You’ve packed the boxes, labeled the kitchen gear, wrapped your mugs — but what about your plants? Moving with houseplants takes a little extra thought, but with the right steps, you can keep your leafy companions happy, healthy, and intact from Point A to Point B.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely move your indoor plants, whether you’re going across town or across the country, with tips for prep, packing, transport, and post-move care.
Why Moving Plants Requires Special Care
Plants are living organisms that don’t love sudden change. Moving can expose them to:
- 🌡️ Temperature swings
- 🌀 Drafts or dry air
- 🏗️ Rough handling or tilting
- 🌫️ Lack of light
- 💧 Interrupted watering schedules
With gentle handling and a little planning, you can minimize shock and keep your green friends thriving in their new environment.
Step 1: Plan Ahead
Start preparing 1–2 weeks before moving day.
Things to check:
- Will your new home have similar light conditions?
- Are you traveling in hot or cold weather?
- How long will your plants be in transit?
If you’re moving far or shipping plants, check if there are regulations or restrictions (especially when crossing state or country lines).
Step 2: Prep Your Plants for the Move
7–10 Days Before:
- Prune dead leaves or leggy stems
- Check for pests and treat if needed
- Stop fertilizing — you don’t want new, vulnerable growth during the move
- Repot if necessary — but only if the plant is rootbound and struggling
- Give them a good watering 2–3 days before the move (not the night before — soggy soil = spills)
Step 3: Choose the Right Containers for Transport
Leave fragile decorative planters at home — use lightweight, safe pots for the ride.
Best transport options:
- Original plastic nursery pots
- Temporary grow bags
- Small plants in boxes with dividers
- Larger plants in plastic tubs with towels for padding
- Remove tall plants from stands or ceramic pots before loading
Pro Tip: Group small plants in a shallow open box to keep them upright and together.
Step 4: Pack Your Plants Securely
How to pack:
- Place pots in boxes or tubs lined with towels or newspaper
- Stuff any gaps to prevent tipping or sliding
- Use bubble wrap or socks to protect fragile leaves
- Leave the tops open — your plants need airflow
- If traveling in a cold or hot car, insulate with blankets (but avoid heat buildup)
Avoid taping anything directly to your plants — it can damage leaves and stems.
Step 5: Transport Smart
Ideal plant moving conditions:
- Bring them in your car, not the moving truck
- Keep inside the cabin if it’s too hot or cold outside
- Avoid placing them in trunks or on top of heavy boxes
- Park in shade whenever possible
- Never leave plants in a parked car for long periods
For long trips:
- Let tall plants lie flat, supported by soft material
- Open windows occasionally for air
- Mist delicate plants during long rides
Step 6: Unpack Promptly and Gently
Once you arrive:
- Unpack plants first, especially in extreme weather
- Place them in a similar light environment to what they had before
- Check for damage, soil spillage, or snapped stems
- Give them a day or two to adjust before watering
- Avoid repotting for 2–3 weeks unless absolutely necessary
Expect some wilting or yellowing — it’s normal after a move and usually temporary.
Optional: Reintroduce Slowly
For plants that are sensitive to change (like calatheas, fiddle leaf figs, or ferns), ease them into new conditions.
- Move them to a shaded area at first, then back into light
- Skip fertilizing for 4 weeks
- Keep them away from vents or drafts
- Resume normal watering once they seem settled
What If You’re Moving Without a Car?
Options for car-free moves:
- Use a rolling suitcase with plants upright inside
- Pack in sturdy shopping bags with handles
- Ask a friend to help with transport
- Use a bike basket or backpack for small plants
- Ship plants in boxes with biodegradable packing material (short distance only!)
Note: If shipping across state or national lines, check local agricultural rules to avoid delays.
Plants Can Move Too — Just Take It Slow
Your plants have been growing right alongside you — so it’s only natural to want them to come along for the next chapter. With patience, padding, and a little TLC, they’ll adapt to your new space and help make it feel like home.
And once you’re all moved in?
Give your plants a shower, a little sunlight, and a warm “welcome home.” 🪴🏡