moving during the holidays

Moving, whether due to military service, a job relocation, or another life event, does not always occur at the most convenient times. And, let’s be honest, no one wants to pack or move during the holidays.

Surprisingly, more families relocate during the fall and winter months than we realize. We understand how stressful it can be to move during the holidays.

However, we have learned a thing or two over the years, and we hope that these holiday moving tips will be of assistance. If you are moving during the holidays, you can stay organized while still enjoying the holidays with your family and friends.

1. Set aside a month, if possible, to plan your move on a calendar.(moving during the holidays)

Complete moving checklist
Determine how much time you have before moving and work backward on your calendar. Allow at least three or four weeks to pack your home leisurely, or hire a moving company to assist you in expediting the move. Rushing the process will only add to the stress, as the holidays are already stressful.

2. Arrange a holiday get-together away from home.(moving during the holidays)

Don’t completely avoid the holidays. You’ll need time to unwind and celebrate while you’re on the move. However, if you are relocating during the holidays, you should reconsider inviting the entire family to your home. Arrange for your relatives to host holiday gatherings at your new home next year, if possible.

If you still want to entertain, keep your expectations in check. Invite fewer people; host potlucks where everyone brings a dish; or consider hiring a caterer to reduce the amount of stress and cooking required at your home.

3. Make a plan for packing in stages to avoid burnout.(moving during the holidays)

After you’ve planned your holiday schedule, you can start thinking about which rooms you’ll be able to pack up for the season. Why not start packing closets, guest bedrooms, and storage areas first if you aren’t going to have guests over?

Make a staging area for boxes and supplies in a guest bedroom or storage room so that your entire home isn’t a maze of moving boxes!

4. Bring some holiday decorations but not all of them.(moving during the holidays)

Moving during the Christmas season

Many homeowners don’t consider holiday decorations, storage items, and other non-essentials until they begin packing. Take a look around your house to see what you’ll need for the holidays and what you’ll be able to use in the future.

Reduce your holiday decorating to just a wreath on the front door and a small tabletop tree in the house this year. Minimal decorations will allow you to pack up some holiday décor for your next home, but you will not be missing out on the holiday season entirely.

The more you can pack now, the easier it will be to move later. Label boxes with room names and number them in order of priority so you know which boxes to unpack first when you move into your new home.

5. Take into account any unexpected moving costs.

If you plan to relocate during the holidays, you may have to pay a premium to secure movers. Remember that your reservations should be confirmed and re-confirmed at least a few days before the move because holidays can cause people and businesses to become forgetful.

Confirm dates and pricing with your moving company or truck rental company. Keep track of all details in a binder or on your phone so that you can access them quickly on the day of your move.

6. Purchase moving supplies during holiday sales, such as Black Friday.

Tips for moving during the holidays
Make a list of utilities, home services, and other service transfers that you will need to schedule when packing your home for the holidays. Also, look for sales on boxes and moving supplies at your local home office supply stores, especially around Black Friday, after Thanksgiving, and throughout December.