The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and celebration. But if you’re among the thousands of people moving during the holidays, it can also be a time of stress and chaos. Fortunately, with a little bit of preparation, you can make your move go as smoothly as possible. From packing tips to what to expect on relocation day, our guide has got you covered – so make sure you memorize it.
When Moving During the Holidays, Try to Organize Ahead
With extra family gatherings and events, it can be hard to find the time to organize your move and make sure everything is taken care of during this busy season. Paradoxically, the key to making your move easier and more successful is to get organized beforehand.
It may seem tedious, but making lists is a great way to plan a move to another city without losing your mind and stay on track during the whole process. Make a to-do list of everything that needs to be done (like transferring utilities or, for example, changing the address), packing lists, new apartment checklists, and so on. They will help ensure nothing gets left behind or forgotten in the rush of things.
Aside from making a checklist for relocating to another state, what else needs to be done during the preparation phase? Here are some things that mustn’t be overlooked:
Get supplies during Black Friday
If you’re moving during Christmas, keep an eye out for special offers for boxes and other relocation goods at your local stores, particularly around Black Friday. The day (or several days) after Thanksgiving is the time when retailers frequently mark down office supplies. It’s a good way to save on relocation costs if you have a limited relocation budget.
Calculate possible unexpected expenses
If you plan to hire state-to-state movers to help you move efficiently, know that they may be less affordable during this time. It’s not that there’s a particularly high demand, but there’s simply a smaller workforce available. At the same time, remember that you should confirm your arrangements a few days prior to your relocation and verify dates and costs.
Send cards
One of the benefits of relocating around this time is that you get to notify others about the move by mailing out holiday cards. It’s something that you were already going to do, plus it informs everyone of your new address, including relatives and friends.
Refrain From Hosting a Big Gathering
Refrain from holding your family celebration this year, no matter how appealing it may be. Although there may be a week between relocation day and Christmas, you will likely use that time to (un)pack and deal with other relocation tasks. Avoid adding to your stress by attempting to organize everything, prepare the house for visitors, and make snacks, supper, and dessert. If possible, take a step back and spend the holidays at someone else’s house with family and friends.
Still, if you’ve already decided to celebrate Christmas in your home, be reasonable – don’t add more work to your already full checklist of tasks. Reduce the number of guests, arrange for everyone to supply a dish, or look into hiring a caterer to ease the stress and workload associated with home cooking.
Start Packing in Advance
If you don’t plan on getting packing services, you need to start packing all non-essential items as soon as you decide to move. So, what should you pack first? Consider items like out-of-season apparel, kitchenware you rarely use, or things you keep in your storage spaces. If you don’t have a last-minute move, try to pack gradually – this way, you’ll be able to prevent burnout.
At the same time, make sure you pick a location where you’ll keep the packed boxes and try to develop a strategy that will help you pack efficiently. In the midst of holiday gift shopping, make sure you know what you’ll pack each day.
Don’t Pack up All Decorations
Decide what decor you will need for the Christmas celebration, whether you’re planning to celebrate in your old or new home. If you’re staying in your current residence, you’ll need decorations for the gathering you’re planning. If not, they should be a part of your relocation essentials and packed in separate boxes, so you can easily find them after the move.
Still, it would be wise to reduce holiday decor this year and store Christmas ornaments that aren’t necessary – place a wreath on the door and a modest tree inside the house. If you pack away some holiday decorations for your new residence, you won’t be completely giving up the Christmas spirit if you use just a little decor. Remember – the more items you’re able to pack right away, the easier the move will get.
Donate or Sell Unwanted Items
Decluttering is an essential part of the packing process – you need to decide what to keep when relocating and what to leave behind. However, once you decide, what should you do with the unwanted items?
Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on what we are thankful for and take action to give back. Many people around the globe actively participate in giving during this time, and it’s a great way to extend kindness to those who may not have as much as you. At Christmas time, many people are reminded of how fortunate they are when compared with those who don’t have as much access to resources or opportunities. That is why it’s always a good idea to donate those items that can still be of use to someone in need, such as clothes, furniture, toys, and things alike.
On the other hand, this time of the year offers many advantages when it comes to selling your unwanted items. There are more buyers looking for gifts than at any other point in the year. This means you have a better chance of making more money from each sale. If you want to get rid of some items that are in high demand on the market, know that selling them can help you save money to move.
For valuable relocation hacks on how to decide which items to donate and which to sell, watch the following video:
Prepare for the Weather
One of the biggest disadvantages of relocating in winter is the weather, especially if you currently live or plan to move to a colder climate area. After all, when the relocation day comes, the weather will be completely beyond your control. You must get ready for the chance of snow or icy weather. Here are some relocation tips you should follow when the big day comes:
- Dress appropriately for the cold weather – consider layering clothes to help keep you warm throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to have a warm and waterproof jacket.
- Prepare your home as best as possible – lay out old rugs at the home entry so you don’t bring mud, dirt, and water further into the house.
- Ensure your boxes are insulated – protect your temperature-sensitive belongings with bubble wrap or other materials that will help keep them warm and prevent damage from the cold weather.
- Take additional care with your appliances and furniture – cover pieces of furniture with relocation blankets and secure them with tape. This will help protect your belongings from moisture damage caused by inclement weather conditions.
- Be prepared for unexpected delays – these can always arise due to bad weather, traffic jams, and so on.
At the same time, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard by the weather during your move. Therefore, don’t forget to check the forecast ahead of time – and plan accordingly.
When Moving State-to-State, Get Help From Professional Movers
When moving interstate, things can get complicated quickly – especially if you need to deal with all the responsibilities you will have around Christmas. You’ll need to make sure that all of your belongings are properly packed and that everything is transported in a safe and secure manner. However, if you decide to get long-distance moving services, relocation experts will take care of all the details for you. They will make sure that your possessions are packed, shipped, and delivered without any damage or loss – even during the winter months.
In addition to taking care of the logistical aspects of the move, professional movers also offer several other benefits. For instance, they often provide storage units if you need a place to keep some items while you’re settling into your new home. They can also assist with loading and unloading furniture as well as packing fragile items like glassware or artwork. And they’ll even help set up your furniture once it arrives at its destination!
Interstate moving during the holiday season won’t seem as difficult if you have relocation experts by your side. They will take care of many relocation tasks for you, so you’ll only have to worry about getting settled in the new place. In the end, not having to worry about packing your belongings or relocating furniture means more time for fun activities.
Consider Getting Professional Car Shipping if You’ve Chosen Long-Distance Moving in Winter
If you are driving a vehicle during your relocation day, make sure that you are adequately prepared for winter conditions by winterizing your car and packing emergency supplies in case of bad weather. This can help keep you safe and comfortable as you travel to your new home. However, a better and safer solution is to prepare your car for shipping and get professional auto transport services.
Professional drivers from reliable companies are experienced with working under challenging conditions, including poor weather and slippery roads. This can make them a good choice when you are worried about adverse weather conditions making it difficult to drive across the country. Therefore, if you wish to move safely and keep your vehicle safe during transportation, professional car shipping is your safest bet,
In the Midst of the Move, Take Some Time for Yourself
Don’t forget to think about yourself during the relocation process – allow your body and mind some time to relax and recharge. Taking regular breaks throughout the day will also help you stay focused on completing tasks without becoming overwhelmed by them. In the end, it will allow you to reflect on what you have achieved so far, which can provide an additional sense of motivation and accomplishment while packing up your home. Remember – it’s important not only to complete all necessary tasks but also to take a breath every once in a while.
