Moving Plants: Which Survive and Which Don't

Plants Are the Hardest Move

Plants don't like temperature changes, being jostled, or being in a dark truck. Some survive a move; some don't. Here's the breakdown.

The Move-It-Yourself Plants

Small, hardy plants (snake plant, pothos, succulents) move in the car with you, in the passenger seat. A stable temperature and a gentle ride — they'll be fine.

The Truck Plants

Larger plants (fiddle leaf, monstera) may need the truck. Wrap the pot in a bag (to contain soil), pad the leaves in paper, and stand it in the truck where it won't tip. The plant may droop for a week; most recover.

The Plants That Don't Move

• Fragile, rare, or sentimental plants — move them in the car, no exceptions.
• Outdoor plants — most don't survive a move; take cuttings instead.
• Very large plants — consider gifting or selling; a new plant at the new place is often cheaper than the move.

The Climate

A plant in a hot truck for hours is a dead plant. Move plants last on, first off, and never leave them in a closed truck in summer.

Repot Before

If the pot is fragile (terracotta), repot into a plastic pot before the move. A broken pot is a plant spilled across the truck.

Check Building Rules

Some NYC buildings restrict plants in the freight elevator. Confirm before a large plant move.

Book NYC moving labor — and tell us about the plants.