How to Pack Plants for Moving

Your plants – much like your pets – are part of the family. You have spent countless hours taking care of them, nurturing them, and watching them grow – and you love them dearly. Your leafy friends provide a connection to nature, bring beauty and cheer to your home, and fill it with delightful fragrance – they help make your place your personal heaven.

So, when the time comes to move house, you will likely not want to leave your plants behind.

Moving plants to a new home, however, is quite a challenge – they’re extremely delicate and won’t easily survive the relocation. You need to find a way to keep them safe during the move – and the best way to do so is to pack them properly.

Packing plants for moving is a tricky task – you need to cushion the plant and create a protective shell around it, yet you need to ensure it can breathe and has enough moisture during the trip and nothing crushes the dainty foliage. 

But how to achieve that? How to pack plants for moving so they arrive at your new home safe and intact?

Read on to find out the best way to pack plants for moving and ensure the successful relocation of your green beauties.

Decide whether it is a good idea to move your plants

Moving with plants is both difficult and risky, so before you start preparing your leafy friends for the relocation, you need to decide if you should move them at all:

1) Consider the type of your move and your options for transporting your plants to your new home

If you’re moving locally, it won’t be too difficult to take your plants to your new home – you will be able to transport them in your car and the trip won’t be very long, so your green beauties will survive the relocation without any problem.

When moving long distance, however, things become much more complicated.

First of all, it is extremely difficult to keep plants safe for several days on the road – they need moisture and access to air and sunlight, must not be exposed to extreme temperatures, and need to be secured in such a way that they don’t topple over and nothing crushes them during the transportation.

Besides, most moving companies don’t move plants – plants are on the list of non-allowable items professional movers won’t load in the moving truck, as the risk to their survival is extremely high (the temperatures in the back of the truck can get freezing cold or stifling hot, there is no sunlight, the airflow is very limited, and the plants can be easily crushed by your boxes or household items if they shift during the move).

Therefore, if you want to move your plants to your new home, you need to find another way to get them there.

Your best bet is to transport them in your car, so you can take proper care of them during the entire trip – keep the temperature in the car at a moderate level; ensure good air circulation and sufficient access to sunlight for your plants; water them a little, if necessary; make sure the plants are secure and can’t topple over during transportation; make sure nothing falls over or presses against the plants; etc. (See also: How to pack a car when moving)

If you’re not driving to your new home, however, or if there isn’t enough room in your car for all your plants, your options will be limited:

• You can fly with your plants – the TSA allows plants in both carry-on and checked bags, but you need to check your chosen airline’s regulations first and comply with all pertinent requirements. Besides, you can move only a very limited number of plants that way;
• You can ship your plants with the USPS, FedEx, UPS, or another shipping company, but it will cost you a lot – and the risk to your leafy friends will be considerable.

2) Determine which of your plants are worth moving

You may not be able to take all your plants to your new home – or it may not make sense to move some of your green beauties. So, before the move, you need to carefully assess each and every one of your plants and decide whether to relocate it or not:

• Does the plant have any sentimental value? If you’re attached to a plant for some reason (it was a gift from a loved one or belonged to a loved one; it is associated with an important moment or a happy occasion in your life; it is your personal favorite; etc.), you will certainly want to take it with you;
• Is the plant rare? If you have a rare plant that will be difficult to find someplace else, you will likely want to keep it. There is no point, however, in moving plants that are easy to replace and have no sentimental value;
• How quickly does the plant grow? Plants that take longer to grow are more difficult to replace, so it makes sense to take yours with you;
• Is the plant sturdy? If a plant is very delicate and unlikely to survive the move, you’d better not try to relocate it – the risk is too big;
• How difficult is it to move the plant? Moving a small potted flower won’t be very difficult but moving a tree may be next to impossible.

3) Check the regulations in your new state

Different states have different rules and regulations pertaining to plants and different restrictions on plants that can and can’t be brought across their borders. Some states restrict the import of certain types of plants, others have rules about the soil, and many require pest-free certifications. These regulations and restrictions help protect the local flora against harmful diseases and pest infestations.

California, Arizona, Florida, and Oregon have some of the toughest rules regarding the import of plants.

