How Do You Transport Large Potted Plants When Moving House?

During a house move, you already have the stress and pressure of relocating your belongings and ensuring your family and pets can make the journey peacefully. Thus, when you have large potted plants, it can add to your moving anxiety.

Plants are fragile, and most of their issues stem from environmental stress, which is extreme while moving. Environmental stressors such as poor exposure to sunlight, no water, humidity, temperature etc., can weaken plants and even cause sudden wilting.

You can hire professional removalists Sydney with expertise in moving plants without damage. However, removalists can charge more because the process requires extra time, energy and effort. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for people to pack and move plants themselves.

If you choose to move plants yourself, there are many things to keep in mind and do to protect your large potted plants during handling and transportation.

Thus, here is your complete guide outlining expert tips.

Know the Rules About Biosecurity for an Interstate Move

Every Australian state has biosecurity rules and regulations to protect crops, plants and livestock from pests and diseases. Therefore, if you relocate to another city, knowing its restricted areas, biosecurity zones, and laws is crucial.

If you plan to move to Sydney or within New South Wales, look at the moving conditions and restrictions for potted plants, plant products, soil, and related items. Contact a biosecurity officer if you need clarification and guidance to prepare well for moving plants and avoid violations.

Prep The Plants for Travel

Moving small potted plants is easier than large ones. Therefore, if you have multiple pots of plants that are big and bulky, prepare to move them with these tips.

• If you repot the plants in plastic and shock-proof containers, do it at least three weeks before moving. Plants can suffer shock and rot if repotted and unable to adjust.
• Start pruning the plants at least two weeks to remove dead leaves, branches and flowers. It will also keep them from fanning or branching out too much. Pruning will keep the plants manageable.
• A week before moving, inspect the plants for pests, common diseases and parasites. If you have pesticides or fertilisers left after putting them in the plants, dispose of them because removalists in Sydney don’t move them.
• Water the plants for the last time before moving. Do this at least 2-3 days prior to prevent the soil from being mushy or leaking. Extremely wet plants also risk freezing in cold weather or developing mould in hot seasons.

Arrange A Temperature Controlled Vehicle

Small plants can travel in personal vehicles, but moving large potted plants can be challenging. If you can make round trips with a spacious vehicle, keep the plants in the back.

Never keep plants in the trunk because it isn’t temperature controlled, and your plants can die. If your personal vehicle is not spacious enough to transport the plants, see if you can arrange a van. You can rent a moving van, but if a friend or family member has it, request it to save money.

Pack The Plants and Pots

If you have repotted the plants into plastic containers, pack the ceramic pots after cleaning them. Secure the pots with plastic sheets and bubble wrap before placing them inside moving boxes. Next, pack the potted plants using the following steps.

• Place the planted pots in a plastic bag and cover the entire container and plant. Tie the bag at the top with a threat or rubber band. Make sure the bag has a small hole at the top to let the plant breathe.
• Get moving boxes that can snugly fit the plants. Line these boxes with plastic bags to prevent soil from getting out. It is also helpful when moving in the rain.
• Stuff the empty spaces with newspaper or packing peanuts to keep the plants from jostling violently during transit.
• Label the boxes with plants well to get them loaded on the moving vehicle last and unloaded first upon arrival at the new home.

Pack Plants Last & Unpack First

Following this rule when moving will decide the fate of your potted plants. Make sure to pack the plants only one day before moving to ensure they can get light and air. Do this, even if you are moving a short distance. After packing plants, poke holes in the moving boxes to allow the plants air to breathe and survive transportation.

Once you have loaded the plants on the moving vehicle, keep it temperature controlled to avoid plants from freezing or getting extremely hot. Also, unpack your plants immediately after you arrive at the new home. If you hire removalists in Sydney to unpack, then ask them to unwrap the plants and place them in a ventilated area.

Endnote

Handling and transporting plants is challenging, especially when they are large and bulky. They are among items that are harder to move than you think. Therefore, hire professional removalists in Sydney to move plants but if you don’t want to spend more than necessary, use this guide to transport large potted plants when moving house like a pro.