Your Guide for Planning Your Move to Moving Home with Plants

A guide to managing national moves. Learn how to plan routes, secure belongings for long-haul travel, and coordinate timing to ensure a successful long-distance transition.

When moving home, the plants you have nurtured deserve thoughtful care too. Transporting them safely requires preparation, but keeping your plants healthy during the move helps maintain their benefits, such as cleaner air and a calming atmosphere in your new space.

This guide covers essential steps for moving your plants safely — from getting them ready to settle them comfortably into your new home.

Planning Ahead When Moving Home with Plants

Plants respond to changes in temperature, light, and humidity, so it’s important to think about the environment in your new home. Identify which plants fit your new surroundings and prepare them at least a week before moving day. Careful preparation can help your plants prosper through the transition.

Preparing Your Plants Before the Move

Preparing plants is straightforward with a few key steps:

Prune and tidy: Remove damaged or overgrown leaves and stems to make plants more compact for transport.
Pest control: Check for pests like aphids or whiteflies and treat with safe, natural methods such as neem oil to reduce plant stress.
Water wisely: Water thoroughly about a week before moving but avoid soaking the soil. Slightly drier soil makes pots lighter while keeping plants hydrated.
Storage: Keep plants in a safe, undisturbed area during packing to minimise stress and protect them from damage.

Preparing Outdoor Plants

Moving garden plants needs early preparation and special care to reduce shock and ensure successful transport.

Timing is important: Moving outdoor perennials between late autumn and early spring, when they are dormant, helps them adjust better.
Preparing garden plants: Clear weeds and dig around the root ball carefully. Use plastic pots for temporary storage and insulate them with fleece or bubble wrap in cold weather.
Storage: Keep plants protected from harsh weather and direct sun while awaiting the move.
Be organised: Label plants with care instructions and note their intended spots in your new garden for easier unpacking.

Packing and Securing Plants for Moving Day

Protecting delicate leaves and stems during packing will help plants arrive in good condition.

Check pots for damage — replace brittle ones with plastic pots if needed for stability.
Remove plants from decorative pots and wrap separately, using labels to keep track.
Wrap taller plants gently with packing paper, burlap, or gardening fleece, and use support such as sticks if needed.
Use sturdy boxes or plant carriers for smaller plants. Line cardboard boxes with plastic to protect against moisture.
Fill gaps in boxes with paper or cloth to prevent plants shifting during transit.

Choosing How to Transport Your Plants

The right way to transport your plants depends on their number, size, and the moving distance.

For a few small plants, your own vehicle can be suitable. For larger or taller plants, or longer moves, a moving van offers more space and protection. Let the movers know about your plants so they can be carefully packed with your belongings.

Unpacking and Settling Your Plants into Their New Home

Once at your new home, gently unpack plants and help them adjust.

Unpack carefully: Remove wrappings gently, avoid disturbing roots, and give plants immediate air and light.
Assess light and temperature: Keep plants out of direct sunlight for a few days as they acclimate.
Water and fertilise: Water well and consider mild fertiliser to support recovery.
Monitor and adjust: Check plants regularly and mist them if indoor air is dry.
Outdoor plants: If possible, place plants in sheltered areas or plant them directly into soil, watering and fertilising as needed.

With some planning and care, your plants can adapt smoothly to their new surroundings, continuing to brighten your space and support your well-being.