Moving during the holidays, oh what fun it is! Already the decorations and little Christmas trees cakes have hit the stores, but while most people are digging out their lights and decorations, you may be packing up and moving out.
Moving during the holidays can be stressful, but it does not have to be. Century Moving has made a list (and checked it twice) of tips to make moving during the holidays a more merry experience. Off we go!
1. Organize
The key to a successful holiday move is the same as the key to a successful holiday– planning. Plan out when will you start packing and how much time it will take (3-4 weeks is typically a good estimate). This will allow you to take your time and avoid the chaotic, last minute rushing. Another way to stay organized is by getting rid of stuff you do not need. Go through the rooms in your house and make a pile of donate, sell, or pitch. Around holiday time, charities make donating easier than ever. Do it, and trust us, it will make your heart merry and bright!
2. Leave a little Christmas Out
Do not deprive yourself of decorating for Christmas in either your new or old house. Scale back the décor, of course, but allow yourself the enjoyment that comes with the holiday season. When packing, keep out simple, easy to hang decorations, like wreaths, that do not require a blueprint of the new house to determine where they go. Pack them last, so they can be unpacked first when you arrive at your new location.
3. Black Friday Sales
While everyone is camping out for the “it” item for Black Friday, you can head to the storage and office supply sections to get great deals on things like totes, sharpies, tape, etc. that you’ll use for your packing. A busy store is worth the money saved on moving supplies.
4. Holiday Discounts from Movers
The holidays hit in fall and winter, which is traditionally the slow season for movers. That means your preferred date might be available and with less demand, moving companies might be inclined to offer a discount. When booking always ask for seasonal discounts.
5. Prepare for the Unexpected
Like all of us, the hectic nature of the holidays can make us forgetful. In the weeks leading up to your move, confirm and re-confirm all the information with your moving company. Keep a binder, or envelope of the confirmation dates/pricing and estimates from the movers so everything is on hand for reference.
6. Give Yourself a Pass on Hosting
Moving during the holidays is enough stress, so don’t feel guilty about not hosting the holiday this year. Let another family member take the reins, or if you must host a party, shove the unpacked boxes in a corner and make it a small one with a BYOB invite.
7. Gifting Alternatives
Everyone loves opening presents during the holidays, but the last thing you need is more stuff to move. Consider asking loved ones to send gifts to your new address after you’ve relocated. Another solution is Secret Santa gifts, which limit price, gift size, and number of gifts. Or, scratch all the above and ask people to donate to a charity of your choice!
8. Change of Address Notifications
A great way to let people know your new address or that you’re moving at all is through holiday cards. When you send out the holiday card, include a change-of-address slip to alert loved ones.
9. Re-use Packaging
Around the holidays, people start to think about the boxes they need to wrap their presents. Let people know you are moving and that you could use any extra boxes they could spare that they don’t need for the holidays. It’s a win-win—you help them declutter their house for the holidays while you don’t have to go shopping for packing materials!
10. Create a New Tradition.
Even though moving during the holidays isn’t a holiday tradition (thank goodness!) you can still take time to appreciate this new chapter in the life of you and your family. Once you have arrived in your new home and the scant decorations are hung, take a breath and look around. Next year, it will all feel familiar but for now, be present in what’s new and think of what you can do to make it more familiar. Gather the family and do that very thing as a new holiday tradition. Sing a song, say a prayer, hang the stockings, pour the eggnog, or share your favorite holiday memories with each other. Voila! You’ve created a new holiday tradition that you can repeat next year in your “not-so-new-anymore” home!
Follow these tips and before long you just might be singing JOY TO THE WORLD…we’re all done moving! For more information on moving, whether it’s cross country or around the block, contact Century Moving. We’re as efficient as Santa and his elves (but just don’t ask us to wear tights and pointy shoes). Give us a call today at (630)889-2700.
