Holiday moving can be quite an adventure. There are so many things to consider like do I move before, after or during the holiday. One of the most important things to do is to manage your expectations. You will probably not have time to do everything you normally would do during the holiday season. The sooner you accept that the sooner you can prioritize and enjoy both your move and your holiday. The second is making sure to see everyone you love as much as possible Whether you talk them into helping you pack while listening to Christmas music or you are shopping for gifts that time will be special. Read below for tips on holiday moving.
Holiday Moving Tips
For any type of holiday move, these tips will help you make the move easier.
- Keep at least one room decorated as long as possible to keep the spirit of the season alive.
- If you usually put items away to make room for decorations, put them directly in a box.
- Purge as much as possible before your move and pack early!
- Pack away anything that is not needed for the holiday or on a day to day basis.
- Schedule your moving equipment as soon as possible so you are likely to get the times you want.
- Pick up your moving supplies early so you can pack as much as possible and get back to enjoying the holiday.
- You have enough on your plate if you are moving during the holidays. Hire moving help!
- Keep as many holiday traditions alive as possible. Go look at Christmas lights and visit Santa. Things like that are done out of the chaos of a holiday move and provide memories for you and your family.
- Ship your gifts to the home you will be celebrating the holiday or buy online and take advantage of free shipping during the holiday. The less you have coming to your house, the less chaotic it will be to pack everything else.
- Make sure to have your gifts wrapped if there is an option online or in the store.
- Keep track of a budget and save early! The holidays and a move can be expensive.
- It may not look as pretty, but use paper plates and maybe even plastic silverware if you are having a big holiday dinner. Let yourself off the hook here and they have some really fancy paper plates these days!
Moving Before the Holiday
Moving before the holiday can be hard emotionally. It is tough making a big change like this around a time built around being with the ones you love. It is also hard to manage the time a move takes during the busy holiday season.
- Put aside a few holiday items aside in a special open first-holiday box. This will give you the opportunity to get in the holiday spirit right when you arrive at your new home.
- If you have bought any gifts ahead of time that you did not have delivered to your new home, put those aside as well and either pack them in a specific box that you can easily identify at your new home or just ship it before you even pack the moving truck.
- Make time to see your loved ones before you leave. As busy as a move and the holidays can be, spending time with your loved ones is priceless and will make the transition easier.
- If you are moving further away, invite your family to come for the holiday. Your house may not be ready, but it is worth it to be with your family during the holiday. Bonus: They may be willing to help unpack and get you settled.
Moving in the Middle of the Holiday
This option is the most difficult because it makes it hard to have a holiday before or after you move. If you move the week of Christmas it may be less busy than before or after the holiday.
- Make it fun! Get a holiday playlist ready or a scavenger hunt for the road.
- Bring some family and friends with you along the journey.
- Keep a room decorated until the night before you move so you can enjoy the holiday.
- If it is the week of Christmas, put aside a few holiday items aside in a special open first-holiday box. This will give you the opportunity to get in the holiday spirit right when you arrive at your new home.
- If you have bought any gifts ahead of time that you did not have delivered to your new home, put those aside as well and either pack them in a specific box that you can easily identify at your new home or just ship it before you even pack the moving truck.
- If you will be in a hotel over the holiday, find one that has a holiday celebration so you can enjoy the time.
Moving with Kids Over the Holiday
The holidays are extra special for kids. Even if the move is making the season hectic, make sure the kids have a good time and enjoy the family traditions that are most important to all of you. Below are some tips for moving with kids over the holiday.
- Stay excited about the move and the holiday so the kids can be excited.
- Sneak into your new home and leave a present from Santa.
- Give your kids a job or something to be responsible for completing.
- Make long moves fun by stopping at landmarks and national parks.
- When you get to your new city or home, find local holiday events to get them adjusted to their new city.
- Bring or have snacks ready on a long moving day.
Moving After the Holiday
Moving right after the Holiday is the best option for moving during the holiday season. If you can manage the schedule this works best because you can spend time with your family and enjoy your holiday in the surroundings you are familiar with. It also gives you a fresh start to a new year.
- Enlist the help of family and friends between Christmas and New Year’s.
- Use vacation so you have time to stop and enjoy the moving journey.
- Put all of your favorite new gifts in an open immediately box so you can open it right when you arrive at your new home.
Holiday Going Away Party
Family and friends are important year round, but there is something about the magic of the holidays that makes it even more special to have loved ones near. Don’t forget to see them before you go.
- Have an Ugly Sweater Christmas Going Away Party.
- Have everyone make an ornament for you to take.
- If you are moving closer to Thanksgiving host a Friends-giving before or after the actual day and get everyone together.
- Whatever you do, make sure to see the ones closest to you and celebrate the holiday and your new adventure.
Cold Weather
Take precautions when moving in cold weather. Moving in cold weather means practicing even more safety guidelines. It also means you need to take more precautions protecting your items while moving or storing.
- Bring a couple of blankets for the car or moving truck.
- Stop for a coffee or hot chocolate often, you know, just to stay warm!
- Check the weather and do not drive if the weather is too bad.
- If using storage, ensure you get a climate controlled storage for items that could be damaged if left in the cold.
- If towing, make sure you follow all safety practices for the trailer.
Holiday moving can make a move and a holiday even more memorable than normal. Plan ahead and set your expectations and you will be well on your way to being successful and enjoying the process! Check out this Guide for Moving to a New State and this Packing Guide as well! Happy moving! Happy holidays!
Have you moved during the holidays? Share your tips in the comments!
