As a plant lover, one of the many problems you might face is preparing to move your beloved plants to your new home. Plants are notoriously hard to pack for moving and empty plant pots are prone to breaking. When moving houses, plant lovers always wonder how they can pack their empty plant pots properly. We've done some digging to get the best packing techniques for your planters.
How To Pack Empty Plant Pots
- Fill the empty plant pot with packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Place a layer or two of honeycomb paper or packing paper on the floor.
- Lay the pot on its side on top of the packing paper starting from the edge.
- Roll the pot slowly towards the other end of the packing paper and make sure that it is wrapped fully around the pot.
- Tape the packing paper to secure it in place properly.
- Stretch the plastic wrap over the opening of the pot and wrap it all the way around. Wrap the entire pot in plastic wrap.
- For added protection, you can wrap the pot in bubble wrap.
- Place the pots into a moving box, ideally one pot per box to avoid breakage.
Packing up your plants for a move shouldn't have to be a complicated process. Whether it's just for a quick move or something that's for the long haul, we have the information you need to properly pack your plant pots. Please keep reading this article to learn more about keeping those precious pots intact for your new home.
How To Pack Empty Plant Pots For Moving
As homeowners, moving is one of the most tedious and time-consuming tasks you have to do. Not only do you have to pack the items inside your home, but you also have to pack those plants you've lovingly raised. Moving plants also means that you will have to pack the plant pots safely.
When packing your plants for a move, it is important to transfer your plants to a more pliable, non-breakable container like plastic pots. This will prevent the soil of your plants from going all over the place, something that might happen if you transport your plants in breakable pots.
Make sure to read up on how to prune your plants properly and trim their roots before moving. This will ensure that your plant will be at its healthiest during the move and when you re-plant them.
Packing Empty Plant Pots
After moving your plants from their original pots to plastic pots, clean out the now empty plant pots to make it easier for you to pack them. Wash out your pots and let them dry completely before packing.
One of the things that you should do before packing your pots is to group them by size. Grouping your plant pots by size will make the process easier and it will help you organize your packing materials properly.
If you have smaller, decorative pots, you should use cell dividers in your moving boxes to cushion them during the move. For bigger, heavier pots, prepare more bubble wrap and boxes that are big enough to protect them.
Materials:
- Moving boxes (appropriately sized for the pots)
- Cell dividers
- Bubble wrap
- Plastic wrap
- Packing tape
- Packing paper or honeycomb paper
- Packing peanuts
Instructions:
Fill the pot
Fill up your empty pots with crumpled paper or bubble wrap to provide a cushion to the pot's interior. This will prevent bumps on the moving boxes from cracking your fragile pots.
See this bubble wrap on Amazon.
Wrap in paper
Place a layer of packing paper or honeycomb paper flat on the floor. If you are packing plant pots that are quite heavy, make sure to put a few layers of paper to help protect the exterior of your pots. Standard-sized plant pots typically use about two or three layers of paper to wrap them completely.
Turn your pot on to its side and lay it on top of the packing paper. Carefully roll the pot until it reaches the other side of the paper, making sure that it covers the entire pot. Fold the top edges of the paper over the lip of the pot and underneath the bottom of the pot before taping it in place with packing tape.
Check out this honeycomb paper on Amazon.
Cover in plastic
Stretch a layer of plastic wrap over the top of the pot to cover the entire opening. Use a few layers of plastic wrap, enough for it not to be punctured upon slight contact. Wrap the entire pot in a couple of layers of plastic wrap to protect the plant pots.
If your plant pots are big or they are quite fragile (like ceramics or porcelain), make sure to wrap the plant pots in bubble wrap. This will provide even more cushioning to your pot when you place them inside the box.
Get this plastic wrap on Amazon.
Place in moving boxes
Place a few layers of packing paper inside your box before putting your plant pots inside. It is best to have just one pot per box to prevent breakage. However, if you need to put multiple pots in one box, make sure to put crumpled paper or packing peanuts as added protection.
For smaller, decorative pots, you can use a cell divider to separate the small plant pots before putting them inside the box. This will ensure that your small pots will not knock into each other during the move.
Check out these cell dividers on Amazon.
Can You Move Plants Without Taking Them Out Of The Pots?
Generally speaking, yes, you can move your plants without having to take them out of their pots. However, this will only work if the move isn't too far from your old home. Doing this for long-haul moving can damage your plants.
Group your plant pots by size to give you a sense of which ones can be grouped together in smaller containers. Bigger plants will need to be protected more securely during the move.
If you are simply moving through town, make sure to wrap your pots with packing paper or newspaper securely before putting them in open boxes. Nestle small plant pots together and make sure that the box does not have too much empty space for them to jostle around.
For taller, bigger plants, pack some sphagnum moss on the top of the pot. This will prevent your soil from spilling over during the move. Cover the top of the pot with some cardboard before wrapping the pot with packing paper and plastic.
Get this sphagnum moss on Amazon.
If your plants have tilted or uprooted themselves during the move, make sure to re-pot them immediately. Keep large plants upright all the time and secure the same sized pots together with rope or tape.
Tips for Moving House Plants
Plants can be quite fragile when transported. It isn't as simple as just packing them in place and moving. They also require care before, during, and after the move.
When moving your house plants from one place to another, make sure to check on them as soon as they reach their destination. Here are a few tips when moving house plants:
Give them time
Packing your plants for a move cannot be done overnight. Give yourselves about two to three weeks to re-pot them into plastic pots to help them settle before moving. Water your plants about two to three days before your move so that they aren't dry or soaking wet during the transport.
Load them quickly
Some plants do not like sudden changes in temperature and this is common during a move. Make sure to load the plants quickly in the truck to limit their exposure to cold temperatures too long. Upon reaching the destination, avoid moving the plant pots until they are fully acclimated.
Give protection
It is not only the plant pots that need protection during the move. Your plant itself will need to be protected from bumps and excessive movement while in the truck. You can visit your local greenhouse or plant nursery before the move to purchase some plant sleeves that will help cushion your plants.
Final Thoughts
Moving your plants from one home to another should be very easy, as long as there is proper planning. It is important to secure the pots with enough packing material to prevent breakage during the move.
Your house plants should do well when you've put them back in their proper pots, helping your new home become vibrant with your greenery.
