'Do you move pot plants?' has been a very popular question amongst our customers these past few weeks. The answer is, yes we do. Keep in mind though, it is very important to show your movers all pot plants which require moving. Puzzling as it may be, pot plants take up most of the room inside a truck - as it is not physically possible to stack anything on top of them.
Like other fragile items such as antiques and glassware, moving plants need special attention. Consider whether you really need to take every single plant or if you can suffice with a cutting and starting again.
If you have a large number of pot plants for moving, Your Local Movers recommend supplying a ute for transporting them safely. Not only will it avoid movement and damage to your plants or furniture and boxes, it also allows more room in the truck for the rest of your belongings such as the BBQ, bicycles and even camping gear.
Useful tips for preparing plants before moving:
1. If you have plants in older terracotta pots or plastic pots that have been exposed to the weather for a long time, chances are the pots will crack when being transported. Re-pot your plants into new plastic containers. You can always re-pot the plants into new ceramic pots after you have settled in.
2. If needed, give your plants a prune. This will allow them to compact and fit together more easily inside the removal truck or ute.
3. Remove any pests or parasites carefully using gardening gloves and tools. Check again a day or two prior to moving day.
4. Water the plants a couple of days before the move. Do not water them the day or day prior to the move. If they start to look a bit wilted or sad before moving, give the foliage a quick spray of water using a spray bottle.
5. Place plants in boxes that have been lined or pots wrapped in plastic to avoid debris spillage and damage to your furniture. Cushion gaps between pot and box with bubble wrap or crushed newspaper to keep the plant from tipping over.
6. Place several layers of soaked newspaper on top of the dirt around the base of the plant to keep the soil from spilling. This will also keep the plant hydrated if moving on a hot day.
7. Wrap the foliage in plastic to protect the leaves and branches. Poke holes in the plastic to allow airflow.
8. Unpack and unwrap the plants as soon as your movers have left. Place them in areas of the garden out of direct sunlight.
If you are planning on moving small items including boxes and pot plants prior to your movers arrival, get some sturdy boxes and line them with plastic and place your plants inside. Cushion between the plant and box using crushed newspaper or plastic bags to minimise movement during transporting. Place plastic bags over the foliage to avoid debris in your car, but poke a few holes in the plastic so the plants can breath. Put them in the boot, back seat or the taller ones on the floor of your car.
Your Local Movers can cater for relocating large or small pot plant as part of your relocation. Ask about our ute service by giving us a call or dropping us an email today.