How to Move Plants: Tips for Packing and Moving Houseplants
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: To move plants safely, secure the pot and soil, allow for airflow, and pack them in sturdy, well-labeled boxes with cushioning. Proper preparation helps prevent damage and keeps your plants healthy during the move.
Moving with houseplants isn’t just about keeping your green friends alive. It’s about protecting your investment and maintaining a sense of home when everything else is in boxes. If you’ve ever faced spilled soil, broken stems, or wilted leaves after a move, you know the frustration is real.
The good news? With a little planning, you can help your plants arrive healthy and ready to brighten up your new space.
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How to decide which plants to move
Start by assessing your collection. Not every plant will be practical, or even legal, to move, especially on a long-distance move.
- Health check: Only bring healthy, pest-free plants. Infested plants can jeopardize others and become a hassle mid-move.
- Space and logistics: Think about the space in your new home, your travel distance, and how much room you’ll have in your vehicle.
- Climate compatibility: Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to check if your plants can thrive in your new climate.
If you choose to leave some behind, consider gifting, donating, or taking cuttings to regrow later.
How to prep houseplants before moving
A smooth move starts with preparation. Here’s what to do a few weeks ahead:
- Prune and clean: Trim dead leaves and dust the foliage about two weeks before moving.
- Switch to lighter pots: Re-pot the plants into plastic containers 2–3 weeks ahead. Pack ceramic pots separately.
- Acclimate to low light: Slowly reduce light exposure to prepare plants for transit conditions.
- Water lightly: A day or two before the move, dampen the soil but avoid soaking it.
- Pest check: Inspect for bugs and treat any issues before packing.
Packing materials for moving plants
We recommend gathering these essential packing materials to keep your plants safe and secure on the move:
- Sturdy moving boxes (various sizes)
- Newspaper, towels, or packing paper
- Bubble wrap or tissue for delicate leaves
- Brown paper for stems and pots
- Plastic bags (to cover soil, not foliage)
- Dividers for small pots
- Soft ties for tall plants
- Labels: “Fragile,” “Live Plants,” “This Side Up”
Not sure how many boxes you need? Use our packing and moving box calculator to find out!
Comparing packing materials for plants
Different packing materials can be useful for protecting your plants. Here’s when each one makes the most sense.
| Material | Best use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxes | All plants | Sturdy, stackable | Too big = shifting |
| Newspaper/towels | Padding gaps | Cheap, reusable | Can get dirty |
| Bubble wrap | Fragile leaves | Cushioning | Traps moisture |
| Plastic bags | Covering soil | Prevent spills | Not for foliage |
| Burlap | Root balls | Moisture control | Must stay damp |
Step-by-step guide to packing plants to move
1. Prep the plants
Your first step is to get your plants in order for the move. Here are a few steps to take.
- Examine your plants Trim, clean, and inspect each plant.
- Water your plants: Water all the plants you’re taking a day or two ahead.
- Preserve the soil: Wrap your pots to secure the soil before packing them.
- Protect from pests: Houseplants can harbor pests that you shouldn’t bring across the state line. Place a flea collar around the pot to draw out critters.
2. Prepare your boxes
Next up, you need to get your boxes ready to carry the plants.
- Pick the right size: Use snug boxes with padding to protect your plants.
- Make use of space: Insert dividers for small plants to keep them from shifting.
3. Secure the pots and foliage
From there, you’ll want to secure your plants and pots so they don’t move around.
- Pack wisely: Wrap the plants’ bases and fill gaps in the boxes.
- Consider taller plants: Loosely tie tall plants to keep them in place.
- Wrap delicate leaves lightly: Be extra careful when it comes to fragile leaves that could easily break off.
- Stack: If stackability is important, loosely seal the box and poke a few holes in the top and sides. This allows them to breathe.
4. Pack by plant type
Make sure to use the right strategies for each type of plant. Here are a few pointers:
- Succulents/cacti: Use shallow boxes and pad lightly.
- Delicate foliage: Use extra cushioning with more delicate plants.
- Large plants: Wrap the stems and secure your pots in crates.
- Cuttings: Wrap cut ends in damp towels and place them in sealed bags.
5. Label and organize everything
Organizing your plants strategically and labeling them will make the process smoother.
- Label: Use bold “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels so you and your movers know to proceed with caution.
- Group your plants: Group similar-sized plants together.
- Take stock: Keep an inventory of what’s in each box.
6. Transport your plants safely
Now that everything’s packed properly, be sure to move your plants with care using these tips:
- Keep upright: Make sure your plants stay upright in car seats/floors.
- Shield plants from weather: Avoid direct sun and extreme temps and stop periodically to check the temperature and moisture.
- Make a barrier: Use towels for shade and cushioning.
- Carry plants in: Bring plants inside during overnight stops.
- Keep them watered: Gently mist the plants if needed.
- Prune plants: Remove dead leaves upon arrival.
- Take your time: Give it a few days to adjust before re-potting.
Once you get to your new home, unwrap and inspect the plants immediately, water them lightly, and let them adjust gradually to new light. We also recommend you hold off on fertilizing for 2 weeks.
Legal considerations when moving plants
If you’re moving plants across state lines, you’ll need to do your research before packing up.
Some states have strict requirements for indoor plants. You may find it especially strict if you’re moving to the following states:
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- Arizona
- Florida
This is a limited list, so check your new home state’s requirements before moving your plants.
What to do when you can’t take every plant
If you can’t take all of your plants on the road, you have a few options. Consider gifting them to friends, neighbors, or local organizations.
You can also sell them via Facebook or plant swap groups or take some cuttings with you to replant later.
Common mistakes to avoid when moving plants
If you want to get your plants from your old home to your new one in one piece, try to avoid some of these common mistakes.
- Don’t overwater: Wet soil can lead to spills and rot. Don’t water your plants excessively before or during the move.
- Leave airflow: Avoid sealing boxes completely so your plants can get plenty of air circulation.
- Label clearly: Use colored tape and arrows to avoid any mishaps with delicate plants.
- Use towels and shirts: Towels and shirts make for great free padding for your plants.
Choose the right moving method for your plants
The best method for transporting plants is to move them in your vehicle or the cab of a moving truck so they have access to direct sunlight and good airflow.
Many moving companies refuse to move houseplants, but some movers will. Putting plants in the moving truck exposes them to the elements and potentially breaks them. Still, you can do it for short distances.
You can also ship plants by mail. If you do this, fill the box with enough paper to keep the plants from shifting and poke holes in the box and add labels.
If you’re transporting a tree on its side in a moving truck, place sphagnum moss in the pot and cover it with plastic wrap. For more info on moving trees, check out some of these tips.
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