How to Pack Plants for Moving

Houseplants require special care during a move because they are living organisms sensitive to temperature changes, light deprivation, and physical damage. Most professional moving companies, including long distance carriers, will not transport plants due to liability concerns and agricultural regulations that vary by state. This means your plant collection will likely need to travel with you in your personal vehicle. Planning for this well in advance gives your plants the best chance of surviving the transition to their new home in good health.

Two to three weeks before your move, begin preparing your plants. Repot any plants in ceramic or heavy clay pots into lightweight plastic containers to reduce weight and prevent breakage. Prune overgrown branches and dead leaves to make plants more compact and reduce the chance of stems snapping during transport. If any plants have pest issues, treat them now rather than bringing problems into your new home. Water your plants on their normal schedule leading up to moving day, but avoid watering the morning of the move — soggy soil is heavier and more likely to spill.

On packing day, place each plant inside a box that is slightly taller than the plant. Stuff crumpled newspaper or packing paper around the base of the pot to prevent it from tipping or shifting. For tall plants that will not fit in a box, wrap the pot in a plastic bag secured with a rubber band to contain the soil, then loosely drape a large garbage bag over the foliage to protect leaves from wind and cold. Poke a few holes in the bag for air circulation. Never seal plants in airtight containers, as they need oxygen and can overheat quickly.

Temperature is the biggest threat to plants during a move. If you are moving in a Boston winter, even a few minutes of exposure to freezing temperatures can kill tropical houseplants. Warm up your car before loading plants and never leave them in an unheated vehicle overnight. In summer, the opposite risk applies — a closed car in direct sunlight can reach oven-like temperatures within minutes. Park in shade whenever possible and crack windows if you need to leave the vehicle briefly. For long distance moves, bring plants inside your hotel room overnight rather than leaving them in the car.

Once you arrive at your new home, unpack plants first and place them near windows with similar light conditions to what they had before. Expect some stress response — dropped leaves, wilting, or slowed growth are normal reactions to the disruption of a move. Resist the urge to overwater or fertilize immediately. Give your plants a week or two to acclimate before resuming their normal care routine. Boston Best Rate Movers always recommends that customers plan their plant transport separately and early, as it is one of those details that gets overlooked until the last minute. A little advance preparation keeps your green companions thriving through the move and beyond.