Moving with Plants

The Rule Most People Don't Know About

Federal household goods carrier regulations generally don't allow long-distance movers to transport perishable items -- including household plants -- except on shorter moves, typically under about 150 miles or where delivery happens within 24 hours. Crossing state lines adds another layer: many states restrict bringing plants in at all, to prevent the spread of pests and disease. If your move is long-distance or crosses state lines, plan on moving your plants yourself, having a gardener handle them, or checking with your destination state's agriculture department before you assume they can come along.

Prepping Plants Before Moving Day

Packing and Transporting

A sturdy box with an open or removable top usually works better than a bag -- it protects the plant while still letting it breathe, and wadded paper or a towel around the base keeps it from tipping during transport. Label these boxes clearly and load them last, so they come off the truck first. Direct sun and temperature extremes are the real enemy during transport -- a plant that's fine at 75 degrees can go into shock quickly in a hot truck or car in the Arizona sun.

When You Arrive

Unpack plants first, before anything else if you can manage it. Slide them out from the bottom of the box rather than pulling from the top, to avoid snapping stems or leaves. Ease them back into more light gradually rather than putting them straight into full sun after a few hours in a dark box.

Moving Outdoor Plants

Not every transplanted or uprooted plant survives the move, and that's worth knowing going in for anything especially delicate. When in doubt, a local nursery can usually tell you whether a specific plant is a good candidate for transport or better left behind -- and once you're settled, planting something new in the yard is always a nice way to start fresh.