Studies show that 1 of every 3 Americans under age 40 own at least one household plant. In fact, the number of homeowners also owning plants has steadily been on the rise since the pandemic, with 66% of Americans now proudly calling themselves a "plant parent." 

As the name suggests, plant parents are typically very fond of their leafy children, so when the time comes to uproot and move to a new residence, it can be worth making note of the easiest and most gentle ways to move our indoor plants.

American Fargo has been Miami's trusted residential moving company since our inception back in 1949 thanks to our customer-driven solutions, thorough packing and moving services, and industry expertise. As ProMovers with the American Trucking Association's Moving & Storage Conference, we can walk any homeowner through the best methods for seamlessly relocating their beloved plants.

Wrap and Enclose the Base of Your Plants

The first thing you'll want to do to ensure a seamless move with plants is making sure the soil stays inside the pot. Take a plastic bag or something similar, and enclose the entire pot and tie it off well above the soil line. 

If you're planning on moving taller plants in a personal vehicle, they typically have to be slanted to one side in order to fit, which is why it's handy to have the soil completely encased beforehand!

Transport Your Plants with Care

Another way to keep your plants safe and sound during a relocation is to be mindful of the way you're carrying and transporting them. Instead of cramming your delicate plant inside a small box, find a soft-sided bag or something similar to allow ample room for branches, leaves and other foliage, ensuring that it will look as healthy and vibrant after the move as it did before.

Additionally, make sure that your plant is protected inside your vehicle. If it is tipped slightly on its side, pad the trunk of your plant with bubble wrap or towels so that the delicate foliage isn't bearing the full weight of the rest of the plant.

Consider the Outdoor Weather and Elements

Our indoor plants aren't used to constant exposure to the outdoor elements, so you'll want to consider how long your plant will be in transport and what the weather is like at the time of your relocation. Some issues plant owners could run into include:

  • Direct Sunlight: If your plants are used to receiving sunlight through a window, direct sun may be too intense for it to handle. If your plant needs to spend time outside while you're moving, consider covering it to reduce exposure.
  • Hot Car Rides: If you are moving during the warmer, summer months, your plants cannot be left inside your car for the same reason as your pets—they could be susceptible to overheating and permanent damage!
  • Winter Temperatures: If your move falls on a bitter cold day, even the slightest exposure could permanently damage the foliage of your plant. Reduce the amount of time they'll be exposed to the cold temperature and keep them covered during transport.

Let the Professionals Handle It

If you're already enlisting the help of an experienced moving and storage company for your relocation, our final tip is to let the professionals take the lead. Their trucks have far more space than the average personal vehicle, and movers have most likely transported their fair share of household plants, so chances are they'll know how to safely get your plants to your new residence.

American Fargo offers full-service moving options, which allow us to handle these types of specific situations for our valued customers. Our thorough packing services include hand-wrapping fragile items and devising custom crating for unique and irreplaceable belongings, making our processes a perfect fit for your household relocation that includes one or more potted plants. 

Call American Fargo today for a free estimate on any of our moving and storage services, and hear more about what we can do for your upcoming relocation!