Plants tend to be the last thing people think about when organising a move, and they also tend to be what arrives in the worst shape. Not for lack of care, but for lack of preparation. Moving plants isn’t complicated if you get a few things right before the lorry arrives.
A move with plants has its rules. Few, but important.
The week before: less water, firmer soil
The first piece of advice is to cut back on watering in the days before the move. A well-hydrated plant weighs more and, above all, damp soil tends to come loose during transport, which makes the pot unstable and can damage the roots.
If the plant is in a large plastic pot, check that the soil won’t spill out with a sudden movement. You can cover the surface of the soil with newspaper taped in place, leaving the stem free. It’s not the prettiest solution, but it works very well for short trips.
Moving day: how to move pots without damaging them
Plants shouldn’t travel inside the lorry if the journey is long or the weather is hot. In July, the inside of a closed vehicle can reach temperatures that damage the leaves and root system within a few hours. If the move takes a single day, the safest option is to carry them in your own car, with ventilation.
For small or medium pots, a cardboard box with holes in the sides is enough to hold them in place during the trip. For large ones, it’s best to wrap them loosely in film, or simply secure them with wedges in the boot so they don’t tip over.
Plants with thorns or long branches deserve special attention. Wrap them in newspaper or in a large open bag to stop them from damaging other things or snapping their own stems on the turns.
Which plants are better left behind
Not every plant is worth the effort of moving. Those that have been in the same pot for a long time and have very developed roots can suffer badly with the change. If they look unhealthy or haven’t grown in months, it may be a good time to let them go.
You also need to bear in mind the restrictions on moving plants between regions or countries. Within Spain there usually aren’t any problems, but if the move with plants crosses a border, some species require a phytosanitary certificate. If in doubt, check with the company before packing them.
Mudanzas Trallero can advise you on how to include your plants in the service if they’re part of the volume of the move. The best thing is to mention it when you request a quote so the team can factor it into the planning for the day.
Make your move easier with useful tips
Every detail you sort out before moving day is one less problem during the move itself. Plants are one of those details that, with a little preparation, arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
Make your move easier with useful tips alongside the Mudanzas Trallero team, and ask us anything about special items. We’re here to make sure your move goes exactly as you hope.
