Moving plants across state lines

A houseplant is a living, breathing organism that requires special care, especially when it comes time to move with cross country movers Arizona. If you are moving out of state, you may need to do some more preparatory work to not only ensure the safe arrival of your plants but also comply with the law, as each state has its own rules and certification requirements for moving plants across state lines.

What do you need to know about moving plants across state lines?

Your plants are a special part of your home. Some of them may have sentimental value, or you may have spent a lot of effort to watch them grow. But whether you should (or can by law) take them with you to your new state depends on two factors: the law and the conditions of growth.

Know state guidelines

Some states have special laws and regulations regarding importing plants. For example, some states allow entry only to plants that are stored indoors, are in pots, or are in certain soil. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), among other federal agencies, has a number of rules that help regulate moving plants across state lines. In this way, agencies can help minimize the spread of harmful insects, diseases, or other pests that certain plants can carry.

Before moving, review the laws and regulations of the state you are moving to so you can decide whether your plant is the right choice. If you can take your plant with you to your new state, be sure to read the specific state instructions to properly import your plant.

Know about growing conditions

The question of whether plants are allowed to enter the state is not the only problem when it comes to moving with them. It is good to take into account that not all vegetation flourishes in any environment. While plants stored in a room can be very hardy, they can still be exposed to very dry or wet conditions. Consider the climate, the available lighting, and the frequency of showers in your new area. And use a resource such as a map of plant sustainability zones to determine if they will flourish in the area.

Pack for moving plants across state lines

Because living things in a moving truck are not ideal due to the lack of airflow, water, and sunlight, the plants are on the “Do not ship” list for many cross country moving companies Oregon. But there are several other options for delivering them to a new home, including packing them in your personal car.

What you need to pack your plant:

1. Durable moving box for each pot (small boxes are better for them not to move)
2. Plastic pots for replacing clay pots during transport
3. Sterilized soil
4. Wrapping paper or newspaper
5. Bubble wrap
6. Plastic bags and ties
7. Flea collars
8. Paper towels (for cuttings)

Get ready

Put the plant in a plastic container. Do this a few weeks before moving plants across state lines with fresh, sterile soil so that your plant has a chance to settle. Then you can pack empty clay pots just like you pack any fragile item.

Check for bugs. Place a flea collar on the base of each plastic pot to pull out the pests. If your state requires a certified inspection, call your local agricultural department to schedule an appointment with an authorized expert. After they have cleared everything, you will get the necessary forms. Keep them with you, if you need to show them at the state borders.

Water them. Water the plants two or three days before the move. The soil should be wet, but not too wet. Most of them can do without water for 7-10 days, but it is important that the roots remain wet during transport.

Packing your plants

Proper packing ensures that your plants are healthy and intact. There are two ways to transport your plant: take the whole or just cut it off. In any case, do not forget to pack them last and unpack them first so that they remain healthy.

How to pack a potted plant:

1. Place a plastic bag on top of the pot and tie it to the base to hold the soil.
2. Stick the bottom of the box well, then place the plant inside.
3. Fill up the extra space with wrapping paper or a newspaper so that it is safe but can breathe.
4. Poke holes in the box to allow for airflow. A few holes on each side will suffice.
5. Label your boxes for moving plants across state lines with “Living plant” and “Fragile”.

Journey with a cutting plant

If the plant is too large to move, then taking a cutting (in fact, a stem or roots that will allow the plant to grow) simply facilitates its delivery to a new home. Here’s how:

1. In the morning, make a sharp, clean cut in the area of the flower that you want to take. Choose a healthy growth length of 3-6 inches.
2. To take the cutting with you, keep the end wet by wrapping it in wet paper towels. Secure paper towels with rubber bands or ties and save the cuttings in a plastic holder for the stem (for example, like for a bouquet). Most local florists can sell them to you very cheap.
3. If you need to pack a cutting, put it in a plastic pot. Remove all lower leaves and place the cuttings on moist soil. Loosely wrap it in plastic so that it stays wet and stimulates growth. And then put it in the box.

How to move plants across state lines

There are three main options for moving plants across state lines:

Put them in the car with you

Taking plants with you is usually the fastest way to get them to their destination, and also allows you to take care of, for example, sunlight and water during a trip. Keep them inside the vehicle so that they are exposed to airflow. If you stay in hotels along the way, bring them inside so that they are not exposed to extreme temperatures.

Ship by air

If you fly, you can take indoor plants with you on the plane. Be sure to follow the rules – that the plants do not have too much water and do not exceed the size limits. Because of this, cuttings may be best suited for air transport.

Send by mail

Shipping is also an option when moving plants across state lines. You can send installations through USPS, UPS, and FedEx if you follow the rules of each company. Contact your local shipping department for restrictions or recommendations, as they vary by the shipper. When packing for shipment, we recommend taking additional measures to protect them, since they cannot guarantee that the package will remain upright.

Protect plants from extreme temperatures, depending on the time of year and the places through which they will pass. For example, insulate the packaging if it will tolerate extreme cold. Choose the fastest delivery method and try not to ship them on weekends or holidays.