Moving Tip #7: Moving With Plants

photo courtesy of http://www.life123.com/home-garden/plant-guides/houseplants/houseplant-care-a-guide-to-healthy-houseplants.shtml

Often when I ask customers if they have any plants they say they'll take the plants themselves. I tend to think that's a good idea (unless they're fake of course!). Plants, like pets, are a very personal thing and you've invested a lot of time and effort to grow them and keep them healthy. A moving truck just isn't the ideal enviroment for them.

If you would like us to take your plants we are happy to do so. Please make sure that the pots are as clean as you can get them so they don't soil any of your other goods in transit. Tie off any delicate stalks to stakes or lattice work so that they are protected during the move. If you require overnight storage we would strongly suggest you do not have us leave your plants on our trucks overnight. The trucks aren't climate controlled so in the summer they get very stuffy and humid and in the winter they go below freezing.

If you are planning a long distance move across state lines its possible you'll need state of origin certifications for your plants. Trucks are inspected on highways and any plants on the truck can be inspected for pests. Whatever state you're moving to may have requirements and rules about what plants can come into their state due to pests or invasive species. Its a good idea to check the federal and state regulations on the plants you are planning to move. Checking federal and state regulations and arranging for any inspections or paperwork is the customer's responsibility, not the moving company's. Considering all that's involved with transporting plants across state lines you may want to consider donating or selling your plants and buying new, local species wherever your new home is.

If you choose to take your plants yourself you can treat them as you normally do since they'll just be making a trip in a car and you can regulate everything about their move. There are many, many website that offer expert advice on how to transplant plants or cuttings. Better Homes and Gardens is a favorite, but a quick Google search will reveal thousands more.