The Ultimate Guide to Moving with Plants

Quick answer: To move plants long distance, prune and repot into plastic pots a few weeks ahead, water before travel, wrap and secure them so they don’t shift, manage temperature in transit, and check provincial rules. With planning, most houseplants survive the move and settle into your new home.

Moving to a new home can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially when you’ve nurtured a collection of plants that feel like part of the family. Leaving them behind can feel heartbreaking, but bringing them along on a long-distance move can seem daunting.

The good news is, with a bit of planning and care, you can successfully relocate your leafy companions to your new home. This guide will walk you through the process, offering practical tips and emotional support to ensure both you and your plants thrive in your new environment.

How do I prepare my plants for a long-distance move?

Moving doesn’t mean you have to leave all your green companions behind. With a bit of planning, you can bring many of your beloved plants to your new home. Here’s how to make the process less stressful:

How do I assess my plant collection before moving?

Consider Plant Health: Start by evaluating the health and hardiness of your plants. Young, established plants in good condition are better candidates for a long-distance move than those that are very old, fragile, or diseased.

Research Regulations: Check the regulations of your new province regarding plant transportation. Some provinces have restrictions on specific species to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.

Think About Your New Home: Consider the climate and growing conditions in your new location. Will your plants thrive there? Do you have suitable space for them indoors or outdoors?

Decide Who Stays and Who Goes

Prioritize Favourites: If you can’t take all your plants, prioritize your favourites and those most likely to survive the journey.

Find New Homes: For the plants you can’t take, find them loving new homes. Consider gifting them to friends, family, or neighbours, or donating them to local schools, hospitals, or community gardens.

Take Cuttings: If possible, take cuttings of your favourite plants to replant in your new home. This way, you can still enjoy a piece of your old garden even if the original plants can’t make the move.

Prepare Your Plants for the Journey

Repot into Durable Containers: Repot plants into lightweight, shatterproof containers with drainage holes. This will make them easier to transport and reduce the risk of damage during the move.

Prune and Clean: Prune back overgrown plants to make them more manageable and remove any dead or diseased leaves. Clean the remaining leaves to get rid of pests and dust.

Reduce Watering: In the days leading up to the move, reduce watering to prevent soil from becoming too heavy and soggy.

By carefully assessing your plant collection, making thoughtful decisions about which plants to take, and preparing them properly for the journey, you can ensure a smoother transition for your green companions to their new home.

Bringing Your Green Companions: Why Plants Matter During a Move

Moving can disrupt routines, create feelings of unfamiliarity, and even spark anxiety. Amidst the chaos, your plants can be more than just decorative additions to your new home. They can be a source of comfort, stability, and emotional well-being during a time of significant change.

Plants as Emotional Anchors

Familiarity and Comfort: Familiar plants from your old home can bring a sense of comfort and continuity to your new surroundings. They can act as a reminder of happy memories and help you feel more grounded during a potentially unsettling time.

Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Their presence can create a calming atmosphere and help you feel more relaxed in your new environment.

Routine and Stability: Caring for your plants can provide a sense of routine and stability during a time of transition. The act of watering, pruning, and nurturing your plants can be a grounding ritual that helps you feel more settled in your new home.

Plants as a Connection to Nature

Bringing the Outdoors In: In a new environment, you may not have immediate access to the natural spaces you enjoyed in your old home. Your plants can help bridge that gap by bringing the outdoors in and providing a connection to nature.

Boosting Mood and Creativity: Plants have been shown to boost mood and creativity, which can be especially beneficial when adjusting to a new environment. Their presence can brighten your space and inspire a sense of optimism.

Improving Air Quality: Plants can help improve air quality by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen. This can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living environment, which is essential when settling into a new home.

By bringing your plants with you, you’re not just bringing along greenery; you’re bringing along emotional anchors and a connection to nature that can significantly contribute to your well-being during a long-distance move.

Creating a New Oasis: Rebuilding Your Plant Collection in Your New Home

While bringing familiar plants can offer comfort, a long-distance move also presents an opportunity to reimagine your plant haven in your new home. Here’s how to recreate your green space after a long-distance move:

How does my new region’s climate affect my plants?

Understand the Growing Conditions: Before you start unpacking your plants, research the climate and growing conditions in your new region. Consider factors like temperature, humidity, sunlight, and soil type. Where you’re moving changes how your plants will need to adapt:

Move (from Toronto)	New climate	What your plants must adjust to
To Calgary	Semi-arid	Less humidity and more extreme temperature fluctuations
To Edmonton	Dry continental	Sharply lower humidity than Toronto
To Vancouver	Temperate rainforest	More humidity and less direct sunlight

To Calgary

New climate: Semi-arid
What your plants must adjust to: Less humidity and more extreme temperature fluctuations

To Edmonton

New climate: Dry continental
What your plants must adjust to: Sharply lower humidity than Toronto

To Vancouver

New climate: Temperate rainforest
What your plants must adjust to: More humidity and less direct sunlight

For example, moving from Toronto to Calgary means transitioning from a humid continental climate to a semi-arid one, so your plants will need to tolerate less humidity and more extreme temperature fluctuations. A move to Edmonton presents a similar challenge, with its dry continental climate contrasting sharply with Toronto’s humidity. Moving to Vancouver, on the other hand, means entering a temperate rainforest with mild temperatures and high humidity, so you’ll need to acclimate your plants to a more humid environment with less direct sunlight.

