How to Pack Plants and Delicate Greenery for a Move
If you’ve ever filled your home with leafy friends—whether it’s a windowsill of succulents, a big fiddle-leaf fig in the corner, or a lush collection of herbs in the kitchen—you know plants aren’t just décor. They’re part of your daily life. That’s why, when it comes time to move, many Canadians face the same question: how do I safely bring my plants along for the ride?
Unlike books, dishes, or even furniture, plants are living, breathing things. They need light, water, and the right environment to thrive, which makes packing them for relocation a little trickier. But with careful preparation and the right techniques, you can make sure your greenery arrives safe and ready to grow in your new space.
Here’s a detailed guide for Canadians on packing and moving plants and delicate greenery without unnecessary stress.
Step 1: Know the Rules
Before you start boxing up your ferns and philodendrons, take a moment to check the rules around moving plants.
Across provinces: Some provinces have restrictions on bringing plants, soil, or certain species across borders, often to prevent pests and invasive species from spreading. For example, plants with soil might not be allowed in certain regions due to agricultural regulations.
International moves: If you’re heading to the U.S. or overseas, the rules become stricter. Many countries require permits, inspections, or quarantine for plants.
If you’re moving within the same city or province, you’re in luck—fewer restrictions and less travel time make things much easier.
Step 2: Prepare Your Plants
Prune and Trim
A couple of weeks before your move, give your plants a trim. Remove dead leaves, dried stems, or spent flowers. This not only makes them more compact and easier to pack but also encourages healthy regrowth after the stress of moving.
Repot in Lightweight Containers
If your plants are in heavy ceramic pots, consider repotting them into lightweight plastic containers a few weeks before your move. The lighter weight makes them easier to carry, and there’s less risk of a heavy pot cracking in transit. Save the pretty planters for after you’ve settled into your new place.
Water Smartly
Water your plants a day or two before the move—not right before. Too much water can make soil soggy and messy during transport, while too little can leave your plants parched. Aim for just enough moisture to keep the roots hydrated but not dripping.
Inspect for Pests
The last thing you want is to bring along unwanted hitchhikers. Check the leaves and soil for signs of pests like aphids or spider mites, and treat them before moving day.
Step 3: Packing Techniques
Plants come in all shapes and sizes, and packing them safely requires a bit of creativity.
Small Potted Plants
For herbs, succulents, or small houseplants:
Place the pot in a small plastic bag, tying it loosely at the base of the plant to keep soil contained.
Put the plant in a sturdy box, filling any gaps with packing paper or newspaper to prevent tipping.
Cut air holes in the box so the plant can breathe during transport.
Label the box clearly—“LIVE PLANTS—THIS SIDE UP.”
Medium to Large Plants
For larger houseplants like snake plants, peace lilies, or monsteras:
Wrap the base of the pot in plastic or a grocery bag to catch loose soil.
Use stakes to support tall stems and wrap the foliage loosely with a light sheet or tissue paper. Avoid plastic wrap, as it traps moisture and heat.
Place the pot in a box slightly bigger than the base, using towels or crumpled paper around it to keep it stable.
Hanging Plants
For trailing vines like pothos or spider plants:
Gently gather and secure the vines with soft ties or twine to prevent tangling or breaking.
Place the pot in a box and allow the gathered vines to rest on top, cushioned with tissue paper.
Delicate or Fragile Plants
Orchids, cacti, or plants with brittle stems need extra care. Wrap the base with soft tissue paper, and for orchids, use a stake to secure the stem. For cacti, wear gloves and wrap each one in newspaper or bubble wrap before boxing.
Step 4: Moving Day Logistics
Keep Them Close
Whenever possible, move your plants in your own vehicle rather than the moving truck. Trucks can get hot, cold, or bumpy, which isn’t ideal for living greenery. In your car, you can control the temperature and check on them along the way.
Mind the Weather
This is especially important for Canadians. Winter moves bring freezing temperatures that can damage plants in minutes. If you’re moving in cold weather:
Pre-warm your car before loading the plants.
Wrap plants in blankets, burlap, or insulated covers to protect against frost.
Avoid leaving them outside, even briefly.
In the summer, keep plants away from direct sun in the car and crack a window for airflow.
Secure Them Properly
Place plants in footwells, on the backseat, or in boxes that won’t slide around. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of or near them.
Step 5: Settling Into the New Home
Unpack Early
Plants should be among the first things you unpack. Get them out of their boxes, remove any wrappings, and give them some light and air.
Let Them Acclimate
Plants are sensitive to changes in environment—light levels, humidity, and temperature. Don’t rush to repot them right away. Give them a couple of weeks to adjust before transferring them back into decorative planters.
Expect Some Stress
It’s normal for plants to droop, lose a few leaves, or look a bit sad after a move. With proper care—watering, sunlight, and patience—they’ll usually bounce back.
Re-establish a Routine
Just like pets and people, plants thrive on consistency. Try to recreate their old environment as closely as possible in terms of light and watering schedules.
Extra Tips for Canadian Plant Lovers
Winter Mail Order Packaging Hack: If you’ve ever ordered plants online in Canada, you know suppliers often use insulated boxes and heat packs. You can mimic this approach if you’re moving during frigid months.
DIY Greenhouse Effect: For small plants, covering them loosely with a clear plastic bag (with holes poked in it) can help retain humidity during transport.
Know Your Limits: If you have a large collection or particularly delicate specimens, consider hiring a professional plant-moving service. Yes, they exist, and for prized plants, it might be worth it.
Final Thoughts
Moving your houseplants isn’t as simple as tossing them in a box and hoping for the best. But with some careful preparation and the right packing techniques, your greenery can make the journey safely—whether it’s across town or across the province.
For many Canadians, plants bring comfort, beauty, and even a sense of accomplishment. So when you’re setting up your new home, having your plants there, healthy and thriving, will make the space feel familiar and alive.
Because at the end of the day, a house with plants doesn’t just look lived in—it feels like home.
