Houseplants are easy to forget until the furniture is on the van and the windowsill is still full. A little prep keeps leaves intact and soil in the pot during house removals.
Prep in the week before
Check each plant for pests so you are not taking an infestation to the new address. Trim dead leaves. Wipe pots. If a plant is root-bound and due for a new pot, wait until after the move unless you enjoy packing loose compost.
Water lightly the day before. Wet soil drips through cardboard and makes boxes collapse. Bone-dry plants suffer in a warm van. Aim for damp, not soaked.
How to pack pots
Stand pots upright in open crates or shallow boxes so they cannot tip. Fill gaps with paper or soft cloth so pots do not knock. Tall plants may need the top loosely sleeved in paper to stop branches snagging door frames. Do not seal plants in airtight plastic for hours.
Label crates “plants - this way up”. Tell the crew which crates are plants so they are not stacked under wardrobes.
Van placement and weather
Plants prefer a short time in the van. On a local hop around Wickersley, Bramley or Swallownest they often travel fine near the back for quicker unloading. In hot weather, avoid leaving them in a closed van while furniture is still being stacked for a long pause. In frost, keep them off a freezing metal floor if you can.
Large specimens and irregular shapes sometimes fit better in your own car where you control heat and stops. That is a judgement call, not a rule.
At the new house
Unload plants early if the rooms are ready. Keep them out of direct midday sun while they adjust. Wait a few days before heavy watering or repotting so roots settle.
Insurance is provided for the move. Ask us what is covered when you book, including whether plants are included. Get a free quote. Call 01709645786.
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