For many plant enthusiasts, their houseplants are among the most valuable and irreplaceable items in their home. A mature fiddle leaf fig, a cherished orchid collection, or a snake plant that’s been in the family for years — these are worth protecting during a move. Here’s how to safely move your plants during a Twin Cities relocation.
The Basic Challenge
Plants face several threats during moving: cold temperatures, dark conditions, lack of water, physical damage to leaves and stems, and root disturbance.
In Minnesota, temperature is the most significant concern — even October temperatures can stress tropical houseplants during a cold move.
Preparing Plants Before Moving Day
One week before: reduce watering to allow soil to dry slightly — dry soil is less heavy and less likely to spill in transit.
Inspect plants for pests — moving is actually an excellent reason to check, since you don’t want to introduce problems to your new home.
Trim any dead or damaged leaves before moving — this reduces the plant’s stress response and makes it easier to transport.
Packing Plants for Transit
Small plants: pack in open-top boxes with newspaper cushioning around the pot to prevent tipping. Never close the box over a plant.
Medium plants: in open boxes or wrapped in newspaper around the pot, positioned upright. Larger leaves can be gently tied together with soft string to prevent breakage.
Large plants (your fiddle leaf fig): transport upright in your car or SUV, secured so it won’t tip. Not in the moving truck.
Temperature During Transport in Minnesota
Never leave tropical plants in a parked car in cold weather — the temperature drops quickly in a vehicle.
Never leave plants in a moving truck during an October or later move — the truck interior can drop to freezing quickly.
Transport plants in your heated personal vehicle whenever possible, especially in fall.
After the Move: Acclimatization
Give your plants 1-2 weeks to adjust to the new location’s light conditions, humidity, and temperature before assuming they need intervention.
Leaf drop, temporary leaf wilt, and general unhappiness are common for the first week or two after a move — this usually resolves as plants adjust.
Ready to Move? Let’s Make It Easy.
At Cheep Cheep Movers, we make local moving in the Twin Cities affordable and stress-free. Whether you need a full-service move or just some extra muscle, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us: 612-234-6605
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