How To Move Plants (2024 Guide)
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Relocating plants can be one of the trickiest parts of moving into a new home. Improper handling can put your plants into shock. Use our step-by-step guide to learn how to move plants like succulents, fiddle-leaf figs, and more safely and easily.
Moving Plants Yourself
Moving plants doesn’t always require hiring a moving company, and sometimes the best way to keep your plants safe during a move is to do it yourself. The steps below detail how to move your houseplants efficiently without damaging them.
1. Preparing Plants for a Move
Most of the work required to move your plants safely must be done beforehand. Moving to a new environment can shock plants, so be sure to do it in stages to give them enough time to adjust.
The first step in the plant-moving process is determining if you should move them based on their age, size, and general health. For example, you shouldn’t move plants with diseases or insect infestations, and larger plants can be too big to move safely. Further, you shouldn’t move plants unless you have adequate space and sunlight for them in your new home.
Consult the Department of Agriculture’s local regulations if you’re moving across state lines to see if you are allowed to take your plants with you, especially if they’re outdoor plants. Plants that can’t be moved make for a thoughtful gift.
Repot your plants two to three weeks before moving to reduce transport shock. It’s best to use shatter-proof plastic pots or plastic containers the same size as your plants’ original pots to ensure that nothing breaks in transit since standard ceramic pots tend to be fragile.
We’ve outlined the steps to repot plants below:
- Water your plants at least 30 minutes before repotting them.
- Add a drainage layer and a new soil layer to the new pot.
- Hold the base of the plant gently and turn its pot upside down to carefully remove it using gravity.
- For root ball plants, prune any circling roots to ensure future airflow.
- Add your plant to the new pot and spread its roots out evenly.
- Add an even layer of potting soil from your plant’s original pot.
- Dampen your plant’s soil and leave it in its original environment to reduce the risk of plant shock.
Pruning dead leaves after repotting your plant is a good way to ensure it will be healthy and compact for your move. Moving your houseplants is a good opportunity to check on general plant health and make improvements as necessary.
Clip any dead or diseased leaves as close to the stem as possible with damp scissors. The dead leaf scraps can be useful for compost piles for those also passionate about general landscaping.
2. Packaging and Transporting Plants
Continue to care for your plants as you normally would now that they are repotted and pruned. There’s no need to overwater them or change their general care routine before the big move.
Pick a soft material to cushion your plants and protect their branches, such as an old bed sheet, tissue paper, packing paper, or even paper towels.
It’s time to pack plants for transport. Normal moving boxes work fine, but be sure the plants fit snugly to prevent unwanted movement. Bubble wrap, plastic bags, or extra tissue paper can all fill empty space if needed. Be sure to punch air holes in the top of boxes to let your plants breathe, and loosely close the lids to ensure good airflow.
There’s nothing worse than mystery boxes when you’re unpacking. Make sure to label your boxes with plant names to make unpacking easier in your new home.
3. Unpacking Plants
You should move your potted plants back into their original pots eventually, but don’t rush. Wait at least a week after introducing your plants to their new environment before repotting them to reduce the chance of plant shock. Be sure to place the plants in similar conditions to what they had before, such as direct sunlight or shade.
Plant experts say that after moving, wilting or losing leaves can be expected, so don’t worry if your plant doesn’t look picture-perfect after the move. It will likely recover after it fully adjusts.
Moving Companies and Plants
Many movers won’t move plants. Some won’t accept liability for damage done to plants due to their fragility in the rugged environment of a moving truck, and there’s no guarantee that a moving company will move your plants gently and with care. Consult with any potential companies about their policies regarding plants as you go through the process of hiring movers.
Our Conclusion
Moving plants can be challenging, but the right preparation can make it stress-free. Sometimes moving your own plants is best to ensure they’re being treated with care through the transition. Plants can be moved safely and efficiently with typical moving materials such as moving boxes, tissue paper, and bubble wrap, especially if you move your plants into shatter-proof plastic pots at least two weeks before relocating.
Check local regulations from the Department of Agriculture for indoor plants and outdoor plants alike. Everyone loves their greenery, but non-native plants can harbor insects and diseases that can be invasive to local ecosystems. Finally, consult with any potential moving companies to make sure their policies line up with your plants’ needs, especially for long-distance moves.
FAQ About How To Move Plants
How do you transport a tall plant?
Transporting a tall plant is similar to any other houseplant, with some additional steps. Place your plant in a shatter-proof pot, properly prune and water it, secure it with a soft material such as newspaper, and poke holes in your chosen covering for proper airflow. Then, secure branches and outward leaves, perhaps with rubber bands, to avoid the plant losing its shape. Transport tall plants on their side—without putting too much pressure on the main stems.
What kind of plants cannot be transported?
Plants that don’t follow local regulations should not be transported. Consult the local Department of Agriculture’s rules when relocating non-native plants before you move. Plants with insect infestations or excessive disease also shouldn’t be moved.
How often do you water plants after transporting?
Resume normal plant care after repotting your plants for the move. Do not overwater or underwater your plants. Watering your plants according to their normal needs will reduce the disruption to their routines, which can minimize the risk of plant shock when moving. Wait at least one week to return your plants to their original pots once you’re in your new home, and maintain a normal watering schedule throughout that time period.
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