Still, there may be some instances you would want to keep your plant – for example, if it is a rare species or it has sentimental value to you. Use this list as a guideline to determine whether or not you should ship your plants.

When to take your plants with you:

• They have sentimental value and you do not want to part with them
• You’ve spent a lot of time cultivating them or they are a rare species (e.g. Bonsais)
• They are small enough to be easily packaged for quick shipping
• They would be difficult to buy at your new location
• They are large and would be costly to crate and move

When to leave your plants behind:

• They are common species that you could purchase again for less than the cost of transport – give yours away to a friend as a gift
• When they are rooted in the ground – the transplant process is time consuming and the plant may not survive the shock
• They are prohibited in your new location due to USDA quarantine or otherwise