How To Move Houseplants – A Guide by Palo Alto Movers

House and garden plants enliven a living space and have a way of transforming a house into a home. Here in Palo Alto, we’re lucky to live in a climate that is absolute paradise for most plants, so your own home probably feels like an oasis with all the greenery! But if you’re planning to relocate, moving all those plants might seem intimidating. It is true that moving plants can be a bit of a hassle if you’ve never done it before. In fact many moving companies will not move your plants at all, and all moving companies refuse to take liability for damaged plants (yes, that includes our Palo Alto movers here at Moving Forward). This is because plants are so sensitive and they don’t do well in the heat of a moving truck. If you have a large collection of houseplants, you probably want to take them with you (they’re your babies!). You’ve put a lot of time and energy toward your plants, and it would be a waste if you had to throw them all the away. Before you start packing up those plants, make sure you know what to do with these quick tips.

Before you start packing your plants, understand that if you’re moving across state borders, there may be rules against bringing certain plants across state lines. Check inspection guidelines in the state you’re moving to and avoid hold ups or having to toss your plants at the border. If you find that you can’t take your plants with you, give them to a friend before you go. You might be sad, but at least they will have a happy home.

Pack Plants Last 
Plants should be the last of your items to be boxed up, because it is bad for plants to be in a hot car or truck for too long. Leave your plants be until you have packed up the rest of your belongings first and put them in the truck. Ideally you will pack up your plants right before departure.

Packing Your Plants
Use boxes and line them with plastic, then stuff the boxes around the planter with plenty of packing materials so they don’t jostle around. This will help you avoid a broken planter and soil in your car. To protect your tall plants with branches and fragile leaves, wrap them in plastic and poke holes in the plastic so they can breathe.

Crank Up The AC
If you’re moving during the summer, keep the air conditioner on so your plants don’t overheat. Anytime you stop for a bathroom break, park in the shade and roll down a window to give your plants some fresh air. If you are moving during the winter, stuff plenty of newspaper into your plant’s boxes so they stay warm. Cold weather can do a number on your plants, so keep them at a comfortable temperature.

Don’t Over Water
Keep an eye on the soil and only water your plants if they are looking abnormally dry. There might be a tendency to water them just to cover all bases, but this could end up damaging your plant.

Get A Room
If you’re traveling for a few days, bring your plants into your lodging location and provide the proper lighting situation for them. Remember, extreme temperatures are only made more extreme in a car, so do not forget to bring your plants inside with you.

Give Those Plants Some Post-Move Love 
Once you arrive to your new destination, remove all the plastic from the plants immediately. Give them some water and food if necessary. If you removed your plants from their pots to move and plan to repot them upon arrival, wait at least a week to do so. The plants have already gone through a lot of strain during the move, and repotting will only cause more strain.Be sure to care for your plants so they can revive after a long journey. Take a look at this awesome plant care guide to find out how to care for your plants.

How will you move the rest of your belongings? For full moving services, call Moving Forward to get your free quote today!

How To Move Houseplants - A Guide by Palo Alto Movers

House and garden plants enliven a living space and have a way of transforming a house into a home. Here in Palo Alto, we’re lucky to live in a climate that is absolute paradise for most plants, so your own home probably feels like an oasis with all the greenery! But if you’re planning to relocate, moving all those plants might seem intimidating. It is true that moving plants can be a bit of a hassle if you’ve never done it before. In fact many moving companies will not move your plants at all, and all moving companies refuse to take liability for damaged plants (yes, that includes our Palo Alto movers here at Moving Forward). This is because plants are so sensitive and they don’t do well in the heat of a moving truck. If you have a large collection of houseplants, you probably want to take them with you (they’re your babies!). You’ve put a lot of time and energy toward your plants, and it would be a waste if you had to throw them all the away. Before you start packing up those plants, make sure you know what to do with these quick tips.

