Moving during the holidays can be hectic—especially since winter is already often a stressful season. With end-of-year deliverables and multiple holidays, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to pack, move, and settle into a new home. However, careful planning and organization can make the process easier. Check out these ten tips for moving during the holidays!
Plan Ahead of Time
The earlier you can start planning your move, the less stressful it will be! Because housing rates are often lower in the winter, moving companies typically face high demand, so book them as early as you can if you’re moving around the holidays. Planning ahead also gives you time to pack properly, prepare your kids for moving, develop a pet moving plan, and develop contingencies for any challenges you may face on moving day. All this extra forethought will help your move go more smoothly, and allow for a more relaxed unpacking experience.
Create a Budget for Extra Moving Expenses
Moving can be expensive—especially during the holiday season when costs for moving companies and moving trucks may be higher. Create a budget—leaving some wiggle room for potential unexpected moving expenses like short-term storage or extra moving supplies—and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure that you have enough money to cover all moving costs—including movers, meals, new furniture, and more.
Donate What You Don’t Need
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your home—why not give back to the community at the same time? Take careful inventory of everything you own while packing and ask yourself what you actually use or need in your new home. Consider separating your belongings into categories—things you’ll take with you, items to sell, and items to donate. Many charitable organizations will gladly accept used clothing, furniture, kitchenware, toys, and other household items that are still in good condition. By donating these items, instead of selling or simply throwing them out, you can help families and individuals who may be struggling during the season of giving.
Save on Moving Supplies During Holiday Sales
Holiday sales, especially Black Friday and Cyber Monday, are an excellent time to stock up on moving supplies at a discount. Many retailers, like home office supply stores, offer holiday deals on essentials like moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials—which can add up to potentially significant savings. You might even find sales on moving kits that bundle items together. If you’re planning a move around the holidays, take advantage of these sales to buy everything you need without breaking the bank.
Try Minimalist Holiday Decor
If you want to decorate your new home—or keep your old home decorated—during the holidays, try taking a minimalist approach to keep things manageable during the move. Consider putting up simple decorations or using festive music and scents to create a cozy vibe. This minimalistic holiday decor lets you celebrate the season without overwhelming your space or complicating your move—and keeping your home organized and functional during the moving process ensures you have space to pack, store, and move boxes efficiently.
Celebrate the Holidays Elsewhere
To minimize the stress of moving during the holidays, celebrate at the homes of family or friends instead of hosting your own festivities. This will allow you to enjoy the holidays without the pressure of unpacking everything and putting your new space together in a rush. You can always offer to host a holiday party the following year when you’re more settled. By opting to celebrate elsewhere, you can focus on packing and organizing for your move while still enjoying time with your loved ones.
Pack Strategically
When packing for a move during the holidays, make sure to start early, have a moving checklist, and tackle one room at a time to stay organized and reduce stress. Sort your belongings into categories (e.g., everyday items, kitchen essentials, bedroom items, etc.) and use color-coded labels to designate which room boxes belong in. And don’t let moving interrupt your holiday spirit—instead, pack holiday decorations and gifts last and carefully, using bubble wrap or tissue paper, and place them in sturdy, labeled boxes so you can easily access them to decorate your new home.
Plan for the Weather
Moving during the winter holiday season can come with harsh, unpredictable weather, but there are a few things you can do to reduce stress and improve safety. You’ll want to ensure you’ve set up or scheduled utilities for your new home—especially the heating system. It’s also a good idea to look up any neighborhood or city events like parades or drive-through light shows that are taking place, so that you can avoid holiday traffic while moving. Use these tips for a winter moving day:
- Regularly check the forecast and prepare for possible snow, ice, or rain.
- Communicate any possible delays with your moving company.
- Keep winter essentials like boots, coats, gloves, and scarves easily accessible.
- Clear the walkways, driveways, and steps of both your old and new home of sleet, snow, or ice, and lay down ice melt.
- Use waterproof materials like plastic bins or heavy-duty garbage bags inside your cardboard moving boxes.
- Cover large items like furniture, mattresses, and artwork with protective wraps.
Keep Safety Top of Mind
Regardless if you’ve hired a professional moving company, are opting for a budget-friendly move, or need to move by yourself—safety should be a top priority on move-in day. Not only is there less sunlight in the winter—which limits safe driving times—but there’s a chance it could snow in the area you’re moving from, to, or even between your destinations. If you’ve planned ahead for holiday traffic, inclement weather, and other contingencies, you should be able to move without rushing. Here are extra tips for a safe holiday move:
- Refresh your winter weather driving skills.
- Maintain extra space between your moving vehicle—especially if the brakes are hydraulic—and the car in front of you.
- Pull over and turn on your hazard lights if visibility is low.
- Have blankets easily accessible in the cab or your vehicle’s backseat in the event you need to pull over and shut off the vehicle.
- Stay at a motel overnight or pull over at rest stops if you and other drivers are too exhausted to drive.
- Ensure you have a portable radio (with working batteries) as an extra precaution if phone service is down or you need to shut off your vehicle.
- Set a plan with a loved one not moving with you to check in with you after your estimated arrival—be sure they have your route and that you update them if you need to change the route.
Send Holiday Moving Cards
Sending out holiday moving cards is a fun and festive way to let friends and family know about your move while keeping up with holiday traditions. These cards can include your new address and a personal touch, like a photo of your new home decorated for the season. It’s a thoughtful way to update everyone and spread some holiday cheer, especially if you’re doing a long-distance move or moving out of state. Plus, it gives your loved ones a glimpse of your new space and helps them feel connected to your exciting transition during this special time of year.
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