Moving Garden, Plants and Outdoor Furniture in Winter

A move between November 2026 and early 2027 does not mean leaving the garden behind. With a little planning, many hardy plants, garden furniture and outdoor belongings can be prepared for a winter relocation and settled into their next home.

Winter can also be a useful time to move some deciduous shrubs. While plants are dormant, they are not putting energy into active growth. The key is to plan around the type of plant and the conditions on the day, as well as the practicalities of carrying larger items across a garden in colder, wetter weather.

Which garden plants can you move in winter?

The dormant season can suit many hardy deciduous trees and shrubs. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises that these can generally be moved from late October to mid-March. That makes November a potential window, as long as the ground is workable, not frozen or waterlogged. Check the RHS guidance on moving trees and shrubs for more detail.

Hardy shrubs and roses may be among the plants you want to take to your next garden. However, roses and some other plants are sensitive to root disturbance, so take extra care with established specimens. A young plant is generally easier to move than one that has been in the same spot for many years. If a plant is large or especially important to you, ask a horticultural specialist for advice.

Evergreen shrubs have a different timetable. The RHS recommends moving these in October or late March, when the soil is beginning to warm, rather than in the depths of winter. Tender plants may need to be lifted and kept somewhere frost-free, or protected in place with appropriate horticultural wrapping. Your local growing conditions and the plant’s needs matter, so check plant-specific advice before deciding.

Preparing plants for the move

A few straightforward steps help plants make the journey:

• Prepare the new position first. Make sure the planting spot is ready so the plant can be replanted promptly.
• Prune lightly, if appropriate. Remove damaged or excess growth, but avoid heavy pruning unless the plant’s care guidance recommends it.
• Water thoughtfully. If the soil is dry, water the plant the day before lifting. Avoid saturating already-wet winter ground.
• Lift with a generous rootball. Keep as much soil around the roots as practical. For transport, cover the rootball with damp hessian or similar material to help prevent it drying in wind.
• Replant and water in. Aim to replant promptly at the same soil level. After planting, water as needed during dry spells, but avoid watering when frost is forecast.

Plants in pots need particular attention because their roots are more exposed to cold than roots in the ground. Keep them sheltered and upright for the journey. If a tender plant is better overwintered indoors, plan how it will be moved to a suitable frost-free place rather than treating it like ordinary garden furniture.

Getting outdoor furniture ready

A garden set can be a useful part of settling into a new home, even when the patio is waiting for spring. Before moving it, clean and dry furniture as thoroughly as conditions allow. This helps keep dirt and trapped moisture away from other belongings during transport or storage.

Where possible, disassemble tables and chairs and keep their fixings together in a labelled bag. Protect cushions, parasols and fabric components separately in clean, dry covers. For glass table tops, remove them if the design allows and wrap them securely; protect corners and other fragile components so they are not exposed to knocks.

Wood and rattan furniture benefit from sensible protection from damp and temperature changes. Follow the maker’s care guidance, and avoid wrapping damp pieces in a way that traps moisture. Metal furniture should be dry before it is covered or packed.

Stone and cast-iron benches, planters and tables are a different matter. They can be heavy, awkward to grip and difficult to manoeuvre through a narrow gate or over uneven ground. A survey helps establish how they can be moved safely and what lifting equipment or crew may be needed.

Garden buildings can involve more than simply lifting and loading. A greenhouse or shed may need to be emptied, dismantled and prepared for reassembly. Check how it is constructed, whether the panels are fragile, and whether access allows the parts to be carried out safely. For larger or more complex structures, it may be worth arranging a specialist to dismantle and reinstall them.

For ponds and water features, decide in advance what is moving and what will remain. Fragile ornaments and removable components should be drained and packed separately. If you are moving fish or aquatic plants, consult a suitable specialist about their care and transport arrangements.

Garden tools should be clean and packed safely, with sharp edges covered and secured. Empty the fuel from lawnmowers and other petrol-powered equipment before transport, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure tools are dry and boxed so they can be handled and loaded in an orderly way.

Winter moving: plan for daylight, ground and frost

Winter moves are very manageable with careful scheduling. In November and through the early months of 2027, daylight hours are shorter, so allow time for garden items to be prepared and moved without rushing. If you have a choice of timing, discuss the schedule with your removal team in advance.

Rain can leave lawns and paths soft, while frost can make steps and paving slippery. Keep the route from the garden to the vehicle clear, and tell your movers about narrow gates, changes in level and any surfaces that may need protection. Where a vehicle needs access around to the garden side of the property, that should be considered during planning rather than on moving day.

Protect plants from exposure during the journey. Keep rootballs covered, avoid leaving plants in a cold vehicle overnight, and move them into their new position or a suitable sheltered space as soon as practical. If the ground is frozen or waterlogged, it may be better to postpone lifting a plant until conditions improve.

When storage helps with the garden

Storage can be useful if you are preparing a property for sale, having work done at the new home or waiting for the purchase to complete. Outdoor furniture can be moved out of the way while a patio or garden is prepared, and storage can bridge a gap between moving out and moving in.

Abels’ secure storage service includes collection, cataloguing and redelivery, with storage options suited to the items and period involved. Discuss the materials and condition of outdoor furniture at the survey, particularly if pieces are made of wood or rattan and may benefit from a controlled environment.

How Abels plans a garden move

A home survey should include the garden as well as the rooms inside the house. At Abels, the survey considers access for vehicles, gate widths, paths and steps, and items that need specialist handling. This gives the team a clearer view of what is moving and the equipment and crew required.

The detailed, valuated inventory is prepared by Abels during the home survey; you do not need to compile it yourself. Garden items of value can be recorded alongside household possessions, helping the move plan reflect what you are taking. If you would like help preparing other household items, Abels’ packing services can be discussed as part of the wider plan.

Abels provides UK home removals and holds FIDI FAIM accreditation, a Royal Warrant for Removals and Storage Services, and ISO certifications. You can read more about these on the accreditations page.