You have spent years cultivating your indoor jungle. You know exactly how much light your Fiddle Leaf Fig needs and the precise watering schedule for your succulents. But now, you are facing a new challenge: moving day.

Moving plants is often one of the most overlooked aspects of the relocation process. Unlike books or dishes, plants are living, breathing organisms that react poorly to stress, temperature changes, and lack of light.

At Atlas Van Lines, we help people go new places® every day. While we are experts at moving furniture and heirlooms, we also want to ensure your botanical friends arrive at your new destination as healthy as they left the old one. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, this guide will help you navigate the logistics of transplanting your life—and your leaves.

The Logistics: Can Movers Take My Plants?

Before you start packing, it is crucial to understand the regulations regarding professional movers and houseplants.

Most professional moving companies, including Atlas, have specific policies for live cargo. Generally, Atlas may transport your plants if the distance is under 150 miles and the trip duration is less than 8 hours.

Why the restriction? Moving trucks are not climate-controlled. Extreme heat in the summer or freezing temperatures in the winter can kill a plant in a matter of hours inside a cargo trailer. Additionally, without light and fresh air, plants deteriorate quickly.

For long-distance moves, the safest place for your plants is usually in your personal vehicle. This allows you to control the temperature and airflow. However, regardless of who transports them, preparation is key.

Preparing Your Plants for the Move

Preparation starts weeks before the truck arrives. Healthy plants handle the shock of moving much better than stressed ones.

3 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Re-pot into plastic: If your large plants are in heavy ceramic or clay pots, consider transplanting them into lightweight, shatterproof plastic nursery pots. You can pack the decorative pots separately with your household goods.
• Prune and trim: Remove dead leaves and awkward branches. This makes the plant more compact and less likely to snag or break during transport.

1 Week Before Moving Day

• Check for pests: This is vital. You do not want to bring spider mites or fungus gnats into your new home. Treat any infestations immediately.
• Water properly: Don't overwater right before the move. Water them 2-3 days before departure so the soil is moist but not soggy. Leaking water can damage your car or moving boxes.

Packing Plants for Safe Transport

When you are ready to hit the road, stability is your main goal. You want to prevent plants from tipping over and spilling soil.

The Box Method

Atlas offers affordable packing materials specifically designed for various items, and your local agent can advise you on boxes for plants.

Quick Checklist: Packing Plants for Safe Transport

• Secure the base in a snug-fitting box with crumpled newspaper or towels for added stability.
• Protect the foliage by gently wrapping tall plants in a paper cone or newspaper.
• Ensure breathing room by poking air holes in the box for proper airflow.
• Label boxes with "THIS END UP" and "FRAGILE: LIVE PLANTS" for safe handling.

Pro Tip: Never put plants in the trunk of a car. It lacks airflow and can become an oven in summer or a freezer in winter.

Navigating State Restrictions and Laws

If you are crossing state lines, you need to be aware of agricultural laws. Many states—and countries—have strict regulations to prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases.

The "Spongy Moth" Inspection

The USDA requires an inspection and certificate if you are moving from a state infested with Spongy Moths (formerly known as Gypsy Moths) to a non-infested state. This pest travels on outdoor items, including garden pots and patio plants.

If you are moving with Atlas, your Professional Van Operator will need this certificate before loading any outdoor items. You can:

• Perform the inspection yourself (following USDA guidelines).
• Hire a USDA-certified pesticide applicator to do it for you.

Specific State Restrictions

Some states are particularly protective of their ecosystems.

• California, Arizona, and Florida: These states are known for rigid restrictions on incoming plant life. They often conduct border checks.
• Soil Requirements: Many states require that indoor plants be transported in sterilized potting soil. Garden soil can harbor nematodes and other pests. You can purchase sterilized mixes at local garden centers—check the label for "sterile" loam, peat, or sand mixtures.

Always check with the Department of Natural Resources or the Department of Agriculture for your destination state. You can also consult resources like the National Gardening Association to ensure you aren't risking fines or confiscation.

Travel Tips for the Road

Once you are on the road, treat your plants like pets.

• Temperature Control: Keep the car at a comfortable temperature. Cold weather is particularly hazardous; if you must move plants in winter, wrap the pots in layers of newspaper or paper bags for insulation.
• Sunlight Management: Avoid direct, scorching sunlight through car windows, which can burn leaves. However, total darkness isn't good either.
• Pit Stops: If you stop for a break in warm weather, park in the shade and crack a window. Never leave plants in a sealed car in high heat.
• Hotel Stays: If your trip takes more than three days, bring your plants indoors when you stop for the night. Open the cartons to let them get some light.

The Alternative: Taking Cuttings

Sometimes, moving a giant Monstera or a 6-foot Ficus just isn't feasible. If you can't take the whole plant, take a piece of it.

Taking cuttings is a space-saving alternative that allows you to grow a genetically identical clone of your beloved plant in your new home.

1. Take the cutting: Use sharp, clean scissors to snip a healthy stem (check specific propagation methods for your plant species).
2. Pack it wet: Wrap the cut end in wet moss or a damp paper towel.
3. Seal it: Place the wrapped end in a plastic bag, but leave the leaves exposed if possible.
4. Box it: Place the cuttings in a carton filled with light packing material.

Cuttings can survive several days of travel and will be ready to root in water or soil once you arrive.

Settling In

When you arrive at your new home, unpack your plants as soon as possible. Check the soil moisture—water only if they feel unusually dry.

Place them in a spot with similar lighting to their previous home to minimize shock. Avoid repotting them immediately; let them acclimate to the new environment for a few weeks first.

Ready to Move?

Moving is a complex process, but with the right planning, your plants can thrive in your new location. At Atlas Van Lines, we are dedicated to making every aspect of your move seamless.

If you are looking for a moving partner who understands the details—from the heavy lifting to the delicate regulations