Move Plants Safely: The Ultimate Aussie Guide
For plant parents, our leafy friends aren’t just decorations; they’re part of the family. So when it’s time to move house, the thought of uprooting your beloved fiddle-leaf fig or prized monstera can be seriously stressful. Plants are sensitive, and the shock of a move can easily damage them.
But don’t start giving away your green babies just yet! With a bit of forward planning and the right techniques, you can move your entire indoor jungle to your new home safely and successfully. If you’re worried about transporting larger or more fragile plants, professional removalists can help ensure they make the journey without harm. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from pre-move prep to helping them settle into their new digs.
A Few Weeks Before the Move: Get Your Plants Ready
Moving day is tough on plants. The key to helping them survive is to make them as strong and healthy as possible beforehand.
1. Prune and Tidy Up
About two to three weeks before you move, give your plants a light haircut. Prune any dead leaves, branches, or old flowers. This makes them more compact and easier to pack, and it also directs the plant’s energy towards maintaining its healthy roots and leaves during the stressful move.
2. Check for Pests
The last thing you want to bring to your new home is a family of mealybugs or spider mites. Thoroughly inspect your plants—under leaves, along stems, and on the soil surface. If you find any pests, treat them now so you’re not dealing with an infestation amidst the unpacking chaos.
3. Rethink Your Pots
Heavy ceramic or terracotta pots are beautiful, but they are fragile and add a lot of weight. If you have plants in breakable pots, consider temporarily repotting them into lightweight plastic nursery pots a few weeks before the move. You can pack the decorative pots separately and safely. Important: Don’t repot your plants into a larger size right before a move; this adds too much stress.
4. The Big One: Check Interstate Quarantine Laws
This is a crucial step for anyone moving across state lines in Australia. Each state has strict quarantine laws to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Some plants, soil, and even pots are restricted. Before you even think about packing, visit the Australian Interstate Quarantine website to check the rules for your destination state. You may need to get your plants inspected or even wash the soil from their roots.
How to Pack Your Plants for Moving Day
Packing is the most critical stage. Your method will vary slightly depending on the size of the plant.
Your Packing Toolkit:
- Sturdy cardboard boxes (various sizes)
- Plastic nursery pots
- Packing paper or newspaper
- Bubble wrap or old towels/blankets for large pots
- Packing tape
- A permanent marker
The Day Before the Move: The Final Prep
Give your plants a moderate watering 24-48 hours before the move. You want the soil to be moist, but not soaking wet. Wet soil is heavy and can make a mess, while bone-dry soil can add stress to the plant.
Packing Small to Medium Plants:
- Protect the Pot: If the plant is in its original pot, wrap it in newspaper or bubble wrap to provide a cushion.
- Contain the Soil: Place a piece of cardboard or plastic wrap over the top of the soil to prevent it from spilling everywhere during transit.
- Create a Sleeve: For plants with delicate foliage, gently wrap the leaves and stems in packing paper to create a protective sleeve. This stops branches from snapping.
- Box It Up: Place the plant upright in a sturdy box. If there’s space around the pot, stuff it with crumpled newspaper or packing paper to stop it from sliding around. Don’t overcrowd the box.
- Label Clearly: Seal the box (you can leave the top open for airflow on short trips) and label it clearly on all sides: “FRAGILE – LIVE PLANT” and draw arrows for “THIS WAY UP.”
Packing Large and Tall Plants:
Large floor plants won’t fit in a box, so they need a different approach.
- Wrap the Pot: Protect the pot by wrapping it securely in a moving blanket or several layers of bubble wrap.
- Bundle the Foliage: Gently tie the branches upward using soft twine or wrap the entire plant loosely in an old bedsheet to protect the leaves and make it more streamlined.
- Use a Trolley: Use a dolly or appliance trolley to move the heavy pot, and never try to lift it by its stem.
Moving Day: The Journey
How your plants travel is just as important as how they are packed.
Your Car is the Best Option:
The safest place for your plants is in your own car. You can control the temperature, secure them on the floor or on a seat, and ensure they stay upright. It’s the VIP treatment they deserve.
If Using a Moving Truck:
This is riskier due to a lack of climate control and light. If you must use a removalist truck:
- Tell the movers the boxes contain live plants.
- Ensure they are loaded last and unloaded first.
- Wedge them securely between sturdy items so they cannot tip over.
After the Move: Helping Your Plants Acclimatise
You’ve made it! But the job isn’t quite done.
- Unpack Immediately: Your plants should be the first thing you unpack. Free them from their boxes and wrappings as soon as possible.
- Inspect for Damage: Check for any broken stems or leaves and prune them off cleanly.
- Find a Temporary Home: Place them in a sheltered spot away from direct, harsh sunlight for the first few days. They’ve been in the dark and can get sunburnt easily.
- Hold Off on Repotting: Resist the urge to repot them into their fancy pots straight away. Let them recover from the moving shock for at least a week or two.
- Water Sparingly: The plants will be stressed, so don’t overwater them. Check the soil and water only when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can plants survive in a moving box?
Most hardy houseplants can survive for 2-3 days in a dark box, but it’s not ideal. Delicate plants may start to suffer after just 24 hours. Aim to unpack them on the same day you move.
Can removalists move my plants?
Some professional movers will, but many won’t, as they can’t guarantee the plants’ survival and aren’t covered by insurance. Always check with your moving company beforehand.
What’s the best way to move cuttings or seedlings?
For very small or delicate plants, place them in a box with dividers, like a wine box, to keep each small pot separate and secure.
Is it a good idea to take cuttings before I move?
Yes! For very precious or fragile plants, taking a few cuttings a few weeks before the move is a great insurance policy. You can transport them easily in a jar of water, so even if the mother plant doesn’t make it, you haven’t lost it completely.
