Moving Houseplants

Happy plants, happy move.

When moving, taking care of houseplants and preserving their health can be complex.

From indoor to outdoor plants, we provide some helpful tips and a timeline to make sure your plants stay as healthy as possible during your move.

Make sure you take advantage of our handy checklist at the bottom of this post!

Helpful Timeline for Moving Plants

Prune plants in preparation for packing them. Consult online resources for instructions on specific types.

Place the plants in cardboard containers and hold them in place with dampened newspaper or packing paper.
Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top in order to keep them moist.

Set the boxes aside and label them “DO NOT LOAD” so they won’t be taken on the moving truck.
Close the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading them into your car.

If you move during a warmer season, park your car in a shaded area. If your move takes place during the winter, park in a sunny spot.

Unpack the plants as soon as possible. Remove them through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking the stems.
Do not expose the plants to too much sunlight at first. Gradually introduce them to more light.

Research climate and soils in the region of your new home.
If you are transporting seeds, gather and store them in an airtight container.
If you are moving bulbs, dig them up during their natural dormant season. Pack them in a mixture of loose dry peat moss and vermiculite to provide a lightweight and protective transport medium.
Sharpen the blades of clippers, lawn mowers, shears, and other garden tools, then apply a thin coating of household or motor oil to protect the paint and metal.
Clean and disinfect rakes, hoes, and sprinklers. Household bleach can be used to disinfect a variety of items.
Some plants can be dug up and replanted at your new residence. Check online resources for more information on transplanting garden plants.