3 Things to Know About Moving With Plants

by Ann Hayward 10/17/2021

If you love your plants and want to take them with you when you move, there are some ways to make the journey safer and easier. You can even take samples from an outdoor garden to plant in your new yard. However, there are some important things to consider when moving with plants. Here’s what you should know:

Most Hired Movers Won’t Move Your Plants

Every moving company has a list of items they won’t move. Some have a list of items they won’t cover damage for but will still transport. Live plants are very common on both lists. Research your choice of moving company to clarify what they will and will not move or take with them. This means that you might need to move especially heavy plants yourself, so make sure you have the right tools or a friend to help you.

The good news is that houseplants will travel much better in a personal car than in a large moving vehicle. In your car, you can help maintain a steady temperature and protect your plants from harsh sunlight, two of the major sources of plant damage in transit.

Confirm Your Destination Allows Your Plants

Legally, you cannot travel or move internationally with live plants. There are exceptions, but they may require additional paperwork, fees or specific packing protocol. Research your destination to determine what they allow. You can usually find this information on airports or other major travel websites.

It’s also important to know that even if you’re moving within the United States, there are restrictions on what you can bring across state lines. Hawaii, California and Florida are all examples of states with strict regulations about live plants.

Your Plants Will Need Time to Adjust

While most houseplants are excellent at adapting to your home environments, a drastic change in environment will cause them stress. Plant stress manifests in several ways depending on the variety, but often you can expect yellowing or browning of leaves, dropping leaves or stunted growth. Also, plants weakened by travel or extreme temperature differences can be more susceptible to pests and will require careful monitoring in the early days at your new home.

Moving your plants doesn’t have to be stressful for the humans involved. While the plants themselves may show some signs of distress, as long as you move them carefully, they will recover and thrive with you in your new home.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]