Will Ottawa Movers Transport Houseplants
Most Ottawa movers will transport houseplants on local moves but with specific limitations. The mover's standard insurance excludes plant damage, soil spills are the customer's responsibility, and movers will typically refuse plants that cannot be securely contained or that pose risk to other items in the truck.
For local moves under 1 day, most Ottawa moving companies handle reasonable plant collections without issue. They'll wrap pots in plastic to contain soil, secure plants in box bottoms or designated truck space, and deliver them to your specified plant area at destination.
For long-distance moves, plant transport becomes much more restricted. Inter-provincial moves often refuse plants entirely due to phytosanitary regulations and the impossibility of maintaining safe conditions during multi-day transit.
Why Most Movers Are Cautious About Plants
Movers' caution around plants stems from real practical issues:
- Soil spills: A single tipped plant can soil dozens of items in the truck.
- Water damage: Recently watered plants leak, damaging cardboard boxes and absorbent items.
- Temperature sensitivity: Truck temperatures vary widely — too hot or cold for most houseplants.
- Pest transfer: Plants can carry insects or diseases that contaminate other items.
- Damage liability: Plant damage is hard to insure and often disputed.
- Phytosanitary rules: Some provinces and countries restrict plant imports.
Plants Movers Typically Will Move
Most Ottawa movers will handle these plants on local moves:
- Small to medium potted houseplants (under 18 inches tall)
- Sturdy, hardy plants (snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants)
- Plants in contained, stable pots with drainage saucers
- Cacti and succulents (drought-resistant, less leak risk)
- Established small trees in heavy pots (with help to lift)
For best results, water plants 2-3 days before moving day so soil is moist but not saturated, and ensure all pots have proper drainage saucers to contain any leaks.
Plants Movers Typically Won't Move
Most Ottawa movers refuse or strongly discourage these plants:
- Large trees or floor plants over 6 feet tall (don't fit safely in truck)
- Recently repotted plants with loose soil
- Plants in fragile ceramic pots without protective wrap
- Aquatic plants in water-filled containers
- Tropical plants for moves under 5°C or over 30°C
- Plants for inter-provincial moves (Ottawa to Vancouver, etc.)
- Cuttings or seedlings in propagation containers
- Plants for international moves (regulations prohibit)
Winter Plant Moving Special Considerations
Ottawa winter plant moves require special precautions. Outside temperatures from November through March routinely drop below -20°C, which can kill tropical houseplants in minutes of exposure. Even brief transit between heated home and heated truck can damage sensitive plants.
For winter moves, transport plants in your own heated vehicle when possible. Pre-warm the vehicle to 20°C+ before loading plants, wrap pots in towels for additional insulation, and minimize time outside between buildings.
If movers must transport plants in winter, request that the truck heating system run during transit (not all moving trucks have effective heating in cargo areas), and that plants be loaded last and unloaded first to minimize cold exposure.
How to Prepare Plants for an Ottawa Move
Optimal plant preparation:
- 1 week before: Inspect plants for pests, treat any issues, refresh soil if needed.
- 3 days before: Water lightly so soil is moist but not soggy. Stop fertilizing 2 weeks before.
- 1 day before: Bag plant soil surface in plastic to prevent spills. Wrap fragile leaves loosely with packing paper or tissue.
- Moving day: Place plants in sturdy boxes with extra padding around pots. Label boxes "FRAGILE - PLANT - THIS SIDE UP." Designate specific truck location.
- At destination: Unpack plants first. Place in normal lighting positions. Don't water for 24-48 hours to allow recovery from move stress.
DIY Plant Transport Tips
For long-distance moves or large plant collections, DIY transport in your own vehicle is often the best option. Tips for successful DIY plant moves:
- Use a vehicle with climate control (not back of pickup truck)
- Pre-position plants in vehicle the morning of move (avoid loading during temperature extremes)
- Use seat belts and cargo straps to secure pots against tipping
- Cover seats with plastic sheeting to catch any spills
- Stop every 4-6 hours to check plants and adjust climate if needed
- Keep plants out of direct sun in vehicle (greenhouse effect can cause heat damage even in cool weather)