If you’re preparing for a move, you may have a few plant companions that need special care. Moving plants can be tricky because they’re living things that react to stress, temperature changes, and sudden movement in ways your other belongings don’t. Some plants are sensitive to light changes, while others struggle with fluctuating temperatures during travel. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, it’s important to think ahead so your plants stay healthy throughout the journey. With a bit of planning and the right approach to packing plants, you can make the process much easier on both you and them.
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Should You Re-Home Your Plants?
Before moving plants, consider the climate of your new home. Some species won’t thrive if humidity, sunlight, or seasonal conditions are drastically different. If the environment isn’t ideal, it may be kinder to re-home a plant with a friend or relative. Platforms like Adopt-a-Plant, Facebook Marketplace, and NextDoor are great resources if you choose this option. Once you make your move, you can adopt your own new plants, too!
If you’re committed to bringing them, you can help your plants adapt. Tools like UV lamps, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers can recreate the conditions they’re used to. Keeping plants indoors or in warmer rooms during the transition can also ease the change.
Moving Plants Across State Lines
The safest approach to moving with plants is transporting them in your car. Flying introduces variables like turbulence and temperature swings, which can damage delicate foliage. Keep your plants secure by packing plants in a box that prevents pots from shifting or breaking. If you’re only moving one plant, place it alongside other fragile items cushioned with bubble wrap.
There are no direct laws about how to move plants across state lines, but regulations do exist for companies transporting agricultural goods. This can create confusion, but everyday movers typically don’t need special approval.
Make A Plan
A solid plan is essential when deciding how to move with plants. They often need specific care, and the best approach depends on distance, climate, and the size of your collection.
Moving Companies
Many moving companies decline to move plants. Plants are fragile, valuable, and sensitive to conditions inside a truck, where airflow is limited, and temperatures can fluctuate. Always call ahead to confirm your mover’s policy. If they can’t transport your greenery, you’ll need another solution.
A labor-only moving company might also be a good solution. These movers handle loading and unloading while you transport your items yourself. You can keep your plants in your own vehicle, where temperature and airflow are more stable, while the crew manages the heavy lifting. It’s a great way to get moving-day support without risking your plants in a closed truck.
Shipping Plants
If you’d rather not transport your plants in your own vehicle, you can learn how to ship plants through carriers like FedEx, USPS, or UPS. Before shipping plants, follow these steps to keep them safe:
- Remove the plants from their pots, prune dead foliage, and trim the roots.
- Wrap the roots with a moist paper towel and cover that with plastic to retain moisture.
- Secure the wrap with tape or rubber bands. Using a flea collar can help deter pests during travel.
- Place the plant in a box lined with newspaper or bubble wrap.
- Add enough padding to keep it stable, and weigh the box down to prevent tipping.
- Don’t forget to poke small holes for airflow and clearly label the box with “Fragile” or “Live Plant.”
Moving Plants Yourself
If you prefer moving plants on your own, use the same protective steps for packing your plants. Even when you know what’s inside each box, labeling still helps when moving day gets hectic. Air travel is also possible; many airlines allow small plants as carry-ons as long as they fit size limits.
You can move plants in their original pots or transfer them into lightweight plastic ones to make transport easier. Water them in advance, but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot during travel. If your journey requires overnight stops, bring your plants indoors. Night temperatures can drop quickly, and leaving them in a cold or hot car can cause damage.
For large plants like shrubs or small trees, consider taking cuttings instead of uprooting the whole plant. Cuttings allow you to propagate new plants at your new home, preserving the original without the heavy lifting.
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Settling In
Once you’ve settled into your new home, take some time to monitor your plants closely. The change in environment can affect everything from their watering needs to how much light they receive each day. Your plants may need a new watering schedule, a different spot for sunlight, or even added humidity to feel comfortable again. Pay attention to small signals like drooping leaves, dry soil, or slowed growth. These signs often show that a plant is still adjusting.
You can also rotate plants every few days, check for damage from the trip, and remove any leaves that didn’t survive. Gradually reintroduce them to brighter light or outdoor conditions if necessary. This gentle transition period helps them settle in without added stress.
With a little extra care in the first couple of weeks, your plants will usually bounce back and thrive in their new space. And once everything feels stable again, take a moment to appreciate the effort you put into moving plants safely and thoughtfully!
Conclusion
Moving plants takes patience, planning, and a little creativity, but the effort is always worth it. When you understand how to move with plants safely, whether you’re driving them yourself, shipping plants, or carefully packing plants for a long trip, you give them the best chance to thrive in your new home. Every step you take, from checking the weather to preparing their roots, helps reduce stress on your plants and makes the transition smoother.
Once you arrive, keep tending to their needs, adjust their care routine as needed, and give them time to settle in. Plants are resilient when supported, and with the right preparation, they can flourish in a fresh environment just as you will. By taking the time to move your greenery with care, you’re bringing a little life, comfort, and familiarity into your new space. And that makes all the difference as you start this next chapter!
FAQs
The best way to move plants is to keep them stable, protected, and at a consistent temperature. Secure pots, add padding, and avoid exposing plants to extreme heat or cold when moving plants any distance.
Yes, you can ship plants to another state! Learning how to pack plants and ship them safely involves trimming, wrapping the roots, and using ventilated boxes. Check carrier guidelines before shipping plants to avoid delays.
There’s no strict rule to which plants you should and shouldn’t move. You can move almost any plant or take cuttings from larger ones. But if a plant feels too delicate or high-maintenance to handle, re-homing is a perfectly valid choice.
Moving won’t kill your plants if you prepare well! When you know how to move plants and give them a little extra care, most will handle the transition without trouble. Some may even thrive in their new environment.
If you need to re-home your plant, sites like Adopt-A-Plant let people post and adopt plants easily. Facebook Marketplace and apps like NextDoor are great resources as well. It’s a simple way to give your plants a good home if you can’t bring them along.
Maura De Cicco attends the University of Iowa as a Journalism and Anthropology student. She plans to pursue a strategic communications track when it comes to writing, and an archaeology track when it comes to Anthropology.
Skylar Sanders is an Atlanta native and earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University in 2022. She is currently a graduate student at GSU studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies. In her free time she enjoys being in nature, volunteering, creating digital art, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.
