How to Move Your Plants

With some advance preparation, you can safely transport your plants when you move to a new location.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Boxes
• Cartons
• Plastic Containers
• Old Newspapers
• Burlap

1. Check with the airlines about any guidelines or regulations for transporting plants if you plan to fly to your new home.
2. Check with your moving company about policies on moving plants; realize that many movers will not move plants unless the move is local or delivery is scheduled within 24 hours.
3. Keep your plants moist during transport by thoroughly watering in advance, wrapping newspaper around the pot, and placing burlap around the leaves and stems.
4. Transfer plants from breakable pots into plastic containers.
5. Place pots in a carton for easier transport.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're moving out of state, be aware that some states prohibit moving plants across state lines; check with your local florist or nursery or with the Department of Agriculture about any restrictions for your state.
• For a do-it-yourself move, avoid extreme temperature changes by transporting plants in your car instead of placing them in a van or trailer.
• Moving your plants may not be worth the hassle, so consider donating your plants to a local nursing home or giving them away to friends before you move.