The good news is that you can move your plants when relocating. However, you’ll need to notify your prospective movers before you book. Additionally, make sure you discuss with your estate agent to avoid issues.
Without further ado, here’s Move, Store & More’s guide on moving with your plants.
Relocating and Taking Your Beloved Plant Collection –
When hunting for popular relocation searches, this was a hot topic that demanded our attention. Cultivating a garden takes enormous amounts of dedication, and people spend countless hours tending to their plants and flowers. The last thing plant lovers want to consider is leaving their creations behind when they move out.
However, it’s not always possible for you can do this, and it’s wise to manage expectations early. You’ll need to undertake research and actively seek out information outside of Google. You might need to take action early and create an estate agent’s intention list if you’re selling. Plus, you’ll need to hire a removals provider who can (and will) accommodate plants in their vehicle.
You won’t be able to store plants, so remember this when organising your relocation.
Move, Store & More’s #1 Tip – Take Control of the Process.
– the movers aren’t responsible for the specifics of your move. As always, Move, Store & More’s mission is to help as many people as possible. It’s time to explore the ins and outs of moving with plants.
Early Action – Start Planning Today –
There’s no time like the present, so take advantage of the initial motivational drive that happens when we’re focused. You know your goal, but there are some unfamiliar steps to work through before you make any decisions. Start by listing everything down, and bullet points will do. We’re now creating a moving checklist that will act as your guide for the whole relocation.
You’ll find plenty of articles and tips online to download and use, some with videos for anyone who prefers visual cues. Some similarities are valid for every relocation; others have specific actions and considerations. Take each bullet point and add more detail to flesh out every task.
Combine this evolving list with a blank calendar so that you can calculate the exact number of days between now and your move.
Move, Store & More’s #2 Tip – create an inventory of all your plants and flowers –
– this is something you can start today. Research what is durable enough to survive the journey and others that might need additional preparation. It’s important to know things like the individual root and branch lengths, in addition to any relevant information on every species.
Plant Preparation and Uprooting Tips –
When moving any type of plant, the issue you face is that they settle into their environment. This makes unsettling them problematic. You’ll need lots of preparation before, during and after the move. One of the key points is ensuring they have the right amount of hydration. Pack them to consider their protection without restricting airflow.
You can look into consulting an expert for specific information on the differences between your plants, flowers, shrubs and trees. There are different levels of care and watering necessary. Indoor and outdoor pot plants must be thorough and checked for cracks or damage. Remember to replace any containers that have defects.
The ground around the plant should be damp before you break soil, digging as far around the plant as possible. The roots need moisture, so cover them in the mud before wrapping them in a layer of damp sacking. Add another layer of bubble wrap and double up during autumn or winter relocations to limit the cold temperature.
Your plants and flowers must have enough hydration to last until you reach your new home, so consider investing in a canister that has a spray function. Additionally, allow for enough hydration without over-watering the plant.
Selling Your Home? Liaise with your Estate Agent –
This is far more pertinent than you might realise, and it might affect the way you market your house. Selling your home involves entering into an agreement with the buyer. When a viewing happens, there’s an assumption that the property’s aspects will remain precisely the same. If the buyer then realises the garden’s entirety is no longer there, they could take legal action.
This is the most extreme example, but it’s worth highlighting how things can go if you don’t notify each party of your intentions. You’ll cover yourself for any legal issues by doing this from the start. It’s always better to approach things transparently and honestly. Yes, this might result in fewer viewings, or you’ll have to come to a compromise wherever possible.
There is another route you should ponder – what if you could offer some form of agreement?
Move, Store & More’s #3 Tip – replace all plants and flowers with substitute options –
– would you be prepared to plant some replacements before you go? It would be a great way to bridge the issue and help buyer confidence. You’ll be offering an olive branch that positively frames you by suggesting this. You love your plants and flowers, but you also want to give the next owner a garden to work with.
Discuss the Details with the Removals Company –
Move, Store & More’s #4 Tip – inform potential removers of your plan straight away –
– don’t forget to give your removals company a heads up! They might need to bring additional equipment and packing materials. They might also have some savvy tips to help you prepare for relocation. But you don’t want them to turn up unprepared or unaware of your intention of moving with plants and flowers.
One of the main things to consider is that not all removals companies offer this service. It will help if you rule out unsuitable providers early, freeing you up to find the right company. It’s also an excellent way to segue into requesting quotes as you discuss their range of services. Also, necessary to have several prices to compare.
Removers aren’t responsible for your plants’ preparation, and most will ask you to read up on each species. Their experience is moving, not horticulture, which means it’s your responsibility to ensure the plants are ready. Loading, transport, and unloading is their remit, and they’ll be able to arrange the vehicle to avoid any contact during the transit stage.
Do This When You Arrive and Unpack –
The first thing you should do when everything is out of the removal van is to remove the plants from any packaging. Do this straight away, then water and give them the relevant plant food. Please keep them in their travelling pots and try to wait at least a week before repotting them into original holders. You can double-check the outside soil in your new garden to check if it’s suitable for your plants.
Moving is a traumatic experience for plants, and there’s always the chance some won’t make it. They aren’t durable, and the process of uprooting and preparation is enough to damage them. Allow them time to recover and get used to their new surroundings. The same goes for you, as you’ll need time to figure out the new outdoor spaces.
It might be necessary to contact a professional if you see warning signs they are not coping with the relocation. The soil might be a factor for certain species, and it might require some additional fertiliser or treatment. With some patience and TLC, you’ll be able to build a new garden around your favourite plants and flowers.
Move, Store & More – Helping Plant Lovers Relocate –
It makes sense that you want to take your beloved plants and garden items with you. But it’s also a good idea to cover your back regarding a house sale and outdoor expectations. In the current climate, people care more about back garden spaces. They’ll likely assume the garden comes with the property.
It’s a good idea to offer a replacement if you’re desperate to take your current plants. It’s a little more effort on your part, but it could seal the deal. Your prospective buyer will likely respond well to someone willing to do this.
It’s our mission to dig through the removals and storage information that’s out there amongst the sea of Google information. We hope you found this article helpful and have a better idea of how to begin the process of taking your plants with you when relocating. Drop us a DM if we didn’t cover a specific part of this topic you need some assistance with. We’re also happy to discuss anything else in relation to moving and storing.
We’ll be back with a new blog shortly. Until then, go well, and we hope you’ll Move, Store & More with us soon.