So, if you’re moving to a new state, you need to check the pertinent regulations before you start preparing your plants for moving – to make sure the plants you intend to take with you are allowed in the state and to find out if you need to prepare any documents. Call the local Department of Agriculture office or visit the National Plant Board website to see whether you can legally import your plants into the state and what requirements there are.

Bonus tip: It is a good idea to check the regulations of the states you’ll be passing through as well. Depending on their requirements regarding plants, you may decide to take a different route or to ship your plants rather than drive them across the country.

See also: How to prepare for moving to a new state

4) Consider the climate in your new location and the time of your move

Each plant species has its own requirements and preferences in terms of soil, temperature, humidity, and sunlight.

So, before you decide whether to take a plant with you or not when moving to a new place, you need to find out if the natural and climatic conditions in your new location will be suitable for that type of plant. This is especially important when moving long distance (as the climate in your new area may be very different from the one in your current location and there may be different types of pests) and when relocating outdoor plants (as they’re much more affected by the climate than indoor plants). Keep in mind though that even houseplants can be affected by a change in moisture levels or different pests.

It’s not a good idea to take your plants with you if the climate in your new area won’t be favorable to them.

Good to know: The time of the year when your move takes place should also be taken into account – plants have a better chance to survive a relocation during some seasons than during others.

When is the best time to move plants, then? Early spring and late fall are your best choice when moving with plants because most plants are in a dormant state during these periods and the climatic conditions are milder (neither scorching hot, nor freezing cold) – so your leafy friends are at a smaller risk.

See also: The pros and cons of moving during different seasons

If a plant won’t thrive in your new area, if it’s not allowed in your new state, or if the risk of moving it is too great, you shouldn’t try to relocate it – leave garden plants to the new owner of your house and give potted plants away to friends or neighbors (or donate them to a local hospital, school, library, nursing home, etc.).

Bonus tip: If you need to leave behind a plant that you really like, you can take seeds, bulbs, or cuttings from it and try to propagate it at your new location.

How to prepare plants for moving

Once you’ve decided which of your plants to move to your new home, you need to prepare them for the relocation:

Prune your plants

Pruning makes plants more compact (so they’re safer and easier to move), helps them stay healthy (so they can survive the move more easily), and promotes new growth (so the plants can thrive in the new location).

It is, therefore, a good idea to prune your plants (especially larger plants and garden plants) before the move – remove dead leaves and dry branches and trim excess foliage and overgrown limbs. Trees and bushes should be pruned three to four weeks before the relocation and houseplants – a couple of weeks before moving (do not prune ferns and succulents – they don’t need it).

Repot plants planted in heavy or fragile pots

If you intend to relocate any plants potted in heavy or fragile pots (such as terracotta pots or ceramic pots), it is a good idea to repot them in lightweight, shatterproof containers (plastic pots, resin pots, wood pots, metal pots, etc.) several weeks before moving day.

Pots made of materials like clay or ceramic are quite heavy (and, therefore, more difficult to move) and can easily break during the rigorous relocation process (so they can create quite a mess and even harm the roots of the plants).

You’re, therefore, advised to take your plants out of any heavy and/or breakable pots and put them in durable, lightweight plastic pots of appropriate sizes:

• Use a small trowel or a garden knife to loosen the soil in the pot;
• Place one of your hands around the base of the plant and slowly turn the pot upside down;
• Gently tap the bottom and sides of the pot to get the soil unstuck from the container;
• Carefully pull the plant out of the pot (be sure to pull at the base of the plant);
• Repot the plant in a plastic pot with sterile soil (you can find sterilized potting soil at any home improvement store or garden center).

The best time to repot your plants is about three weeks before moving day, so they have time to adjust before being moved.

Repotting and pruning two to three weeks in advance of your move will give your plants some time to settle and will reduce the risk of them experiencing shock during the relocation.

