Moving with Plants: 5 Simple Steps to Safely Transport Your Houseplants During a Move

Moving can be a stressful experience, and transporting your beloved houseplants to a new home adds an extra layer of complexity. Whether you're moving across the city or crossing state lines, follow these valuable tips to ensure your plants arrive unscathed!

1. Pre-Move Hydration: Watering Your Plants One Week Before

One week before the move, remember to water your plants. This step might seem obvious, but it's crucial. Well-hydrated plants are heavier, so giving them a week to drink up ensures they're adequately nourished during transit.

2. Prune for Stability: Ensuring Balanced Plants for the Journey

If you have larger, top-heavy plants, prune them before the journey to prevent tipping. Trimming excessive foliage helps maintain their balance during transportation.

3. Protect Delicate Foliage: Safeguarding Fragile Leaves during Transport

For plants with delicate leaves, safeguard them by wrapping them in paper or enclosing them in a plastic bag. The plastic bag not only shields the foliage from harm but also helps retain moisture, which is beneficial for humidity-loving plants. If embarking on a long trip, consider adding a few air holes for ventilation.

4. Secure the Soil: Preventing Soil Spillage and Keeping Plants Intact

When dealing with tall plants that may need to lay down to fit into your vehicle or moving van, cover the soil with newspaper and securely tape it to the pot. This prevents soil spillage and keeps your plants tidy during the move.

5. Guard Against the Elements: Protecting Plants from Cold Climates and Freezing Temperatures

Transportation in a truck, especially overnight or through cold climates, presents challenges. Keep in mind that most indoor plants cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Consider this before deciding to move them. If you have smaller plants, you may bring them indoors overnight (just like pets!), but exercise caution when leaving them in the car with sub-freezing temperatures.

Can’t move your plants?

If your plants can’t move with you for whatever reason, here are some ideas of what to do with them before you go!

Take a cutting - Take a small cutting off each of your plants, wrap the cut area in wet tissue, and place in a plastic bag to bring with you. You can propagate the cuttings and enjoy them as your plant grows along with you in your new home.
Give them to friends - Plants make great gifts, and can be an incredibly symbolic (and much desired!) parting gift for a friend. They can continue their life in a new home!
Donate to a school or other organization - Indoor spaces could always use a touch of living greenery to brighten things up. If you can’t take your plants with you, give them a new life where others can enjoy them as much as you have!

Once you’ve moved your plants, remember that they may take some time to adjust to their new home. It is not uncommon for plants to drop some leaves during this time, but as long as you keep a consistent watering schedule and give the plant the light it needs, all should go well. Good luck, and happy moving!