Whether your move is related to the military, a job relocation, or another life event, moving doesn’t always happen at the most convenient times. And moving during the holiday season can add stress to the whole situation.
Believe it or not, there are more people that move during the fall and winter months that you would think. If you're planning a move we understand how hectic it can be.
We have learned a few things over to years to help you stay organized and stress-free during your holiday move. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without getting overwhelmed by your impending move.
1. Take a full month to organize your move on a calendar
Creating a comprehensive checklist is key. This will help keep you focused on the task at hand and will also let you track your progress. Take an assessment of how much time you have before your move and work backwards. Try to allow at least three to four weeks for packing so your not stuck panicking at the last minute. Rushing the packing process can cause disorganization and unneeded stress.
2. Plan a holiday gathering away from home
You shouldn't have to skip the holidays completely just because of a move. You still need to have time to enjoy and relax with your loved ones. Reconsider having all your family and friends over to your home. Try to organize events at other family members or friends houses and maybe invite them to your new home next year.
If you are still set on entertaining, keep the expectations realistic. Maybe invite fewer people; have a potluck where everyone brings a dish or consider catering the event to reduce stress and cleanup.
3. Have a plan for packing little by little to avoid burnout
Once you have planned your holiday moving calendar you can start to think of which rooms you should start packing first. If you plan to have guests over, try packing unseen areas like the garage, closets and storage rooms.
Also, try to contain all the boxes in one area or room to avoid having your entire house being a maze of boxes!
Packing services may be necessary and will be worth the additional cost. We offer full service packing options that includes all materials and labor to pack all boxes, fragile items, etc. so you don't have to worry with it. This is something to consider to take some of the burden off of you during your moving process.
4. Pack some but not all holiday decorations
For many homeowners, holiday decorations and storage items aren't necessarily thought about until they start packing. Take inventory of what you have and will need during the holiday season. If there are some things that aren't totally necessary, keep them packed to avoid added work.
Try to scale back on the decorations and keep it simple this year. Minimal decorations will allow you to keep the majority of holiday items still packed yet you will still be able to enjoy the holiday spirit.
The more you can pack (or keep packed) ahead of time, the easier the whole process will be. Keep boxes organized and labeled by room so you know what to unpack first once you reach your new home.
5. Consider all unexpected moving expenses
Make sure to secure a mover in advance to ensure your pricing and dates are locked in. This will cut down on added stress and money spent booking a mover at the last minute. Although the holiday season is a bit slower in the moving industry, planning ahead is always the best course of action to avoid any issues.
6. Mother Nature can work against you
Moving and wintertime don't always mix. During the winter months weather can be unpredictable and bad. Snow, icy roads and freezing temperatures can cause unavoidable delays and is something that you should keep in mind. Always be prepared with a backup plan in case the weather has a plan of it's own.
7. Buy moving supplies during holiday sales like Black Friday
Scoring great deals on packing supplies during holiday or Balck Friday sales is definitely something to look into. Saving boxes from your holiday shipments/packages will also help cut down on the cost of packing materials. Check out home office supply stores because they typically have good deals on boxes and other materials right around Black Friday and through December.
When packing your home during the holidays, make a checklist of utilities, home services, and other transfers of service you will need to schedule.
Moving during the holidays doesn't have to be a stressful time. Try making this year a little more simple by curbing your holiday entertaining and decorating. You can still feel festive and have the holiday spirit with realistic expecations that won't cause unnecessary stress or work for you and your family.
Let us guide you through this process and make your holiday move as sucessful and stress-free as possible!