Moving Tips for Transporting Your Houseplants Safely

By Alexandra Churchill of Martha Stewart Living

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Houseplants do not travel well. Temperature and light fluctuations, not to mention the jostling, are intolerable to most of them. That being said, here are five tips taken from "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook" to ensure that your leafy housemates arrive at their new home safe and sound.

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Ready to Move?

Houseplants do not travel well. Temperature and light fluctuations, not to mention the jostling, are intolerable to most of them. Many moving companies refuse to transport them, and some states restrict what may be carried across their borders. That being said, here are five tips taken from "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook" to ensure that your leafy housemates arrive at their new home safe and sound.
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Check with Authorities

If you wish to move a more valuable plant to another state, contact its department of agriculture, as there may be restrictions that guard against introducing insects and pests that may destroy valuable cash crops.
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Wrap Them

Protect plants from heat, cold, sunlight (which is intensified by car windows), and wind by wrapping them in cones of kraft paper. Stake tall, delicate plants first.
Photography: Lisa Hubbard

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Keep Them Stuffed and Snug

Place wrapped plants in cardboard boxes, leaving the tops open, and stuff crumpled paper around pots so they're snug.
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Pack Them Properly

Place plants in the backseat of a car, never the trunk.
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Tend to Them

When you reach your destination, make tending to plants a priority -- unwrap and water them as soon as possible.