7 packing tips to keep houseplants safe for moving

When you’ve collected several houseplants over time, parting ways with them may not have been in the cards. However, plants are highly sensitive and might not thrive in unstable environments - like long journeys. Choose plants that are stable, sturdy, and have the highest chance of surviving in a new environment. 

If this proves to be difficult, Ed suggests selecting plants with sentimental value or ones that are unusual or rare and you’d unlikely find someplace else.

If moving interstate, make sure to check your destination’s agriculture department policy beforehand as there might be specific conditions to transport plants across states. Due to the biosecurity requirements in place, not all types of plants or soil are allowed across state borders to prevent the spread of pests and plant diseases. 

Failing to do so could impose fines if you carry banned houseplants, so make sure to do your research before moving.

When moving long-distance, consider the duration of travel and climate of your new destination, as some plants may not be able to survive the journey or change in condition. Due to their state of dormancy, plants typically adapt to new surroundings the best within early spring and late fall. Ed suggests planning ahead and coordinating travel or move-in days around the right season for your plants to increase their chances of survival. 

Houseplants are sensitive to drastic changes and are prone to stress, moving these in nursery pots in advance enables them to settle in and get used to the new conditions for travel. This is also a chance to check the state of your plants and provide necessary steps, such as changing soil, removing dust, and checking for signs of pests or plant disease, to confirm if these are healthy and suitable to be moved interstate.

On move-in day, use a damp paper towel to keep the soil down and use tape to hold the stem in place. This ensures your potted plants are secure and kept hydrated during the drive. You can also water your plants three days before to prevent the soil from drying out without making the pots too heavy on the day.

Before moving, ensure the boxes are durable enough to protect and hold the plants in place, especially at the bottom. While corresponding the box sizes with your plants ensure that there will be enough space and distance between the top of the box and the tallest plant to avoid breaking. 

If using heavy-duty cardboard boxes, prep these by poking holes around the surface – this assures that the plants can get enough air circulation during transport. On move-in day, don’t tape or close the lid too firmly to allow enough room for the plants to breathe, Ed shares.

The drive can be unpredictable, therefore, it is crucial to provide as much support for your plants to keep them safe. When moving taller plants, use support sticks to keep the stem steady and stabilized, then place a bag big enough to cover the entire plant to keep it protected.

To avoid major collisions during the move, wrap the plant pots with padded materials like packing foam and arrange the pots close to each other in the box, but be careful to not damage the leaves. Utilise tea towels or cushions to place in between and keep them reinforced.

Put your boxed plants in the car last to ensure these are getting sufficient light and air before the long trip. If traveling for over days, it is important to not leave your plants in the car overnight, bring them inside with you and open the lid to allow light and air.

Alternatively, hiring experienced removalists to help with transporting plants and other fragile items for moving days can be more beneficial. The right removalists will have the appropriate equipment to safely move your plants into your new home – easing the stress of moving.