Hey everyone! I'm gearing up for a big move from New Hampshire to Los Angeles in a few months, and I'm looking for advice on how to transport my collection of about 50 plants. While I'm okay with cutting back and giving away some, I really want to keep my larger, high-maintenance plants like alocasias and carnivorous plants. I'm considering using grow tents in my car to keep them secure, but I also want to save a bit of cash. Are there any good methods for moving plants? Also, are there any reliable moving companies that specialize in transporting plants? Thanks a lot for your help!
5 Answers
I used a combination of plastic tubs and those flat banana boxes from gas stations—those are usually free! The flat boxes stack really well, and the tubs keep taller plants from tipping over. It was a bit of work moving them from one place to another, but my collection stayed intact! Just be prepared to carry them in and out of different locations.
One of the easiest ways to pack your plants is to grab some free boxes from liquor stores. They come with dividers, which are great for keeping everything sturdy during transport. Just add some bubble wrap or packing paper to keep your plants safe. I’ve moved my houseplants multiple times using this method, and it worked like a charm!
Have you mapped out your road trip yet? It's around a 45-hour drive, which can be broken down a few ways, like 3 long days or 4 shorter ones. Just keep in mind that most plants can survive a few days without light or water, so don’t stress too much about it. I think a tent sounds a bit excessive. If you have delicate plants, maybe try using a 5-gallon bucket with some newspaper or bubble wrap inside to secure the pots. Just make sure everything in the car is packed tight so nothing shifts while you drive!
Make sure to check California's import requirements for plants before you move. Bringing in indoor plants shouldn't be too much trouble, but outdoor varieties can be tricky. I didn't consider this when I moved and ended up having to explain my plants at the border—definitely a learning experience!

Thanks for the tip! It sounds like a good plan with the banana boxes and tubs. I'll definitely keep that in mind!