Check for pests

Pests are another important issue to consider when preparing plants for moving:

• Some states require pest-free certifications – if your new state does, you will need your local agriculture department office to perform an inspection and provide the necessary paperwork;
• Even if no certification is required, you’re strongly advised to check for pest infestations before the move. If you find any pest issues, treat the plants (and/or the soil) accordingly to ensure that your green beauties are healthy and in prime condition – and to avoid transferring pests to your new home. (Consult a nursery about the correct way to get rid of pests – you may have to use insecticide, put a flea collar around the pot, etc.)

If you can’t get rid of the pests in time for your move, it’s best to leave the affected plants behind.

Water the plants 2-3 days before moving

When moving with plants, the soil should be moist but not wet – your plants will need moisture during the move, but they will be much lighter and much easier to transport when the soil is drier. Besides, if the soil is too wet, it may freeze if you’re moving in cold weather (and damage the root system of the plant) or cause mildew to develop if you’re moving in the summer.

Watering your plants a couple of days before the move will ensure they don’t wither during the trip but the soil isn’t too wet either.

Bonus tips for preparing house plants for moving:

• Gently wipe the leaves of your plants with a moist cloth several days before the move – to remove dust, cobwebs, and bugs. Make sure the leaves have enough time to dry completely before you pack the plants for moving;
• Expose your indoor plants to less and less sunlight as moving day approaches – so they adjust and don’t get stressed during the relocation (your plants will have limited access to light during the move – or no access at all, if they’re packed in sealed moving boxes).

Bonus tips for preparing garden plants for moving

When moving garden plants, you will have to dig them up before the move – do so the day before moving day and be extremely careful to preserve the plants’ root systems:

• Water the plant shortly before digging it up to soak the soil so that it adheres to the roots and stays moist during the move;
• Be sure to take the entire root ball out – Dig around the perimeter of the plant along the drip line (the area around the plant base, equal to the outermost circumference of the plant canopy). Try to preserve as many of the fine roots as possible. Use a large shovel to “pop” the plant out of place. Try to keep as much of the soil as possible;
• Put the plant in a large plastic pot or bucket. If that’s not possible, wrap the root ball in burlap.

See also: How to move garden plants

Now that your green beauties are ready for the move, it’s time to find out the best way to pack plants for moving.

How to pack house plants for moving

Houseplants are, of course, much easier to move to a new location than garden plants – and much more likely to survive the relocation. You just need to pack your potted friends safely enough for the trip to your new home.

How to pack potted plants for moving

Plants should be among the last things to be packed for moving. If possible, pack your green beauties on the morning of moving day; if there won’t be enough time on the day of your move, complete the task the previous day:

• Choose strong cardboard boxes of appropriate sizes, reinforce them with packing tape, and line the bottoms with several sheets of packing paper (newspaper will also do) to cushion shocks and vibrations during transit;
• Put shredded tissue paper (or sphagnum moss) on top of the soil in each pot, around the plant base – it will help secure the plant in the pot, while holding in moisture. The makeshift mulch will also help insulate the roots from the cold when moving in winter;
• Wrap each pot in several layers of packing paper (or newspaper). If any of your plants are still in ceramic or clay pots, wrap them in several layers of bubble wrap. The paper (or bubble wrap) will create a protective layer around the pot and will provide insulation when moving in cold weather;
• Place each pot in a plastic bag and tie it at the base of the plant;
• Place the plants inside the moving boxes – Larger plants need to be packed in separate boxes, but you can arrange several smaller plants in a single box – just be sure to put some bubble wrap between the pots to cushion them and prevent them from coming in contact with one another during the move;
• Fill the empty spaces in the boxes with crumpled paper – for extra padding and to ensure the plants can’t shift around during the move.

It’s best to leave the boxes open so the plants have free access to light and air. In case that is not an option, seal the boxes (make sure there is enough room between the top of the packed plants and the top of the cartons) but make a few holes in the tops and sides of the boxes, so the plants can breathe.

