The holiday seasons are just around the corner. Even though this is a time for…
Moving is already bad, but moving during the holidays can become a huge source of stress. Collecting and packing all your belongings seem like never-ending chores, not to mention the move itself. Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us, and for some people, this also means moving time.
Holidays tend to be hectic: family visiting, bad weather, too much traffic, cocktail parties with friends and colleagues, decorating, shopping, cooking, and the list goes on. Moving between November and January just adds another thick layer of responsibilities and chores. However, there are certain methods and techniques you can implement to accomplish a smooth move during the upcoming holidays. At On The Go Moving, we understand the importance of reducing stress during relocation, so check out our tips below for moving during the holidays.
Arrange Your Moving Early On
Moving during the holidays is difficult because many moving companies either take days off during these seasons or charge higher rates. If you know you have to move between November and January, try booking your moving company as early as possible. Lock in a good rate with them, and phone them a week before your move to make sure you’re still on the same page. Securing your movers early on will prove to be valuable in helping you avoid nasty surprises later on.
Make Packing Your Main Priority
First things first: packing. If you leave all your packing for the week before your move, you will be overwhelmed. Always try to start packing at least one month in advance. Start by the emptying your garage, basement, attic, or any other storage spaces around your house. Slowly move onto important areas like your kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces. Your packing will seem like a breeze if you scatter the different parts of your house throughout a longer period of time.
Packing up in the midst or before a holiday party? Start with the areas of storage. Your picture frames and decorations can go down last. Don’t worry – there’s plenty of other things to pack up!
Keep Decorations Up Until the Day You Move
This tip depends heavily on your decorating habits. If you put up huge amounts of decoration, you may have to take down some of it during the weeks before your move. This will help you avoid stress and prevent your leaving things behind.
However, if you are more of a light to moderate holiday decorator, you can leave up most of your decor until the last couple of days before the move. Set aside a special box or container that will fit all your holiday knick-knacks, and label it “decoration”. You can put it in a closet, or a corner of your living room. When it’s moving time, take down all the decor, put it in the box you labelled and place it last in your moving truck. This makes it easier to unpack them and put them up in your new house!
And, of course, moving can be a difficult time for everyone, but keeping your home cheery and full of the holiday spirit can help ease the transition for everyone.
Use All the Extra Help Available!
As we mentioned before, the holidays are all about family and friends. What better way to celebrate that bond than asking your family and friends to help you move during the holidays! You can even create a good atmosphere by playing some music and offering your helpers some holiday treats and drinks. Make sure you reward their effort with a nice meal at the end of the day (and yes, take-out counts!). Not only will it help you out, but your friends and family will be thankful to be able to spend time with you before you move — especially if you are moving to a new State.
Surround Yourself with Familiar Objects
Once you complete your move, make your house as homey as possible. Your holiday decor will likely be the first thing out of your truck, so put it back up if you have time and energy. Take out your old ornaments, family photos, diplomas, and other familiar objects, and place them around your house. You may get a bit nostalgic, but the combination of holidays and familiar objects will help you make your new house a new home. Yes, moving on the holidays is tough, but remember you are always one phone call (or video chat!) away.
Throw a Housewarming Holiday Party
Calling a new place home is hard, but the more good memories you create in your new house, the easier it will become. Throw a housewarming party the same week you move in to “break-in” you house. Invite your family, friends, and new neighbors. If you moved to a new City or State, your friends and family members may not be able to attend, but it offers a great chance to meet new friends and create long-lasting bonds with your next door neighbors.
Stick to Your Holiday Traditions as Much as Possible
The first holiday without your friends and family may be odd (at best), but you should still encourage yourself to stick to your holiday traditions. If you usually throw parties, host dinners, or go out for certain holidays, don’t skip them. Moving during the holidays is grueling, but keeping up your usual rituals and traditions will help your whole family make the transition more smoothly.
Always Stay in Touch!
Phone calls and video calls are an easy way to connect with someone when you feel lonely. Although it’s not the same as being in person, technology can be a useful tool when we feel homesick — and there’s never a time you feel homesick more than during the holidays! Phone your family and friends regularly, and you can rest assured they will be as happy to hear from you are to hear from them.
Moving during the holidays is not ideal, but keeping a positive attitude and managing your time properly will help you get through it with minimal amounts of stress!
Get Help With Your Holiday Move
If you need hire help to move during the holidays, give us a call today. We offer quality moving services for both large and small scale residential needs, as well as commercial moving and storage services. Our team of qualified experts will be more than glad to help you move during the holidays. Contact us by filling out our online contact form. Contact us now!