Create a Plant-Friendly Environment

Maximize Natural Light: Ensure your new home has adequate natural light for your plants. Consider the direction your windows face and the amount of sunlight each room receives. You may need to supplement natural light with artificial grow lights, especially during the winter months.

Control Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level that is suitable for your plants. Avoid placing them near drafty windows or heat sources. Consider using a humidifier to increase humidity levels if needed.

Repot with Quality Soil: As you unpack your plants, check the condition of the soil. If it’s compacted or waterlogged, repot your plants with fresh, high-quality potting soil that provides the necessary nutrients and drainage. Consider adding amendments like compost or perlite to improve soil quality.

Design Your Plant Paradise

Plan Your Plant Placement: Think about where you want to place your plants to create a visually appealing and functional space. Consider the size and shape of your plants, as well as their light and water requirements.

Incorporate Plants into Your Décor: Use plants to enhance your home décor. Consider hanging plants, placing them on shelves or windowsills, or creating a vertical garden.

Nurture Your Plant Collection: Don’t feel pressured to have everything perfect right away. Focus on nurturing your existing plant collection and helping them adapt to their new environment. Gradually expand your collection as you settle into your new home and become familiar with the local plant options.

Relocating to a new home is a chance to reimagine your plant collection and create a space that reflects your evolving style and the unique environment of your new surroundings.

Plant Therapy: How Plants Can Help You Settle In After a Long Distance Move

Moving, even when it’s exciting, can be a stressful experience. You’re adjusting to a new environment, new routines, and maybe even a new community. Amidst all this change, your plants can offer more than just visual beauty; they can provide therapeutic benefits that help you settle in and feel more at home.

Plants and Mental Well-being

Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that being around plants can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Caring for your plants can be a mindful activity that allows you to focus on the present moment and take a break from the anxieties of settling into a new place.

Mood Boost: Plants have been linked to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Their vibrant colours and natural presence can create a more positive and uplifting atmosphere in your new home.

Improved Focus: Research suggests that having plants in your workspace can improve concentration and productivity. As you set up your new home office or workspace, consider incorporating plants to create a more focused and inspiring environment.

Plants and Physical Health

Air Purification: Plants act as natural air filters, removing toxins and releasing oxygen. This can lead to improved air quality in your new home, which can benefit your respiratory health and overall well-being.

Sleep Enhancement: Some plants release oxygen at night, which can promote better sleep. Consider placing these plants in your bedroom to create a more restful environment and combat any sleep disturbances you might experience due to the move.

Physical Activity: Caring for your plants, whether it’s repotting, pruning, or simply watering them, can provide gentle physical activity and help you stay active during the busy moving period.

Plants and Community Building

Conversation Starters: Your plants can be great conversation starters with your new neighbours or community members. Sharing plant care tips or cuttings can help you forge new connections and build a sense of belonging in your new community.

Local Plant Communities: Explore local gardening clubs, community gardens, or online plant groups in your new area. Connecting with other plant lovers provides a sense of community and a source of valuable information about your new region’s unique growing conditions.

Creating a Welcoming Space: A home filled with thriving plants creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for visitors and new friends. Your plants can help you create a space where you feel comfortable hosting gatherings and building new relationships.

As you settle into your new home, remember that your plants are more than just decorations; they are therapeutic companions that can help you navigate the emotional and physical challenges of a long-distance move. By taking the time to care for them, you’re also taking care of yourself.

MTS Moving and Storage: Your Partner in Plant Relocation

Moving across provinces can be a complex endeavor, especially when you’re bringing your cherished plants along for the journey. At MTS Moving and Storage, we understand the unique challenges of interprovincial moves, and we’re here to help you and your plants, along with your other belongings, relocate smoothly and safely.

With our extensive experience in long-distance moving, we can provide expert guidance and support. From carefully packing and transporting your items to ensuring their safe arrival in your new home, we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on settling in and enjoying your new space.

Sources:

The Spruce: https://www.thespruce.com/houseplant-care-guide-1902755

Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/plant-care-guides

The Sill: https://www.thesill.com/blogs/plants-101/how-to-move-with-plants

Apartment Therapy: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/moving-with-plants-tips-36646797