How To Move Houseplants Out of State

Transporting plants when you’re moving

When you’re relocating out of state or across the country, taking extra steps to protect your belongings during transit is smart. However, transporting pieces of nature — your houseplants — requires more than standard packing tips and a bit more planning. 

U-Pack® can move household belongings across state lines, but, like most moving services, it does not allow perishable items, including live plants, in the equipment. Fortunately, most plants can safely travel with you or be shipped with a parcel service when you know the right steps to protect them.  

6 steps for safely moving your houseplants 

Follow these steps to keep houseplants thriving during a long-distance move.

1. Review state regulations for importing plants

Each state has different rules for importing plants, and some are stricter than others. The National Plant Board website offers easy access to every state’s laws, which are in place to protect local vegetation from disease and pests. 

Note: When driving with plants, don’t forget to check the laws for any states you’ll travel through. 

2. Research climate conditions for your new home

Before moving live vegetation, it’s important to ensure it will thrive in a new environment. Most indoor plants will work in different areas, but some could be affected by humidity or altitude changes. Check with a local nursery for more information about your specific collection. 

If you have outdoor plants, consider the new climate, especially factors like rainfall, humidity and average temperatures. Review the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plant hardiness maps to learn what grows best in each region.

3. Plan how to ship or transport the plants

You have three main options for transporting live vegetation: fly with you on a plane, travel by car, or be shipped via a parcel service.  

Carry plants on a plane

According to TSA regulations, plants can be checked or transported as carry-on packages. Keep in mind that most airlines have limits for carry-ons and charge for checked baggage. Reach out to the airline for specific rules, size limits and fees. 

Drive plants across state lines

Putting plants in a personal vehicle is usually the easiest way to move them. Keeping the collection in the car’s cabin (if you have room) or securing it in the trunk lets you care for everything as you travel. Cover the containers to protect them — too much sunlight through the car’s windows can scorch the leaves. It’s also helpful to bring the boxes inside when stopping overnight to protect foliage from extreme temperatures.

Ship live plants with a parcel service 

If you’re unable to travel with houseplants, USPS®, UPS®, and FedEx® can ship them, but you’ll need to check with your preferred carrier for specific guidelines. When shipping perishables, it’s best to use the fastest service possible and be mindful of weekends or holidays that could cause delays.

4. Prepare houseplants for moving 

Once you’ve confirmed you can (and should) bring the plants along, it’s time to get them ready for travel.  

• Prune: trim and remove dead leaves to promote new growth.  
• Repot: replace the soil and move plants into plastic pots (rather than ceramic or clay). Set aside breakable pots to pack with your other belongings.
• Inspect: look for signs of disease and treat or discard any affected plants. Before the move, check the soil for any hidden critters or insects, like spongy moths or spotted lanternflies! 
• Water: Keep plants properly hydrated leading up to the move, and give a final watering two or three days before travel. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot during transit.  

Note: A USDA Service Center can help with procedures and paperwork if the new state requires a certified pest inspection.  

5. Properly pack and secure the plants 

No matter how you’re transporting your greenery, using sturdy and well-ventilated containers is essential to keep everything safe and secure. Cardboard boxes usually work best for airflow since plastic containers can trap moisture.  

Reinforce the boxes 

Tape the bottoms of the boxes at all seams and reinforce them to hold heavy items. If you’re worried about moisture, line the box with a trash bag or part of a disposable painting tarp. 

Prep and secure the pots 

Cover the soil with newspaper or packing paper and secure it with tape to keep the contents in place. Wrap cardboard or heavy paper around the top of the pot to protect delicate leaves. Wooden skewers stuck into the soil can also help keep foliage from getting crushed. 

Tape or cover the drainage holes with a trash bag and place the plastic pots inside the box. Use materials like newspapers, packing peanuts or Bubble Wrap® to keep anything from shifting. 

Seal and label the packages 

Put the plant names and care instructions inside each box.  Give the packages test shakes to ensure everything is secure before sealing with packing tape. If you’re driving the plants, it’s okay to skip taping the tops of the boxes and just fold them closed, as long as the cartons are secure.

Label each box with “Fragile” and “Live Plant”. Indicate the correct orientation to keep the package upright during transit.  

Note: Any breakable containers removed during repotting (from step 4) should be packed and loaded separately. Follow this professional loading advice to protect the fragile empty pots during transit.

6. Allow time for plants to acclimate after the move

As soon as you arrive at the new location, unpack houseplants and begin acclimating them to their new environment. Water the plants and keep a close eye on them as they adjust. It can take time for greenery to get used to a new place. It’s best to wait a few weeks before repotting again. Consult a nursery for specific instructions if you’re unsure. 

FAQs about moving houseplants

What if the new area isn’t ideal for my plant? 

If your plants are unlikely to survive (or aren’t allowed) in your new state, consider giving them to friends and neighbors or donating them to a local nursing home or rehabilitation facility. 

What can I do if my plant is too large to move? 

Consider bringing a clipping or a small rooted portion if the plant is outdoors or too large to transport. For best results, use paper towels or newspaper to keep the ends or root ball damp during transit. You could also use a plastic stem holder (available online or from a florist) to protect the ends. 

Will my plant die if I move it?

Even if you take every precaution, it is still possible that a plant won’t survive transport. Talk to a nursery about your specific variety to learn more about its likelihood of thriving after being moved.

U-Pack can’t move your live plants, but we can transport your other things 

Do you have a plan for moving to another state? Live plants are on U-Pack’s do-not-ship list, but we can help transport your other household belongings. 

We’re a self-moving service with nearly 30 years of experience in long-distance moves. Get a free, no-obligation online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. 

If you have questions about moving plants or U-Pack Works">how U-Pack works, let us know in the comments. We’re always happy to help!