Best Ways to Bring Your Plants Home When Moving Out

Mackenzie Sheldon | Opinion Editor

Plants inside a box ready for travel./AI Generated

Moving out of a dorm can be an exciting yet stressful experience. Between packing up your clothes, textbooks, and personal items, there’s one thing that often gets overlooked: your beloved plants. Whether you’ve nurtured a tiny succulent or managed to grow a small indoor jungle, bringing your plants home safely is an essential part of your move. With a little preparation, your green companions can travel with you and continue thriving in their new home.

When transporting plants in a car, the goal is to ensure they stay secure, upright, and undamaged throughout the journey. Here are some tricks to keep your plants safe and prevent them from falling over or breaking:

1. Use the Seat Belts 

• If you're transporting plants in the backseat or passenger seat, use the car's seatbelt to secure them. Position the plants upright and loop the seatbelt around the pot to secure it in place. 

2. Create a Dedicated Plant Space

• Clear a specific spot in the car for your plants, such as the backseat or the footwell. This minimizes movement and keeps them separate from other items that might shift during the drive.

3. Use Towels or Blankets 

• Wrap each plant in a towel, blanket, or even a soft cloth before placing it in the car. This adds a layer of protection against bumps, knocks, and temperature increases. You can also line the bottom of the car with a towel to absorb vibrations.

• After securing the plants, fill any empty space around them with additional soft materials (like extra towels, pillows, or bubble wrap) to prevent them from moving around.

4. Use Boxes or Crates

• We all have kept big random Amazon packages but can never figure out what to do with them. They are a perfect way to safely store your plants on your journey home! If you have multiple plants or large ones, consider packing them in boxes or crates to prevent them from rolling around. You can cut the box or crate to fit the plants snugly and line the interior with soft material to prevent breakage.

• Make sure the box has ventilation holes (or create some) to ensure air circulation for your plants.

5.  Avoid the Trunk if Possible

• It might be tempting to load plants in the trunk, but the temperature changes and lack of visibility could cause a problem you don’t want to deal with. Keep eyes on them at all times!

6.  Secure Tall Plants with Bungee Cords

• If your plants are tall or in large pots, use a bungee cord to secure them to a seat or the side of the car. This will help hold them in place and prevent them from tipping over during sharp turns or sudden stops.

7. Avoid Direct Sunlight

• During the drive, be mindful of the temperature inside your car. Avoid placing plants directly in sunlight, as they may get overheated and stressed. If possible, keep the plants in a shaded spot, and adjust the car’s air conditioning or window position to regulate the temperature.

8. Drive Carefully

• While this one seems obvious, it’s crucial to drive carefully, especially if your plants are in the backseat. Take turns slowly, avoid slamming on the brakes, and keep sudden accelerations to a minimum. A smooth, cautious drive will prevent your plants from being jostled too much.

By using these tricks, you can ensure that your plants move comfortably and safely to their new home without the risk of breaking or falling over. Happy travels!