Long-Distance Plant Moving: What You Need to Know Before You Go

• December 15, 2025
• Bill Chen

Last updated on December 15, 2025

Plants are living, breathing companions and just like your furniture or boxes, they deserve care during a move. Transporting them over long distances, especially across state borders, however, can be tricky due to quarantine regulations and their sensitive nature.

At Bill Removalists, we offer a dedicated plant removalist service to make long-distance plant moving as smooth and safe as possible. Whether you’re relocating locally or moving across the country, we handle your plants with expert care, ensuring they arrive healthy and compliant with state regulations. Here’s what you need to know and how we can help.

It’s important to engage a company that specialises in plant moving to ensure that your leafy companions get from A to B safely.

Do’s of Long-Distance Plant Moving

Do engage professionals who specialise in plant removals

Long-distance plant transport isn’t just about moving pots from A to B; it’s about ensuring your leafy companions get there efficiently and safely.

At Bill Removalists, we take extra care with every plant we move. Our team is experienced in preparing plants for transport and ensuring that plants are protected throughout the journey. To minimise movement and prevent damage, each plant is cushioned with dry felt padding to keep it safe from pickup to delivery.

Do check quarantine rules before moving interstate

Each Australian state has its own biosecurity laws. Some states, such as Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia, have particularly stringent rules around the transport of soil, garden plants, or certain species and attempting to move prohibited items can result in fines or plant confiscation.

At Bill Removalists, we stay up to date with interstate quarantine regulations and guide you on what’s permitted, helping you avoid any unexpected compliance issues.

Do repot in light and safe containers

Before a big move, it may be helpful to repot your plants into lightweight plastic pots, especially if they’re currently in ceramic or heavy planters. Not only does this reduce the risk of breakage, but it also makes the pots easier to secure and handle.

Do ensure plants are healthy and trimmed

Healthy, hydrated plants are more likely to survive the trip. A few weeks before your move, inspect your plants for pests or dead foliage and consider light pruning to reduce stress and size.

Do label your plants

Clear labelling helps movers place your plants in the right position within the truck. Larger and sturdier plants can be secured at the base, while fragile or top‑heavy plants are positioned where they receive better support. It also helps to ensure careful unpacking at the destination, especially during multi‑state moves where many items travel together.

If you’re planning an interstate move, you must check to see if your plants require a Plant Health Certificate.

Don’ts of Long-Distance Plant Moving

Don’t move plants without expert advice

Not all plants are suitable for long-distance transport. Some may not tolerate extended travel, while others are restricted due to biosecurity concerns. Seeking professional guidance before moving is essential. At Bill Removalists, we can advise on which plants are fit to travel and which may be better rehomed, propagated, or left behind.

Don’t ignore legal paperwork

Some states require a Plant Health Certificate to confirm that your plants are free from pests, diseases, or invasive species. Attempting to move plants without the right documentation can lead to penalties or even confiscation.

We can manage this paperwork on your behalf, helping to ensure that you’re not caught out by fines, delays, or plant confiscation on arrival.

Don’t assume your plants will survive without planning

Improper handling, temperature fluctuations and lack of ventilation can stress or kill plants in transit. That’s why plants should never be treated like regular household items. Ensure to engage experienced movers that use dry felt padding, proper support systems and load configurations that promote air circulation and plant stability for the entire journey.

Don’t rely on generic moving services

Standard removalists may not have the expertise needed to transport live plants safely, especially interstate. Choosing specialists in plant removals means your greenery is handled by a team that understands the unique logistics involved and knows how to transport your plants safely and carefully.

Get a Competitive & Affordable Online Quote

When it comes to long-distance plant moving, Bill Removalists Sydney offers everything you need for a stress-free and affordable move. We’re committed to guaranteeing the safety of your plants and specialise in safely transporting your green companions to their new home.

Get a competitive online quote now or speak to one of our friendly representatives at 0425 351 578.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Where To Find Us?

You can find our offices here: 45 Platform Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141

Contact Us
Email Address: info@billremovalistssydney.com.au
Call Us: 0425 351 578

We are open Monday – Sunday: 7:30am – 7:30pm

FAQs

How do you move plants across the country safely?

Moving plants across the country requires proper preparation, quarantine checks and transport conditions that prevent damage. At Bill Removalists, we cushion your plants with dry felt padding, keep them upright and place them in well-ventilated spaces to ensure they travel safely from start to finish.

What is the best way to move plants long distances?

The best way to move plants long distances is to use a specialist plant-removalist service. Professional movers ensure you meet quarantine requirements and know how to secure plants properly using plant-safe materials that keep them stable throughout the journey. This helps you avoid the risks and damage that often come with transporting plants yourself.

How do you move large plants across the country?

At Bill Removalists, we give large plants the extra support they need by using anchoring straps, protective padding and stable placement inside the truck. We can safely handle large indoor trees and substantial potted plants by securing them correctly and ensuring they meet any state-specific quarantine requirements for interstate transport.

How do you move houseplants across the country without damaging them?

Houseplants should be inspected, lightly watered in advance and transported in stable, padded conditions. At Bill Removalists, we protect pots, foliage and stems with dry felt padding and place each plant in a secure upright position to prevent tipping, crushing or root disturbance during the journey.

How do you transport plants across the country legally?

To transport plants legally across Australia, you must follow each state’s biosecurity rules and obtain the necessary certificates. Bill Removalists Sydney manages the entire legal process including checking permitted species, securing Plant Health Certificates and ensuring all transported plants meet regulatory requirements.

How to move your plants across the country if they’re delicate?

Delicate plants require stable temperatures, gentle handling and extra cushioning to keep them safe. At Bill Removalists, we use breathable padding, careful positioning and minimal-movement transport methods to protect fragile stems and leaves during long-distance travel.