Wondering what to do with your own houseplants when it's time for a military move? You’re not the only one. Every PCS season, a nervous contingency worries about how to transport their precious pots during a military move.
Plant relocation is an emotional topic because plant parents love their greenery with a passion. And even the novice plant owner knows that the smallest environmental change can upset picky plants.
Don’t Depend on Your Moving Company
Most moving companies won’t move your plants. A local move within 50 miles is a possible exception. If the company does say yes, check and double-check their procedures for packing them safely.
Hidden House Plants?
It’s not a good idea to sneak your houseplants into a moving box for your PCS move. Don't try to be sly by adding potted plants to your household goods shipment. Packed plant survival success stories are rare. Illegal plants can also void your shipping contract and revoke your move dates.
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Know State Agricultural Laws
One reason moving companies won’t move plants is that each state has laws governing the transportation of food and agriculture. California, Hawaii, and Florida are known for having some of the strictest laws to protect their ecosystems. If you happen to drive your plants to one of these states, know that you could encounter an inspection that your plants have to pass.
For example, the California Department of Food and Agriculture Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services offers two main points to save time when passing through an inspection station.
1. Declare all fruits, vegetables, and plants for inspection.
2. Allow easy access by inspectors to all plant material by ensuring direct access to the plants.
Although it may seem harsh to lose your favorite greenery thanks to a PCS move, safety regulations are in place for a reason. Mountains, deserts, and the ocean border the state of California. If anything new is introduced, it could cause havoc in the unique environment within those borders.
On another note, if you have military orders to a state with similar regulations, your moving company may insist that any yard and garden equipment is power-washed or thoroughly cleaned before entering the Golden State to prevent disease and pest contamination.
PCSing soon? Here are helpful PCS Checklists to keep you organized.
How to Move Cross-Country with Plants
Moving plants yourself is by far the best way to ensure their safety. Even shipping services are hit-or-miss.
Prep Your Plants
- Weeks before your move, prepare your plants by pruning and cleaning them. You might need to do a touch-up a few days before the move.
- Water a few days before the move, keeping the soil moist to keep the roots healthy.
- Add a layer of sphagnum moss to help retain moisture.
- If your decorative pots are large and heavy, transfer them into temporary, durable plastic pots with fresh soil. This is one of the best tips for moving heavy potted plants. The re-pot will also help with packing the car efficiently.
Carefully Pack Your Plants
Drastic temperatures are your plants' enemy. Do your best to mitigate the temperature changes. Open the windows for ventilation if the plant is left unattended in the vehicle on a warm day. In chilly weather, keep the plant from cold air. Wrap the plant with newspaper as insulation and load the plant into a warmed vehicle, preferably a vehicle parked in a garage.
How to Pack Plants
Place plant pots in open cardboard boxes and use a mix of packing paper or newspaper and bubble wrap to nestle them inside. Old towels also work. Depending on the journey’s length, you may want to wrap the plant's base in damp towels and plastic bags to retain moisture.
You might be able to earn some cash for your plants. See Get the Most Bang for Your Buck Out of Your Pre-PCS Garage Sale.
7 Ideas for Rehoming Your Houseplants
There are plenty of great ways to rehome plants if it's time to bid a fond farewell before PCSing. After you arrive, visit a popular garden center in your new area to soothe the sting of separation.
1. Pass along your plants to friends and neighbors.
A military relocation is tough, but your friends may be enthusiastic and looking forward to the adoption. If the plants are sentimental to you, ask for periodic photos of the blossoms.
2. List the precious posies for sale on a Facebook yard sale group or on Craigslist.
After you settle in, use the money you earned to buy new plants at your new address.
3. Be a "giver" at a local plant swap or offer them on Freecycle.
Check the same outlets in your new city to become a "receiver."
4. Donate your greenery to a school classroom.
Some varieties of plants bring calming notions. Some plants even clean the air of impurities.
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5. Share your flowers and plants with a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or a low-income senior housing community.
Often, retirees enjoy light gardening chores. Residents in elder care facilities may take turns pruning and watering. Or, simply seeing the plants flourish can bring happiness and a sense of purpose.
6. If those windowsill companions are your everything, try mailing a few cuttings to your new address.
Be sure to check on the legalities of shipping plants before you do this.
Some tips for mailing plants:
- Remove the plant from the pot.
- Prune the top of the plant back.
- Wrap the root ball in damp paper towels and cover with plastic wrap, or wrap the root in newspaper and cover with a zip-lock bag.
- Your goal is to make the shipment completely waterproof. It is important that no moisture escapes during shipping.
- Place your shipping address inside the box before sealing it up.
- Mail promptly. Consider rush delivery or two-day delivery.
As you look around your new home after your military move, you’ll get an idea of where your household goods will go and what will fit. Along those same lines, once you've moved in and settled, you'll have a better idea of which plant sizes will work for your indoor and outdoor spaces. Consider this military relocation a time of transition and a fresh start to decorating with whatever flora and fauna trips your fancy!
This blog is for informational purposes only. Be sure to consult your local and state ordinances.
