np. its normally recomended when ppl have stretchy plants, to keep it from collapsing on itself. But since your transplanting anyway, i always recommend it.
I like to use 70% Isopropyl alcohol for sterilization. Its cheap and always works.. Like $2 at drug stores or walmart. Boiling a knife would work also i think. As well as heating it under a flame.
I really like how you did that, I was using plastic to wrap the roots after digging around, but your way is much better and has less stress on the roots. Very smart.