Before you start packing your plants, understand that if you’re moving across state borders, there may be rules against bringing certain plants across state lines. Check inspection guidelines in the state you’re moving to and avoid hold ups or having to toss your plants at the border. If you find that you can’t take your plants with you, give them to a friend before you go. You might be sad, but at least they will have a happy home.



Pack Plants Last 
Plants should be the last of your items to be boxed up, because it is bad for plants to be in a hot car or truck for too long. Leave your plants be until you have packed up the rest of your belongings first and put them in the truck. Ideally you will pack up your plants right before departure.

Packing Your Plants
Use boxes and line them with plastic, then stuff the boxes around the planter with plenty of packing materials so they don’t jostle around. This will help you avoid a broken planter and soil in your car. To protect your tall plants with branches and fragile leaves, wrap them in plastic and poke holes in the plastic so they can breathe.

Crank Up The AC
If you’re moving during the summer, keep the air conditioner on so your plants don’t overheat. Anytime you stop for a bathroom break, park in the shade and roll down a window to give your plants some fresh air. If you are moving during the winter, stuff plenty of newspaper into your plant’s boxes so they stay warm. Cold weather can do a number on your plants, so keep them at a comfortable temperature.

Don’t Over Water
Keep an eye on the soil and only water your plants if they are looking abnormally dry. There might be a tendency to water them just to cover all bases, but this could end up damaging your plant.

Get A Room 
If you’re traveling for a few days, bring your plants into your lodging location and provide the proper lighting situation for them. Remember, extreme temperatures are only made more extreme in a car, so do not forget to bring your plants inside with you.

Give Those Plants Some Post-Move Love 
Once you arrive to your new destination, remove all the plastic from the plants immediately. Give them some water and food if necessary. If you removed your plants from their pots to move and plan to repot them upon arrival, wait at least a week to do so. The plants have already gone through a lot of strain during the move, and repotting will only cause more strain.Be sure to care for your plants so they can revive after a long journey. Take a look at this awesome plant care guide to find out how to care for your plants.

How will you move the rest of your belongings? For full moving services, call Moving Forward to get your free quote today!

Top Reasons Why You Should Not Hire Non-Professional Movers

Sunnyvale Movers 

People have found new ways of outsourcing their packing and moving needs with sites such as Craigslist and mobile apps like Dolly. For pennies on the dollar, you can hire a resourceful individual or even your neighbor to help you move to a new location with just a couple of click of a button.  

 

While this new approach may be convenient, it comes with its share of problems when compared to traditional moving practices. In the long run, many of these issues may impact you and your family.  
 
You should not hire non-professional movers due to the following reasons:  
 
Do Not Have the Proper Equipment

 

 There a numerous variable to consider the complex process of moving. For example, are there stairs or another structure that might be difficult to maneuver? Will a moving truck be too large for your street or will another alternative be needed? Professional Sunnyvale movers are prepared to handle every situation and will not let these troubles interfere with your move. 

 

  
They Lack Oversight 

  

The Federal Motor Carrier Administration placed regulations on all professional moving services to provide customers with a copy of their consumer rights and responsibilities. This resourceful guide summarizes everything you must know, such as how to lodge a complaint or important contact information. Non-professional movers do not cover this irreplaceable form of protection, in the event, something does go wrong, you will be on your own.  
 
Non-Professionals Do Not Provide Protection 

 

 Professional movers offer some sort of protection, unlike non-professionals. While it is not identical to standard insurance, a similar level of protection is provided for your possessions. A few different forms of valuation are usually offered by the best professional Sunnyvale movers, such as full value or minimal protection. However, protections such as these are not provided by non-licensed movers, leaving the cost to replace or repair damaged items solely on the homeowner.  

 

 
Do Not Provide Planning or Support 

 

Most moves not only require various pieces of equipment, but some can be quite complex, logistically speaking. While moving to a different town may not be as complicated as moving to another state, considerations must still be made for such things as possible lodging, times, and dates for the whole moving process. Also, how much gas will be needed to travel as well as other vital considerations that must be made. Professional moving companies understand the distinctions between any size move, ensuring the correct planning and support is put in place to make your move successful.