5 Tips for Moving During the Holidays
The holidays are not often seen as an ideal time to move. Relocating coupled with obligations to family and friends, cold weather, and added holiday expenses can make the already stressful process of moving to seem even more daunting. Not to worry, we put together some great tips for navigating a move during the holiday season allowing you to move to a new home and even enjoy the festivities in the process.
1. Take Time to Plan:
Hiring a moving company for a move during the holiday season is the best way to make the process that much easier. Begin reaching out to companies at least 3-4 weeks in advance. After all, movers have holiday obligations too so planning out your move and confirming it beforehand is the best way to make sure it goes off without a hitch.
One often-overlooked advantage of moving during the holidays is that it’s considered off-peak season allowing you to save money that will be more than welcome when shopping for family and friends. Part of this planning process also involves packing. Take some time every day to pack things beginning with non-essential items and gradually moving up to the things you use daily as move day comes closer. A good plan is invaluable when pulling off a holiday move, and it will also allow you to enjoy the festivities during downtime.
2. Don’t Forego the Holidays Completely
If you have kids this may not be an option, but when moving during the holiday season take the time to put up at least sparse decorations. Even just a wreath on your door and a small tree can go a long way when moving during the holidays.
If decorations aren’t your thing, at the very least take the time out to go to that office holiday party or take a day to get shopping done and take in the sights. If your family has any holiday traditions like ice skating or sightseeing, make sure you take a day to fit these into your schedule. Your family and your sanity will thank you for it!
3. Take Weather Into Consideration
While it’s hard to anticipate the weather when planning a winter move, it’s important to take potentially bad weather conditions into account when moving. This could mean having an ideal day to move into your new home as well as a backup day in the event of a snowstorm.
Luckily, a professional moving company will have all the necessary tools and equipment to move during the winter months. This usually means added protection for your items from the elements and the know-how to safely load and unload all of your items regardless of the conditions outside. Make sure to switch your utility bill to the new address so you have heat and electricity from day one.
Hot drinks are perfect this time of year and both you and the movers can benefit from a hot coffee or cocoa. Take a look at our recent post about other handy guides that is sure to be even more appreciated during the holidays.
4. ‘Tis the Season for Donating
Moving time and the holiday season have one thing in common – they both make great times to take an inventory of what you have and donate items that you’re no longer using. The Salvation Army and Good Will are both great options when it comes to donating lightly used furniture, clothing, and toys.
Not only does it feel great to donate to the less fortunate during the holidays, but it also gives you a great opportunity to de-clutter your home and even allows for some tax write-offs as the tax year comes to a close (just remember to keep those receipts).
5. Take Advantage of Sales
The holidays can already prove to be an expensive time of year with travel and gifts; add moving costs to this and you’ll be thankful you bought that new couch or bed during a holiday sale. Luckily, everything from boxes to various moving supplies to furniture is on sale during the holiday months. This makes for a great opportunity to move and furnish a new home on a budget.
BONUS: New Year, New Home, New Me!
Moving, in general, can put things into perspective and give you the opportunity for a fresh start in your new home whether you’ve moved to a completely new city in a different part of the country (or even a new country altogether) or just down the block.
What better time to move than the beginning of a new year? Moving during this time of year, despite some added stress and planning, can prove to be a great opportunity when looking forward to great things on the horizon!