal is to replicate their previous growing conditions as much as possible.

Transplant shock can occur if the temperature or environmental conditions are different from what the plant is used to. While this can be stressful for the plant, it’s usually temporary. Keep an eye on their condition over the next few days and avoid moving them to a different room during this period, as plants need time to acclimatise to their new surroundings.