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Moving Household and Garden Plants

Houseplants on top of moving boxes and radiator

The Spruce / Valerie de León

Whether you are relocating across the country, the state, or a town or city, properly packing your houseplants for a move is an important part of the process. Relocating can be stressful enough and the last thing you need is for your plants to die during transit due to improper preparation. Have no fear—packing houseplants for a move isn’t as daunting as it sounds and it can be done successfully no matter how long your journey. 

Just like your fragile antiques and furniture, moving plants need special attention. Take some time to consider if it's best to move your plants or if you don't think they'll survive, then make sure you find a good home.

Here are tips for successfully moving your plants and keeping them happy.

Tip

During the move, you will want to expose your houseplants to as little stress as possible throughout the process. That usually means your houseplants are one of the last items to be packed and are one of the first items to be unpacked once you reach your destination.

Plants and Hired Movers

If you've hired movers, they will not cover damage to plants. Plants are too fragile and are likely to suffer from the move. Some moving companies will not even allow plants on their trucks. Ask before you move if the company has any rules on plants.

Moving houseplants in a box in the backseat of a car

The Spruce / Valerie de León

Prepare Your Plants for the Move

If you are moving out of state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's office can help you learn about the regulations on bringing plants into your destination. Certain states, such as California, have strict regulations on importing plants. Here's what to do with the plants you can take.

Repot into Plastic Pots

Three weeks before your move date, transplant all of your houseplants out of breakable clay planters and pots and into plastic containers. This will prevent breakage of clay pots. It also makes your plants lighter and easier to pack and carry in moving boxes.  

Don’t Bring Pests Along for the Ride

Before you move all of your houseplants, thoroughly inspect them for pests, such as mealybugs or spider mites. Even if you don’t find evidence of pests on your plants, apply a dose of insecticidal soap as a precaution before moving.

Prune Your Plants

About a week before your move, prune your plants so they will be easier to transport. Trimming encourages new growth which will help them to acclimate to their new environment. Avoid pruning fernscacti, and succulents—these plants will be happier if they are left alone.

How to Pack Your Houseplants

Pack up your plants the day before your move. Doing it this late in the game will expose your plants to less stress, especially if they need to be placed in a box with no light. Different plants require different packing methods. Here are essential packing materials and methods.

Utilize Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap and box up prickly cacti and succulents which can damage nearby plants if they come into contact with them. In addition to bubble wrap, use old bedsheets, newspaper, and brown packing paper to cushion and hold your plants in place in the boxes.

Tip

If possible, leave the box lids open to permit access to airflow and sunlight during the move. However, if you are moving during extreme weather, providing some protection from the elements is a good idea. Either way, punch some holes in the sides of the boxes to allow some airflow.

Suspend Hanging Baskets from Back Seat Grab Handles

Use the overhead grab handles in your vehicle for hanging planters and baskets or temporarily place plants into macrame hangers just for the ride. Make DIY plant hangers from string or yarn.

Gently wrap vining hanging plants and place them on the top of the pot. This will ensure that the vines are not accidentally snapped, ripped, or snagged in transit.

Stand Tall Plants in the Backseat

Your largest plants will likely need to be positioned directly on the floor or seat of your vehicle. Fold your seats to create more room in the backseat. Put a plastic bag around the base of a pot or put a drip tray under your plant to protect your car from spilled dirt or water. Ensure the plants are secure and won't fall over by placing other items or plants firmly around the base of the pots.

Wrap Leafy Plants With Wrapping Paper Or Plastic

Mimic how florists and nurseries wrap plants for transport by using wrapping paper or plastic to protect leafy plants from getting pinched or ripped. Bushy plants such as dieffenbachiadracaenamonsteras, and some philodendrons will benefit from the protection.

How to Take Plants From Your Garden

If you want to take some of your outdoor plants with you, take cuttings. Purchase some floral tubes, fill them with water, then cap them as an ideal way to transport plants.

Basil garden plant cuttings in blue floral tubes with water closeup

The Spruce / Valerie de León

Help Your Plants Adjust After the Move

When your plants arrive at your new home, remove the plastic immediately, take them out of their boxes, and give them some water and plant food. If you had transplanted them into plastic containers and you want to put them back into their original pots, wait a week before doing this. Moving plants is very hard on them. You don't want to over-stress them by changing their location and then re-potting them, which could result in stunted growth or even death.

Observe any garden plants that you plant at your new home to see how they are adjusting to the difference in soil, climate, and air quality.

Tip

Some plants will be more sensitive to the changes involved in moving than others (we’re looking at you, ferns and calatheas). Don’t be alarmed if some of your plants show some signs of distress after you’ve settled into your new home. With proper care and time, they should make a full recovery. 

Copper watering can pouring water over houseplant next to blue couch and books after move

The Spruce / Valerie de León

When You Can't Take Your Plants With You

If you're moving from state to state or from one country to another, sometimes your plants aren't allowed to move with you. Before you take plants with you, find out what species are allowed into your new state or country before you attempt to smuggle them in unknowingly. This way you have time to rehome plants instead of the possibility of having to abandon them at the border.

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  1. Are there restrictions for moving plants to another state? USDA.