Moving house with indoor and outdoor plants without damage

Planning a move and want to take all your plants with you? We totally get that. Plants turn a house into a home. Whether they live indoors or out, you want them to arrive safely at your new place. But moving can be tricky. Pots can break, leaves can get damaged and a cold or draughty moving day can really stress your plants. Luckily, with the right prep, you can avoid most problems.

Here's how to move your indoor and outdoor plants step by step, without damage.

Plants go through a lot during a move. They get picked up, packed, driven around and often get less light and care than usual. If you’re not careful, they can get damaged or not survive the move at all. Just like your glassware, your plants need proper protection and planning.

Give your plants a break from watering at least a week before moving. Especially if they’re in pots with saucers. Wet soil makes pots extra heavy. If one tips over, it can create a muddy mess in your van or car.

Wipe down both the leaves and pots before the move. You’ll be surprised how much dust and soil can build up. Use a damp cloth to make everything clean and fresh, and avoid taking extra dirt with you.

You probably already have moving boxes, but larger plants won’t fit in them. So make sure you’ve got these essentials ready:

Shopping list

• Moving boxes

• Soft garden twine or wool string

• Packing paper

• Bubble wrap or plastic film

• Moving blankets

For both small and large plants, it’s a good idea to gently tie the leaves together. Use soft wool string rather than regular twine. It keeps the plant compact and protects the leaves from breaking or bending during transport.

To keep smaller plants and their pots safe, wrap them first in packing paper and then in a layer of bubble wrap or plastic film. Place them upright in sturdy moving boxes and use towels or other soft items to fill the gaps. That way they won’t shift around during the ride.

Large plants travel best in a moving blanket. First tie the leaves together, then wrap the whole plant in a blanket and make sure the pot is stable. The blanket will soften any bumps and help protect the roots from the cold.

Taking a large plant by car? Lay it down carefully, starting with the leaves, then the stems, and finally the pot. This helps avoid damage along the way.

Once you've moved in, unpack your plants and find them a suitable new spot. Make sure the location fits the plant’s needs. Moving is stressful for plants too, and the wrong environment only adds to that stress. For example, don’t place tropical plants in a cold, dark kitchen. Give them a warm, bright space instead.

Also, hold off on repotting right after the move. Repotting is always a bit stressful, and combining it with a move can be too much at once.

With the right prep, your plants can handle the move just fine. Whether it’s indoor favourites or outdoor greenery, a little planning goes a long way towards keeping them healthy and happy in your new home.