If you’ve ever looked around a house and thought it could use a little something extra, that missing piece is probably a few plants. Plants provide a calming presence in both your home and your garden and also several health and well-being benefits. They can sharpen your concentration, make you more productive and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. With so many beautiful, easy-to-care-for plants to choose from in Australia, it’s easy to add the tranquil presence of plants to your space. Yet sooner or later, there’s another side many of us have to grapple with: the issue of moving plants.
Moving is a major endeavour, and moving plants adds another layer of complications to what many people consider one of the most stressful events of their lives. Yet Australians are ready movers, with the average person moving about 13 times in their lifetime.
Moving is tough on plants as well as people. Luckily, it’s entirely possible to move house in Australia with plants. You just have to be mindful of some things, especially as far as moving interstate goes.
With more than 10,000 happy customers behind us, Ready Movers are experts at this point and can explain the dos, don’ts, and can’ts of moving plants.
What to Consider When Moving Plants
What’s the best way to move plants when moving house? And can you move house plants across state lines? Here’s a list of some of the most important factors you may have to consider when making your own move with plants in tow.
Interstate moves
Moving plants interstate is a tricky business. Every Australian state applies quarantine conditions on the movements of plants, and conditions can differ from state to state. You’ll need to contact the local quarantine regulator in the state you plan to move to in order to find out the plant quarantine conditions and what you need to do to meet them. For plant material that’s restricted under quarantine conditions, you’ll need to acquire a certificate declaring that the plant you plan to move is free from pests, diseases and weeds.
House or garden plants
Any plants that were in the ground during your open inspection days will most likely have to stay there. Unless you come to an agreement beforehand, you won’t be able to dig up and transport your favourite rose bush.
However, indoor and potted plants are fair game as long as you shift them into shatter-proof plastic pots. Ceramic and clay pots are too prone to shifting and breaking for the moving truck.
Climate
Australia has a number of different climate zones, and major variations exist in things like temperature and rainfall. While some plants may thrive in the region, you’re moving to; others may not flourish so easily.
Insects
You may not be moving far, but it’s still wise to check your plants for insects before you move. You don’t want to accidentally spread any unwanted pests to a new neighbourhood.
Watering
Water your plants as normal around three days before you move. This will ensure they stay hydrated while you relocate—just make sure you don’t overwater them.
Make sure plants are secure
Larger plants may require some additional security during the move in the form of wrapping in a bed sheet or something similar. Find a suitable-size moving box for the plants and secure them by placing packing material around the base. When you label the box, it pays to include some notes about the plant’s care routine so you can pick up where you left off at the other end.
Things to Avoid When Moving Plants
The further away you’re moving, the more important it is to exercise caution when transporting plants from place to place. Some things to avoid when moving plants, especially long-distance, include:
Leaving your plants exposed to the elements
If possible, let your plants be the first things in and the last things out of the moving van or close to it. Don’t leave plants on the footpath exposed to sun or rain for too long while you’re moving your possessions into your new place.
Letting foliage touch the sides of the van
A lot of moving vans aren’t insulated, and the sides of the van can be a little too hot in summer and a little too cold in winter for your plants.
Don’t keep plants in dark and humid conditions for too long
If you’re moving across the country or a long way away, consider the environment they will be travelling in. Some plants shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight for too long. Others fare worse for wear in humid and dark environments and may need to be transported in an open-air truck.
Poor packaging
It’s never a good time to be lax on packing materials, especially when you have plants to move. Make sure you use sturdy cushioned boxes to prevent them from tipping over or suffering other damage.
Will a Removalist Transport Plants?
Whether or not a removalist can transport plants depends on the company. While some have specific rules and regulations when it comes to moving plants, others may not and some may not move them at all.
Ready Movers is happy to transport your pot plants as long as the pots are structurally sound, easily accessible and handled with a fridge trolley across level surfaces. However, if you’re moving interstate or internationally, border restrictions may apply and you may have to seek your own certificate for moving plants long distance. If you’re unsure, ask one of our friendly consultants for advice.
Take the Stress Out Of Your Move with Ready Movers
Moving house is always a huge endeavour, whether or not you have plants involved. Let’s face it, you have other things to focus on. We all do. Luckily Ready Movers can take the weight of the move off your shoulders, offering a seamless and stress-free experience with our home removalist services.
Ready Movers is equipped to handle all kinds of residential relocations, from single-room moves to entire households. We have trained and professional staff and can provide you with after-hours and weekend moves if you need them. Tailored to your unique requirements, our perks include our no-damage written guarantee, full pack and move service, and your own dedicated move manager.
Ready Movers don’t just cover residential moves, either. Whether it’s interstate or to a different office in the same building, no one handles office relocations quite like us. Our commercial office and business moving services include professional and trained staff, onsite inspections and quotes, and a full pack and move service. Our professional and reliable crew is available after hours and on weekends if necessary. We can also provide a full pack and move service.
Want to find out more or get started on the process of moving your plants? Contact the Ready Movers team for a free moving quote.
