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Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their expert moving team cannot transport live plants during a relocation. As Coffey Bros. Moving and other professional movers maintain strict policies against moving live plants, it’s important to understand the reasons behind this industry standard.
Plants present unique challenges during transport. Their soil can shift or spill, creating mess and potential damage to other items. Root systems may become damaged from movement and vibration, leading to plant death even if they appear fine initially. Pots can crack or break, causing safety hazards for movers and risking damage to the moving truck or other belongings.
Moving trucks lack climate control in their cargo areas. Plants can suffer severe shock or death from extreme temperatures, especially during summer heat or winter cold. Even brief exposure to unsuitable conditions can permanently damage or kill sensitive plant species. This makes it impossible for moving companies to guarantee plant survival during transport.
Many states have strict regulations about transporting live plants across borders to prevent the spread of invasive species, pests, and plant diseases. Moving companies would need to navigate complex agricultural inspection requirements and obtain special permits, making plant transport logistically impractical.
Professional movers cannot accept responsibility for living organisms that may die or become damaged despite careful handling. Since plant health can decline days or weeks after a move due to transport stress, it’s impossible to determine if damage occurred during the moving process or from other factors.
Transport your plants personally in your climate-controlled vehicle where you can monitor conditions. For long-distance moves, consider:
– Gifting plants to friends or family
– Donating to local schools or community centers
– Taking cuttings to propagate new plants at your destination
– Documenting your collection through photos and starting fresh in your new location
Understanding why moving companies classify live plants as non-transportable helps explain this standard industry practice. While it may seem inconvenient, this policy protects both the moving company and the customer’s interests while ensuring compliance with regulations.
