How to Move With Houseplants: 3 Expert Tips

by Barbara Rybicki 05/23/2022

Houseplants add another level of complexity and stress to a move. After all, you want to make sure they survive the trip and thrive in your new space. Even hardy plants get damaged easily when moving from one place to another. However, there are some ways you can pack and prepare your plants for moving to make sure they arrive safely.

Here are 3 expert tips for moving your houseplants:

Group by Care Needs

Grouping and packing your plants together based on their needs will help them adjust to your new space more easily. If you’re loading up a box with multiple plants, consider the convenience of placing that box somewhere in your new home where they get exactly the amount of light they need. You can even water them together more easily if they’re together.

Combine plants based on the basics like watering frequency, light requirements and humidity. Succulents and cacti can go together in the same box, while you may want to keep your tropical foliage plants together in another.

Protect Delicate Foliage

Many houseplants have delicate foliage that can get damaged during your move. To prevent this, you can use your packing materials to protect them. One common approach that growers use to transport plants is to create a tube or cone-shape with packing paper. Wrap the paper tightly around the base of the plant and let the paper stick up to gather the foliage into a contained space. While it’s not perfect for every plant, it will help you keep trailing vines or long stems from being broken in transit.

Leave Boxes Open

Your plants will travel better with good airflow and a little sunlight. Therefore, don’t bother closing the tops of your plant boxes. Instead, leave them open so light and air can get to them while in your car or other mode of transportation. You can adjust the temperature accordingly and make sure they can get in a bit of photosynthesis on the drive. If it’s going to be an especially long and sunny drive, consider bringing a white sheet or sun cloth with you to drape over the tops of the boxes. This will still allow airflow but filter the sun’s rays to prevent damage.

While moving houseplants can be tricky, you can make it easier on yourself and the plants with the right strategies. Use these tips to help your plants have a successful move.

About the Author
Author

Barbara Rybicki

I am originally from Poland but have been a Grafton resident for almost thirty years.

I come from the Hospitality Business. I used to work in 5 Star Marriott Hotel Management. That experience taught me how to provide excellent customer service. That "Marriott" way of doing business instilled in me over the years helps me tremendously to succeed as a local real estate broker.

Nothing is more exciting to me than gratifying feeling I get from helping people reach their real estate needs and dreams. You can count on me to always do what is in your best interest. I will be there for you throughout the entire transaction making sure you understand each step of the buying or selling process. I will guide you with great communication skills  and hard work ethic. 

I have not only passion for my job but also extensive real estate expertise. Whether it is preparing and staging your home to sell for top dollar or helping you purchase a perfect home, feel free to reach out to me so we can start this process together.

I specialize in marketing and selling residential real estate in Grafton, Upton, Northborough, Westborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury, Milford, Hopkinton and Metro West area.

I can not wait to meet you!

Awards and Designations:

Realtor Designation since 2005

Licensed MA Broker since 2009

Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)

Accredited Staging Professional (ASP)

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® since 2005

National Association of Realtors (NAR) since 2005

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

Remax Executive 100% Club 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018

Remax Platinum Club 2015

Remax Hall of Fame Club 2017