How to move and pack plants

Packing and Moving Plants

Moving plants, whether small houseplants, big indoor plants or outdoor plants, can be a challenge. These living creatures need special care so they survive the move and thrive in their new home. From packing to transporting them, the right techniques will save your leafy friends from unnecessary stress. In this guide we’ll cover the best ways to prepare, pack and move plants – including how professionals pack and what’s their responsibility.

Transporting Plants Safely

Moving plants requires special care during transport to prevent damage from temperature changes, crushing or dehydration.

1. Use Your Own Vehicle

• Avoid the Moving Truck: Most moving trucks don’t have climate control so they’re not suitable for live plants. Put your plants in your car or SUV instead.
• Stable Placement: Use a rubber band or seatbelt to secure bigger plants upright in the car.

2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

• Cold Weather Protection: During winter moves, wrap plants in bubble wrap and warm blankets. Preheat your car to maintain a stable environment.
• Hot Car Warning: Don’t leave plants in a hot car for too long, intense heat can harm foliage and dry out the soil.

3. Long Distance Moves

• Wrap each plant in damp paper and pack in sturdy boxes to protect foliage and soil.
• Rest Stops: On long trips, check your plants for moisture and mist them lightly to keep them hydrated.

Packing Plants Like a Pro

Proper packing will protect your plants from damage and environmental changes during the move. Follow these steps to pack your plants safely.

1. Use the Right Materials

• Boxes: Use moving boxes for smaller plants. For bigger plants use open-top plastic crates or banana boxes.
• Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: Wrap pots with bubble wrap to prevent breakage. Fill empty spaces in the box with packing paper or crumpled newspaper to prevent plants from moving.
• Plastic Bags and Wrap: Cover the base of plants with plastic bags or plastic wrap to contain soil and prevent spills.

2. If you transpoting plants with movers

• Poke Holes: In boxes with plants, poke holes to allow air to get in, keep foliage healthy during transport.
• Cover Well: For bigger plants, lightly cover with a plastic bag or breathable fabric on top to protect the leaves from the elements.
• Mark Boxes: Write “Live Plants” and “This Side Up” on all sides of the box so movers or helpers will handle with care.
• Moving Day: Pack your plants on the morning of moving day to minimize time in boxes. Make sure they’re the last items to go into the truck.

Special Considerations for Moving Plants in Winter Moves

Winter moves present special challenges for plants but with proper preparation they can survive.

1. Insulate from the Cold

• Wrap pots with bubble wrap or towels to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
• Use plastic bags to cover foliage for extra insulation.

2. Limit Exposure

• Warm up your car before loading plants to create a stable environment
• Load plants last to limit exposure to the cold. Bring them inside as soon as you get to your new home.

Unpacking and Helping Plants Adjust to New Environment

Once you’ve transported your plants safely, unpack them quickly and help them get settled.

1. Unpack Gently

• Remove plants from boxes and wrapping carefully to not damage leaves or stems.
• For bigger plants, lift from the bottom to not break fragile branches.

2. Rehydrate and Check

• Water if soil is dry but don’t overwater to shock.
• Check for stress signs like droopy leaves or discolored foliage and adjust care accordingly.

3. Acclimate Gradually

• Put plants in a spot with similar conditions to where they were before. For outdoor plants, wait until the weather is right before planting them in the ground.

Post Move Plant Care

The move doesn’t end with unpacking. Here’s how to help your plants adjust to the new climate and new home.

• Check Health: Keep an eye on houseplants and other plants for stress signs like wilting or yellowing. Adjust water, light and humidity as needed.
• Repot if Necessary: Put plants back into their heavy ceramic pots or decorative planters once they’ve acclimated.
• Find the Right Spot: Place plants in a spot where they’ll thrive, whether it’s a sunny windowsill or shaded corner.

Moving Plant Tips

• Give Yourself Time: Plan your plant move at least a few weeks in advance.
• Talk to Movers: Discuss plant moving options and restrictions with your moving company.
• Give Plants to Friends: If some plants won’t survive during the move, consider giving them to friends or family who can care for them.

Will Professional Movers move Plants: What to Know

If you’re hiring a moving company, you should know how they handle plants and their limits of liability.

How Professional Movers Can Help

• Guidance and Placement: Professional movers will advise on how to pack plants and make sure they’re safely in the truck to prevent tipping or crushing.
• Careful Handling: Movers will handle houseplants and bigger plants with care but recommend you transport them yourself to avoid extreme conditions. They will load plants last to the truck and unload first to provide special care and minimize time in the truck.

Limits of Liability

• No Plant Insurance: Most moving companies, including Flash Moving, don’t insure plants because they’re fragile and sensitive to environmental changes.
• State Lines and Quarantines: Movers often won’t transport plants across state lines because of quarantine regulations and restrictions.
• Customer Acknowledgment: Movers may require clients to sign off,  by signing a release form, that plants are being moved at customer’s own risk.

Why Choose Flash Moving for Your Plant Friendly Move?

We know plants are more than just decoration—they’re part of the family. While we can guide and assist with moving plants, their fragility means we have limitations in our liability. Here’s why you trust us:

• Expert Guidance: We’ll give you detailed instructions on how to prepare and pack your plants for a safe move.
• Safe Transport: When we transport plants, we’ll put them to the truck at last in the right spot and unload first.
• Clear Policies: We’ll outline our plant limitations so you know what to expect.

Moving Plants

Moving plants requires extra work but with the right prep and care, they’ll arrive healthy and ready to go. Whether you’re packing them yourself or working with professional movers, follow these steps and your plant  will adjust to the new environment. At Flash Moving we’ll help with all aspects of your move so your plants and everything else will be taken care of.