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Plants are essential for human life—and for all animal life, for that matter. They destroy harmful substances in the air, in the process making fresh oxygen that our lungs require. Indoors, plants improve air quality by adding much needed humidity. And one certainly cannot deny the aesthetic charms that any leafy, green plant or glorious blossom bring to a space. Like pets, these unique decorations require special attention when moving. Begin making preparations to move your plants well in advance of your move. Please note that these instructions apply only to national moves; check with customs officials at your destination country if moving across international borders.

Begin researching your individual plants to see if information about relocating them is available. MarthaStewart.com has an excellent plant encyclopedia that includes the growing conditions, soil types, and watering schedules for thousands of common plants. Florists can guide you on how to best move indoor plants and landscapers can advise you about moving outdoor plants (such as bulbs, shrubs, bushes, and small trees). Prune plants before moving so that your plants will be able to quickly acclimate to a new environment.

Before packing your plants, destroy all pests that may be on them. Use Murphy’s Oil Soap or other pest deterrents to destroy aphids, slugs, and other insects that feed on leaves, stems, and blooms. Place the plant into a heavy black trash bag along with a pest strip, bug powder, or a conventional flea collar. Place the sealed bag in a cool location (such as a garage or basement closet) overnight. The pest deterrents will destroy any bugs that may be hiding on the plant or in the soil, permitting you to transfer it pest-free. Remember to remove the plastic bag promptly the next morning and to move the plant back to its proper location so that it receives optimal light.

Collect several sturdy cardboard containers with open tops. Carefully place each plant into the carton and wrap it with moist packing paper or newsprint. This will keep the soil dry during the move. Lightly cushion the leaves and any stalks and blooms with paper. If possible, fortify tall plant growths using bamboo skewers to prevent breakage. Surround the plant with lightly crumpled newsprint or packing paper and place a layer of wet paper on the top of the container. Seal the box and mark it with the words, “DO NOT LOAD” to avoid accidental placement on the moving truck. Some plants (including African violets, Christmas cacti, geraniums, ficus, and poinsettias) can be propagated with cuttings. Instead of transporting bulky full-grown plants, you can instead take a small piece of the plant wrapped in moist paper and grow it to maturity in your new home.

Make sure that the boxed plants are kept separate from the other moving boxes and that the words, “DO NOT LOAD” are clearly visible to movers. Place the boxes in your car so that you can transport them safely and securely. Place the boxes in the trunk or another area where they will not be disturbed and where they will remain upright at all times. If you must park your car before arriving, be sure that it is in a shady spot during warm months and in a sunny spot during cooler months.

Unpack your plants immediately after bringing your family and pets into the new home. Exercise great care when removing each plant from its box, and be sure to place it in a location that receives the proper amount of sunlight. Ideally, find a location for each plant that faces the same direction as the plant’s former home in your old house.

It is much more difficult to move entire gardens than it is to transfer potted plants. Before you dig up your prized shrubs or award-winning strawberry patch, check soil conditions at your new home to see if the plants will be able to survive. Keep in mind that soil in different geographic territories (such as the north or south of the country) may vary greatly and may no longer be suitable for certain plants.

If you do decide to move your garden, try to move easier components such as seeds or bulbs. Seeds should be stored in dark airtight containers free from any moisture to avoid sprouting. Bulbs should be dug up during their dormant season and packed in a mixture of loose peat moss and vermiculite. This provides a lightweight, protective transport medium. If you have a tree or large plant that you would like to transfer, you can look into a company that specializes in large organic moves (though the cost will certainly be high). A good place to start is TreeMover.com.

Moving plants is both aesthetically rewarding and environmentally friendly. Proper precautions and smart packing solutions will ensure that your green friends will arrive as pristinely as they left your last home. Treat your plants well and they will bring you many years of delightful fresh air and beauty.