How to Move With Plants?

At The Mobile Storage Guy, we’ve seen it all: delicate orchids packed in grocery bags, oversized fiddle leaf figs strapped across the backseat, and once, a cactus riding shotgun.

After helping thousands of homeowners move across cities, provinces, and seasons, we’ve learned one thing for sure: moving with plants takes more than good intentions; it takes the right strategy.

Plants aren’t just “items”; they’re living, breathing companions that don’t respond well to shock. They’re sensitive to temperature changes, light fluctuations, poor packaging, and rough handling.

That’s why we’ve developed a proven method to help you move your plants safely, whether it’s across town or across provinces. Here’s our professional guide based on real experience, not guesswork.

Step One: Prepare Your Plants Before Moving Day

How to Pack House Plants for Moving? Moving plants is not easy; you must carefully prepare each step and then execute it flawlessly. Below, we have explained everything in detail to help you each step of the way.

Repot Early and Lighten the Load

If your plants are sitting in heavy ceramic or clay pots, transfer them into lightweight plastic pots of the same size at least three weeks before your move.

This gives the plant time to adjust to the new container, making lifting, packing, and transporting much easier, not to mention safer.

We’ve seen too many cracked pots and broken roots because someone waited until the last minute. Don’t make that mistake.

Prune and Inspect

Two weeks out, assess your plants. Larger specimens benefit from light pruning, just enough to make them compact and easier to handle.

Pinch back new growth and remove any dead or damaged leaves. But know your plant: succulents and ferns don’t respond well to pruning and should be left alone.

At the one-week mark, inspect for pests. Aphids, mites, and fungal infections spread fast in close quarters. If needed, treat your plants early, but be mindful that many moving trucks do not transport pesticides.

Water Strategically

Water your plants two days before the move. That’s the sweet spot: the soil will be slightly moist but not wet enough to leak or promote fungus during transit.

Avoid watering on moving days; it’ll make plants heavier, messier, and far more fragile in extreme temperatures.

Step Two: Pack Your Plants Like a Pro

Secure the Soil and Protect the Leaves

A soil spill is one of the most common moving messes we deal with, but it’s easy to avoid. The best way to pack plants for moving is to take a damp paper towel, lay it over the soil, and wrap the base of the pot with a plastic bag.

Seal the bag tightly above the soil line. This keeps everything intact, even if the plant tilts in the vehicle.

For leafy or trailing plants, loosely wrap the foliage with newspaper to form a cone around the plant. It cushions the leaves and keeps them from snagging or bending.

Choose the Right Containers

If you’re moving a small collection, shallow plastic bins with ventilation holes work best. Line the bottom with towels, cloths, or crumpled newspaper, nestle the pots in, and anchor them with soft padding.

Larger plants need sturdier support. We often recommend wardrobe boxes, tall moving cartons, or even plastic tubs filled with pillows, towels, or bundled clothing to keep the plant from shifting. The key is stabilization; if it rocks, it’s at risk.

Label every box clearly: “LIVE PLANTS, THIS SIDE UP.” You’d be surprised how many people skip this. Don’t.

Protect Against Temperature Extremes

Plants can’t tolerate extreme heat or cold. Never leave them in the trunk or a sealed car during summer or winter.

If you’re moving in freezing conditions, wrap each plant in fleece or cloth for insulation and minimize time outdoors. In summer, keep them in a cool, shaded part of the vehicle’s interior.

Trust us, just a few minutes in a hot or freezing vehicle can cause irreversible damage. We've seen tropical plants lose all their leaves after a single exposure to outdoor winter air.

Step Three: Choose Your Transport Method Wisely

Many of our customers told us that they used to frantically search for information on how to transport plants when moving. Still, all the information they found was either too hard to follow or too expensive to put into action.

That’s where The Mobile Storage Guy shines. Our portable storage units keep plants safe, secure, and healthy even after a big move.

If You're Driving

Designate space in the temperature-controlled part of your car, ideally the backseat. Avoid stacking anything on or around the plants. If you’re stopping overnight, bring the plants into the hotel room with you.

That may sound like overkill, but it’s essential if you want them to survive the journey in good condition.

We’ve had clients successfully move 30+ plants across the country by simply treating them like passengers. That’s the mindset you need.

If You’re Flying

You can fly with plants, but it requires planning. TSA allows most plants on planes, but they must be packed securely.

Use a plastic bag with some air circulation, stabilize the soil with a damp paper towel, and protect the foliage with newspaper.

Then, gently store the plant upright in your carry-on. If you have to lay it sideways, do it carefully and be aware that it’s not ideal.

If You’re Shipping

Shipping is your riskiest option. Consider it only if absolutely necessary, and never ship plants before the weekend.

Pack each one tightly with filler to prevent any movement, cushion the top and base, and use fast, reliable shipping, ideally overnight. Always label the box visibly and clearly.

We've worked with clients who've successfully shipped plants across the country. The secret? Tight packing, minimal dead space, and clear labeling.

Step Four: Moving Day Execution

Load Last, Unload First

When moving plants, timing matters. Always load them into the vehicle last so they’re not crushed or trapped behind heavy boxes. 

Likewise, when you arrive, unload them first. The faster they’re back in natural light and fresh air, the better. Place them upright, ensure they’re stable, and keep them visible during transit.

This isn’t just about care; it’s about awareness. If you can see them, you’re less likely to forget them in the chaos of a moving day.

Keep the Climate Comfortable

Whether you’re driving across town or across the country, keep your car interior comfortable. A steady, mild temperature with light airflow is best.

No drafts. No blasts of AC or heat. Consistency is your best ally when it comes to transporting live plants.

Step Five: Reacclimate Your Plants to Their New Home

Unpack Immediately and Be Gentle

As soon as you arrive, give your plants the attention they need. Don’t leave them boxed or bagged. Unwrap them, place them in bright but indirect light, and let them breathe. Avoid direct sun for at least the first few days; they need to ease into their new environment gradually.

Don’t fertilize, repot, or prune for the first two weeks. Your plants are adjusting, and you need to let them recover before stimulating new growth.

Expect some leaf loss or yellowing; that’s normal. With steady care and patience, they’ll bounce back.

Let Them Settle Before You Make Changes

We always tell customers to treat the first two weeks like a plant quarantine. No repotting, no big moves, no changes in light.

Just let them be. Once they start showing signs of new growth and stability, you can begin regular care routines again.

Can’t Take Every Plant With You?

We get it; sometimes, the logistics don’t work out. If that’s the case, take cuttings of your favorite plants and propagate them in your new home.

It’s a symbolic way to bring a piece of your old space with you. You can also gift plants to neighbors, friends, or local plant lovers.

We’ve seen beautiful stories of heirloom plants finding new homes this way, and if you’re moving again in the future, who knows? Maybe you’ll be given a cutting from the very same plant you once passed on.

The Bottom Line

At The Mobile Storage Guy, we treat your move like it’s our own, and that includes your plants. After years of helping people move homes, we know the difference good planning makes. Moving with plants doesn’t have to be risky or stressful; it just needs to be done right.

Trust your instincts, follow the steps, and let your green companions thrive in your new home. With care, patience, and the right process, they’ll settle in just as beautifully as you do