Will the Moving Company Also Move Your Plants?

Moving to a new home? Congratulations!

But what about your beautiful houseplants? You've invested time, energy, and money into cultivating them, and naturally, you want to take them with you. Moving houseplants, however, is not as simple as it might seem. You'll need to check with your moving company about their policies on transporting plants and consider any regulations regarding moving plants to a different location, especially for long-distance moves.

Do Moving Companies Move Plants as well?

At Two Small Men with Big Hearts, we do move plants! However, many moving companies have restrictions, so it's essential to confirm their policies before booking your move. While we are happy to transport your plants, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Fit Within the Box Area: Your plants must fit within the designated area of the truck for safe transport.

2. Temperature and Transport Rules: We are not arborists, so if you have concerns about temperature sensitivity or specific transport rules, consult your nearest greenhouse for advice.

Once you have the necessary instructions, inform us, and we'll prepare accordingly. Here are some key things to consider when moving your houseplants:

4 Things to Keep in Mind Before Moving Plants

Take Note of Provincial Regulations

If you’re moving to another province in Canada, you’ll need to check for restrictions on moving certain plants. Some regions require a certificate of inspection acknowledging that the plant isn’t diseased or bring any unwanted moths or other creatures that could contaminate the natural resources. For instance, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is regulated for three soil-borne quarantine pests – potato wart, golden cyst nematode and pale cyst nematode. Generally, spread through infested soil and items carrying infested soil, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the movement of soil and products from NL to the rest of Canada to save from these pests.

Maintaining the Right Temperature

Some plants need to be kept at the right temperature. This means they need a controlled space or else they’ll die. Moreover, some plants cannot survive in temperature below 30 degrees Fahrenheit or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s not a big problem if you are moving locally. Nevertheless, if you are moving long-distance, you might need to check for your plant’s ability to sustain differential temperatures during travel.

Keeping Plants Moist

Most plants can survive up to 10 days without water. However, some plant species need more water to survive. If your travel is a bit longer, calculate additional days in case the delivery of things might take longer time. After you have determined the days, your plants can survive without water decide whether or not it’s safe to transport your houseplants.

Transfer to Plastic Pots

Ceramic and clay pots can easily break in transit. It’s generally a good idea to transfer your plant to a plastic pot, as it can endure the harsh travel condition. Apart from that, be careful that repotting could be unsafe to your plant’s health. If you decide to take on this step, do it 2-3 weeks before the move, as it gives time to plants so that they can get used to a new pot.

Additional Tips for Moving Houseplants

— Inspect Your Plants: Check for any pests or diseases before the move to prevent spreading them to your new home.

— Label Your Plants: Clearly label each plant with care instructions to ensure they receive proper attention during the move.

— Transport Delicate Plants Separately: For particularly fragile or valuable plants, consider transporting them in your vehicle where you can control the environment.

Follow these instructions if you want to transport your lovelies to the new place safely. But if it sounds like too much work, consider giving them to your friends. If you need more advice regarding your plants, our team at Two Small Men with Big Hearts would be happy to assist – Get in touch now!