Packing
Plants on moving day.
Give them space.
Prepare houseplants for moving with stable pots, protected leaves and a plan for cold or heat. Discuss large plants before booking transport.
Teleporter can transport prepared houseplants when they can be handled safely with the agreed help. Stabilise pots, prevent soil and water spills, and allow space for leaves and branches. Tell us beforehand about large or particularly sensitive plants.
The essentials, in brief.
- Keep pots stable and soil contained.
- Protect foliage without crushing it.
- Plan for the plant's temperature needs.
01 · Support the pot, not just the leaves
Support the pot, not just the leaves
A pot can be both heavy and fragile. Place smaller pots securely in a suitable box with support around them so they cannot tip into each other. The base must support the contents, and plants must not be lifted by their stems or branches.
Prevent loose soil, saucers and water from spilling onto other belongings. Protect a delicate outer pot separately if removable. Water according to the plant's needs, timing it to avoid excess water draining out during collection.
02 · Give leaves and branches room
Give leaves and branches room
Choose protection that supports without compressing the foliage. Cardboard or suitable plant packaging can shield against other items but must fit the plant's shape. Do not stack moving boxes on top of plants.
Do not wrap every plant in the same way. Tightly covering the entire foliage in cling film is not general advice for all species. Brittle leaves, thorns and long branches need different treatment; seek plant-care advice if unsure about a particular plant.
03 · Plan for cold and heat
Plan for cold and heat
Many houseplants are sensitive to cold, with tolerance varying by species. The University of Minnesota explains that low temperatures can damage houseplants. A short move is not automatically harmless if a plant waits outside unprotected.
Minimise outdoor waiting where possible and have an indoor space ready at the new address. Agree placement so the plant is not forgotten in the entrance hall. Do not assume an ordinary van is temperature-controlled; if a plant needs a particular temperature throughout, clarify this before booking.
04 · Provide details of large plants before booking
Provide details of large plants before booking
Send the plant's overall height and width, plus pot dimensions and weight if known. Include photos of the stairs, doors and lift. A heavy plant in a ceramic pot may need more help than its size suggests.
Arrange any packing help with support before moving day. On local jobs, this work forms part of the paid time, and consumable materials are charged separately. This guide covers ordinary local moves, not rules for taking plants across national borders.
Ready for moving day?
One final review.
- Stabilise pots and protect ceramics.
- Prevent soil and water spills.
- Measure the whole plant, including foliage.
- Plan minimal outdoor waiting.
Have a good move — and a good start at your new address.
Back to the blog