How to pack large plants for moving

When packing large plants for moving, you should use the same method as above, but you will need to take a few extra steps to ensure the safety of your larger leafy beauties:

• Use support stakes to prevent taller plants from bending or breaking during the move;
• Bring the foliage together – use gardening Velcro to bring the branches and/or stems together and tie them up. This will make the plant more compact (and, therefore, easier to pack and move) and will ensure that no limbs break off during the relocation;
• Protect the foliage – Take a piece of hard packing paper that (1) is long enough to wrap around the entire plant and (2) matches the height of the plant. Make a protective sleeve (a paper cylinder) around the plant and secure it with tape. The paper sleeve will protect the foliage not only from damage during the move, but also from cold;
• Pack each large plant in a separate box – make sure the box is sturdy and well-padded and fill all the empty space in the carton with crushed paper.

Unless absolutely necessary, avoid sealing the box.

How to pack plants for shipping

If you intend to ship some of your plants to your new home, you can pack them as described above but you need to add even more padding to the boxes, seal them tightly, and label them as “LIVE PLANT” and “FRAGILE”. Be sure to indicate which side is up and to write the destination address and your name on the boxes as well.

Alternatively, you can ship the plant “bare root”:

• Take the plant out of its pot. Shake off most of the soil, but let some stay in place to protect the roots and help keep the plant healthy;
• Wrap the roots in moist paper towels (to provide moisture to the plant during shipment);
• Secure the stem of the plant to a bamboo stake (to prevent it from breaking during shipment);
• Put the plant in a plastic bag (the wrapped roots and the base of the plant should be inside the bag). Secure the bag around the base of the plant with a rubber band (not too tightly);
• Make a protective sleeve of packing paper around the foliage;
• Place the plant in a sturdy, well-padded cardboard box. Fill any empty space in the box with crumpled paper – for extra cushioning and so that the plant can’t shift during shipment;
• Seal the box tightly and label it with its contents and destination address. Mark it as FRAGILE.

If you’re shipping plants in warm weather, be sure to punch several holes in the tops and sides of the boxes. When shipping plants in cold weather, however, it may be better not to make holes in the boxes – your plants will be warmer and safer in the sealed cartons.

Bonus tips:

1) How to pack plant pots for moving

If you have repotted some of your houseplants in plastic containers when packing them for moving, you will most likely want to take the original terracotta or ceramic pots to your new home as well – so you can return your leafy friends into their beautiful pots after the move.

Just be sure to take a close look at each empty flower pot first – if a pot is damaged in some way, there is no point in moving it to your new home; and if you don’t like some of your old pots, you can simply leave them behind and replace them with new ones after the move.

Once you’ve decided which of your pots to take with you, you need to provide them with adequate protection so they don’t break during the relocation.

Here is how to pack empty plant pots for moving in a safe and efficient way:

• Place an empty pot in the middle of a stack of packing paper;
• Starting from one corner of the stack, tuck a couple of sheets into the pot. Do the same with the other three corners so the pot is completely wrapped in paper;
• Use tape to secure the protective wrapping in place;
• Wrap all the pots you intend to move to your new home the same way;
• Nest smaller pots into larger ones to save space;
• Put the safely wrapped pots into strong medium-sized boxes. (Don’t forget to reinforce the boxes with packing tape and line their bottoms with several sheets of packing paper (or old newspapers) first);
• Fill any empty space in the boxes with bubble wrap, old towels, or other adequate cushioning materials. Make sure the pots can’t move in their packing containers;
• Seal the boxes, label them with their contents, and mark them as FRAGILE.

See also: How to pack fragile items for moving

2) How to pack cuttings for moving

If you can’t move some of your plants (because they’re too big or too fragile, or because it will be very difficult or very risky to move them – as is the case with garden plants), you can take cuttings from them and try to propagate them at your new location:

• On the morning of moving day, take clean, sharp scissors and cut a 3-6 inches long healthy section of the plant (from the stem or root – or where a branch meets the stem);
• Wrap the end of the cutting in a wet paper towel and secure it with a rubber band;
• Place each cutting in a plastic stem holder or a small plastic bag;
• Pack all cuttings in a small box with plenty of cushioning inside – make sure the cuttings are well padded from all sides, don’t come in contact with one another, and can’t shift during transit;
• Seal the box, but poke a few holes in the top to allow air inside.

Knowing how to pack a plant for moving the right way will help you keep your green beauties safe and sound during the move, so they can thrive in your new home and fill it with harmony and cheer. Happy new life in your new place!