Plants require special care when transporting them. While portable storage containers are great for shipping most of your items, we do not recommend their use for your plants. “Simplify Your Home” has these tips on moving houseplants.
How to Transport Household Plants
- Before moving, find out if the state you are moving to will legally allow your plant. In particular, Arizona, California and Florida have strict rules.
- Determine if your plants will be able to survive the climate in the state you will be moving to. Will it have enough light, correct temperature, etc?
- Remove your plants from ceramic pots that can break easily in a move and place them in plastic pots. Pack your ceramic pots separately.
- Inspect your plants for insects or damage and treat them prior to the move.
- Water your plants a day or two before the move date so that the water does not spill out onto your other things.
- Place your plants in open boxes with plenty of cushioning so they do not move around in transport.
- Transport your plants inside your vehicle but not in the trunk of the car. When on the road, be sure to park in shaded places so that your plants do not receive direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
While we have invested time and energy to our household plants, some are just not meant for travel. Think about donating your plants to a nursing home or pass on to a friend or neighbor.