--- title: Moving Plants: Inspections, Pots and Reno Air url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-plants/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - Moving with plants (and state plant rules) # Moving with plants Plants usually ride with you, not on the truck, and they cross two sets of rules: the state you leave and the state you enter. At about 4,500 feet, Reno's dry, bright air also changes how houseplants behave, so give them a few weeks to adjust. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Plants are living cargo. They do not like heat, cold or being closed in a box for days, and most people prefer to carry them in the family car. Some states inspect incoming plants and produce for pests, and moving a plant from one climate to another can be a shock. This guide covers the paperwork, the packing and the first weeks in a high-desert home. ## Check the rules at both ends States protect their crops from pests, and plant rules vary. California runs border inspection stations that check vehicles for plants, fruit and vegetables, and its Department of Food and Agriculture publishes the details. The Nevada Department of Agriculture covers Nevada. Federal plant rules apply to shipments from Hawaii and from other countries. Citrus and some other plants are restricted in some places. If a plant is rare or a gift, look up its rules before the move, not at the inspection station. ## Prepare the plants two weeks ahead - Prune dead growth and check for insects, so the plant arrives clean. - Leave plants in their plastic nursery pots for the trip, because they are lighter and easier to pack than ceramic. - Water a day or two before the move, not on the day, so the soil is damp but not heavy. - Wrap tall plants loosely in paper and set them in boxes or bins that keep them from tipping. - Hold cuttings in damp paper towels inside a bag. ## Ride in the car A plant is safest in the passenger compartment of your car, out of direct sun and away from the heater or air conditioner vent. A closed trunk or a moving truck can become hot or cold enough to kill a plant in a day. If the move takes longer than a day or two, open the box overnight and let the plants breathe in a room. Speak with your estimator about the plants you plan to bring and how they will be handled. [What movers will not move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-movers-will-not-move/) explains why most carriers ask you to take living things with you. ## A new climate in Reno Reno sits near 4,500 feet. The air is dry and the sunlight is strong, so plants that grew indoors in a humid coastal home can lose leaves in the first weeks. Place them a little back from the brightest window, mist or group them for humidity, and water on a schedule based on the soil, not the calendar. Expect some leaf drop and some recovery. Outdoor plants face winter nights that can drop below freezing. Choose plants that are rated for the local zone, and check with a local nursery for plants that thrive in northern Nevada. ## Large and valuable plants A big tree in a heavy pot is hard to move and may not be worth it. A cutting or a seedling is cheaper to replace and often adapts better. Photograph prized plants, record their names, and ask a local nursery about taking cuttings. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/pe/) - [Nevada Department of Agriculture](https://agri.nv.gov/) - [USDA APHIS, Plant Health](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [What movers will not move (hazardous items)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-movers-will-not-move/) - [Living at 4,500 feet: altitude and moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/altitude/) - [Reno weather and climate by month](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/weather-and-climate/) - [Moving with dogs](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-dogs/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Moving with cats](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-cats/) - [Moving with dogs](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-dogs/) - [Moving with fish](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-fish/) - [Moving with kids](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-kids/) - [Moving in winter in the Sierra](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-winter/) - [Moving to high altitude](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-high-altitude/) - [Downsizing for seniors](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/downsizing-for-seniors/) - [Moving a parent to assisted living](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-a-parent-to-assisted-living/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Can plants go on the moving truck? Most people take plants in the car. A truck can get too hot or too cold, and plants need light and air over several days. ### Do I need a permit to bring plants into Nevada? Rules depend on the plant and where it comes from. Check with the Nevada Department of Agriculture before you move. ### Will my houseplants survive Reno's dry air? Many do, with a few weeks of adjustment, steady watering and a spot out of the hottest light. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) S Sonia P. August 4, 2023 Talk about organized people. I peeked in the truck about an hour into the job and was amazed at how well organized it was and how many of my things had protective coverings. Our bed is a mechanical one and a nightmare to us, but these guys had no issue with it at all. Although I have no desire to ever move again--but if I did, I would be calling these guys for sure!!! J Jennifer C. August 3, 2023 Customer service, packers, and loaders were very responsive, professional, and did an overall great job. C Christy R. March 25, 2023 All of the above! Have used o'briens several times in the past and always had great timely service! ### Owner's reply Christy thank you so much, not just for the 5 star review but also for continuing to stay a O'Brien's Customer. We appreciate your repeat business and you know we love talking with you anytime! You know where to find us when you need us! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070