It’s inevitable — when you move, you’ll have to leave certain things behind. For green thumbs, the most painful separation is a beautifully curated garden and lawn. Some plants can survive the trip, but they're few and far between. For the ones you can bring inside — or the ones that were already inside to begin with — it’s an easier feat. Moving with houseplants, even cross-country or internationally, is possible. It just requires extra care and prep work.
Preparing the Plants
Your plants should be the last thing you pack up for your move, ideally the night before or the day of. How you pack the plants also depends on what type of plant they are. Smaller succulents can typically fit in a flat box with cushioning between each planter. Try to keep the box upright and balanced during the journey. You can put a lid or cover over the succulents, but try to remove it as soon as possible.
With larger plants, you’ll have to put in more care. Water your plants well in the week leading up to the move. Excess moisture normally isn’t good for plants, but you might be unable to water them during the moving process. If you can water your plants, make sure you do so regularly. Alternatively, remove the plant from its container and wrap the roots up. This will not only prevent damage but also help lock in moisture.
Keeping your plants secure is also a must. Any movement during the trip could cause damage to the plant. Use newspaper, foam padding, or bubble packing material. We recommend wrapping the foliage as well. Use a plastic bag or newspaper, depending on the plant’s size. You want to use a loose, breathable material that allows sunlight to reach the plant.
After the Move
Being trapped inside a box cuts off a plant’s access to airflow and sunlight. Remove plants from boxes as soon as possible and place them in an area of your new home where they’ll flourish. This will depend on the plant, as different plants require various levels of sunlight and water.
That said, don’t immediately assume your plants will flourish like they did at your old home. Extra sunlight could scorch leaves or even kill plants if you aren’t careful. Likewise, insufficient sunlight may cause deterioration. Be patient. Your plants need to recuperate after the journey, just as much as pets, children, and you do.
If you’re particularly concerned about your plants, try boosting them by using a nutrient-rich fertilizer to help them recover faster. Fertilizers promote growth in plants, creating larger plants at a faster rate. However, be careful about giving them too much. Even a small dose could encourage your plants to the point that they no longer fit inside your home. Try watering it down or using a small amount, rather than a full dosage.
What to Keep in Mind About Moving Houseplants
Depending on where you’re moving, you might not be able to keep your plants. This could be due to space limitations, weather, or the local government. Some countries, and even states, forbid certain plants from entering their borders. California is especially strict about what flora can be within state lines. Before you move, research any plant bans in your destination.
If you use a moving company, review their policies. Many moving companies refuse to transport plants as they can easily become a liability. We also strongly advise against disguising your plants and having the company move them secretly. If you do this, it’ll likely void your entire contract and the moving company won’t pay for any other damages or lost items.
In order to avoid this situation, consider shipping your plants ahead of your belongings, but know that there are risks. With enough “LIVE PLANT” and “FRAGILE” stickers, you should be able to negate any danger. Ensure the plants are extremely secure. Even the tiniest space could be enough to damage or capsize the plant.
What If I Can’t Keep My Plants?
If you can’t keep your plants because of local flora bans, limited space in your new home, or even inhospitable weather in the region, there are a few ways to ensure your plants are still cared for.
First, make arrangements with neighbors or friends to take your plants. Give the new owners thorough instructions. You’ll also want to give them the pots. If you’re worried the plants aren’t being cared for, ask for texts or photos with information on the plants. You may not be able to bring them along, but seeing your plants flourish in a similar environment can lessen the sting.
If you can’t keep them due to space reasons, take a clipping of your plant instead of the whole thing. Then, plant the clipping in a new, smaller pot. The smaller pot should, in theory, prevent the plant from growing too large. This way, you can still bring your flora friend along in a compact capacity. The clipping will also be much easier to transport than the whole plant.