Tips for Packing and Transporting Plants

• July 17th, 2025
• Posted in Packing Tips

In this blog entry, the professional TriState area home and business relocation service team here at Noah’s Ark Moving and Storage will detail the best ways to pack, transport, and move plants and other greenery.

Steps for Moving Plants

Determine if Plants Can Be Moved

• Take time to consider if plants are in states where they can be moved or if they should be left behind
• Smaller plants are much easier to move
• Larger plants take up more space and need more support in the moving process
• Plants like cacti and succulents handle moves much better than tropical pants
• Plants that are already not thriving might not survive the stress of moving

Tips for Preparing Plants Before Your Move

• Don’t water your plants right before the move. Damp or wet soil can attract pests or mold, and extra moisture can spill out during transport.w ater your plants a couple of days before the move to allow the soil to dry out
• Prune and trim dead or damaged leaves before the move to reduce damage risks during the move
• Inspect your plants for pests or disease, as the stress of moving can easily worsen these conditions

Choosing the Proper Containers for Plants

• Always make sure plants are in leak-roof and sturdy containers to prevent soil spills during transport
• Always use pots with drainage holes
• If you need to transfer plants to a new pot, make sure it has good ventilation
• Plastic pots are much lighter and less likely to break during transport as compared to clay or ceramic pots
• If pots are too heavy or large, transfer smaller plants into other containers for the move

Securely Packing Plants

• Wrap up delicate plants in tissue paper and newspaper to leave breathing room. Wrap larger plant stems in soft fabric or bubble wrap to prevent damage
• Use sturdy cardboard boxes to hold plants. Line these boxes with newspaper or packing peanuts for extra insulation, but make sure the plant has space for air circulation to keep it alive
• Separate large plants like ferns or trees in separate wooden crates or in a separate vehicle to make sure they stay secure and safe

Plant Transportation Tips

• Keep plants in a climate controlled environment during the move. If you’re moving far away, transport them in your own vehicle during the long distance trip. Avoid putting plants in trunks or in the rear of moving trucks
• Try to make sure plants aren’t exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause them to wilt or dry out
• We recommend trying to minimize transit times, especially for sensitive plants, so try to make the trip as quickly as possible

Tips for Unpacking Plants

• Plants will take time to adjust to a new location. Don’t be worried if your plant is drooping, it will heal with time and care
• Check the soil moisture levels after your move, and water as needed. It might be wetter or dryer than usual due to transportation, so make sure it is the proper moisture level for your plant’s health
• Place plants in an area with adequate light but not direct sunlight so that they can acclimate to their new environment