When we move to a new home, we usually worry about the furniture and other belongings we own but we rarely give much thought to any plants we own since at this time there are other priorities which go first on the list. If and when we do decide to move those plants, then we understand that they need a little more care than just putting them in the back of our car. Anyone who’s dealt with removals knows they are fragile things and they require a lot of care so they can get to their new destination safe and sound. Here are some tips on how to achieve that:

1. Consider which plants are suitable for your new home
As much as you might love your nice collection of plants you have to take a realistic assessment on how many of them you can keep after all. Consider what space you have and the lighting of the new apartment or house and the climate of the new destination. Also do keep in mind that shipping plants abroad can be very costly and in some countries even forbidden – for example the US forbids any kind of seeds from entering via plane.

2. Get the plants ready weeks beforehand
Make sure you prune them and clean up any dead branches and leaves that hang from them or diseases they carry. This will make them easier to manage once moving day arrives and you will avoid it later.

3. Digging up plants requires some planning
Try to do this months ahead of time if possible so they can adapt better to being uprooted. Make sure you wrap their root ball in burlap cloth and keep it moist at all times, but don’t drown in with water. Avoid moving the plants unless absolutely necessary.

4. Do some pest control
Check your plants for pests like aphids and other insects which feed and thrive on house plants. Do your best to eliminate the infestation and if all else fails leave the affected plants behind to keep the infestation from transferring to your other plants in your new home. It is possible to defeat infestations by placing the plant and soil in a black or any other opaque plastic bag with a flea collar overnight to force the pests to abandon the plant.

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5. Place the plants in cardboard boxes
They are good for transportation since they can allow some breathing room. Place the plants withing with sheets of moistened newspaper or other paper to keep the plants in place. Another thing you can also do to keep them safe is to place some dampened paper between the leaves to keep them hydrated. Remember to mark the boxes clearly with: “Plants, handle with care”

6. Close the boxes only on the moving day
Let them breathe until the last moment and spray them with water right before closing the boxes. Make sure you punch some breathing holes so they can get enough air.

7. Unpack your plants right away
It is imperative to do this as soon as they arrive and it should be a top priority for you. Needless to say your plants will need the air and sunlight they need, so make sure they get it. Also remember whether your plants prefer abundant light or shadows.