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Phinnie Zahareas is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She works as a project manager and professional organizer for a moving company in Louisiana. She’s managed dozens of moving jobs — from tiny houses to sprawling office buildings — and aims to make relocations easier for everyone. In addition to her work in the moving industry, she holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of New Orleans. She still lives in New Orleans, where she walks her two spotted dogs along the Mississippi River every evening.
Follow state guidelines and regulations when relocating indoor and outdoor plants.
Moving companies might not transport your plants on the moving truck, especially for long-distance relocations.
Prune and package your plants for safe car transport to prevent damage to leaves and stems.
Bubble wrap may not be enough to protect a delicate succulent on a bumpy moving truck. As any plant lover can attest, these leafy companions are not merely decorative items but living organisms with specific needs. If you want to bring your beloved fiddle-leaf fig tree with you, you need to understand how to move plants. Some are hardier than others, after all.
The logistics of moving with plants demand careful consideration — from protecting delicate foliage to keeping tabs on state-specific regulations. Certain plants may not be allowed or strongly discouraged in your new state.
“This may seem like a nuisance, but it’s really very important,” said Nancy Zafrani, general manager at Oz Moving & Storage in New York City. “Pests and disease may not be readily apparent and they can be terribly damaging to entire ecosystems.”
Before you start preparing your plants for transportation, make sure you know what your movers can and can’t move. But you don’t have to say goodbye to your blooms next time you sign a lease either. You can certainly find a way to move most plants — especially for a local relocation.
Interstate moving companies are less likely to load up your plants for a long haul because of state and federal regulations. “Do not expect any long-distance moving companies to transport live plants,” Zafrani said.
When faced with a long-distance move with your cherished greenery, do your homework. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits the transportation of live nursery and greenhouse flora across state lines unless you obtain permits that comply with agricultural or plant protection agency regulations. These restrictions prevent new pests, diseases or invasive species from entering the state. However, the USDA doesn’t regulate houseplants crossing state lines.
The National Plant Board (NPB) provides a regional breakdown of each state’s rules and regulations on the NPB’s website. You can also find contact details for each state’s division, so you can get in touch via phone or email to inquire about any restrictions or regulations that could prevent you from bringing your outdoor plants and houseplants with you. For instance, California prohibits citrus plants and cuttings.
Once you clear that you can legally transport your flora, decide if your plant can make the long-distance journey. Having your plants with you gives you direct control over the environment, temperature and overall care during the journey. Smaller plants can be placed in plastic pots within a bigger box and relegated to the back seat or the floor of your car. Even if you pack plants yourself, be realistic about your expectations. An orchid can be more prone to damage than a ficus tree.
Investigate if you can ship plants via a delivery service such as Roadie. This company often provides climate-controlled conditions to maintain an optimal environment for transportation.
Proper planning and care are essential moving tips for plants. Follow these steps to ensure your green companion are safe during the relocation:
Check on the overall health of your botanical buddies, as plants in poor health may not survive the journey. Remove dead leaves and prune plants to reduce their size — this will make them more manageable for packing.
Certain plants need enough water to last a few days. However, avoid overwatering, as excessively damp soil can lead to root rot during transit. On the other hand, succulents such as zebra plants probably don’t need any water at all.
For small potted plants, secure the pots by placing them in sturdy moving boxes or plastic containers. Place the pots side by side in the box, and use packing paper, bubble wrap or paper towels to stabilize the pots and keep them from smashing into each other.
Place small plants with prominent stems in the center of the box, surrounding them with shorter, less fragile varieties. For larger plants, look for cellophane sleeves or make a cone out of newspaper to protect their stems and branches.
Proper ventilation prevents the buildup of heat and allows plants to breathe. Leave the boxes open, or close them and poke holes to create airflow.
Label boxes containing plants as “live plants” to alert movers or anyone helping with the move. This prompts careful handling and ensures that the plants are treated with the necessary caution — and don’t accidentally get placed on the moving truck if you plan to transport them yourself.
Shield plants from extreme temperatures by regulating the climate within your vehicle. Avoid leaving them in a hot car for too long. Those moving in the colder months may want to drape shrubs with burlap or bedsheets.
If any of your plants require complex processes, quarantines or certifications to comply with the regulations in your new state, leaving those plants behind may be more practical.
You should also evaluate the adaptability of your plants in your destination climate. Some plant species are more resilient to changes, while others may struggle to acclimate. A cactus thriving in Phoenix is probably going to suffer in rainy Seattle. When moving to a significantly new environment with variations in temperature, humidity or sunlight, consider leaving plants where they are.
Take note of the plant’s deposition and size. Large flora, such as fiddle-leaf fig trees and bird-of-paradise plants, may be challenging to move without damage. Sun-loving houseplants, might not survive an extended move in a dark moving truck without direct sunlight.
“It’s always safest to rehome your plants with local family or friends who will surely appreciate them,” Zafrani advised. “Nursing homes and schools may also take houseplant donations.”
Unpacking your plants should be the first thing you do when you get to your new home. Don’t worry if they look a little droopy after the trip, especially if they traveled for several days in the car or the back of a moving van.
Place plants in a suitable environment in your new home that mimics their previous conditions, gradually acclimating them to changes in light or temperature. Water them thoroughly but avoid overwatering. Monitor their health closely for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. Allow some time for your plants to settle into their new surroundings without introducing major changes such as repotting.
Finally, maintain a consistent care routine and be patient as your plants adapt to their new home.
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