While most people are spending their days dressing trees or wrapping presents, you are spending hours packing away all of your life’s possessions preparing to move. Moving during the holidays can be incredibly stressful. Whether you are moving just across town or across the country, moving during the holidays is not an easy task. Even for the most experienced mover.
While moving can be a stressful experience that can transform you into the Scrooge, screaming “Bah-humbug” at every person. But you do not have to let the stress of moving ruin your holiday.
Timing
While the holiday season is not really considered ” peak moving season” it is a pretty busy season for professional movers. Which is why you must book them ASAP, as their calendars book up fast. It is important to note that moving during a holiday or weekend often costs more. So make sure you have budgeted accordingly.
Budget
The holiday season is often very expensive, even for people who are not moving. Add in the moving expenses, including boxes and movers, and you are really going to feel those purse strings stretch. But don’t fret, there are ways you can save a little dough this holiday season.
For starters, we recommend hiring professional movers during the middle of the week. Moving companies are often short staffed during the holidays and weekends, so they will charge a premium. But by hiring their services midweek they will have more manpower available, thus cheaper prices.
Packing
When it comes to moving during the holidays the last thing that is on your mind is holiday decor. But, when you are surrounded by holiday cheer all day and go home to a sad undecorated home, it can really put a damper on your holiday spirit.
In order to combat that, we recommend packing all your Christmas decor in a box and unpacking it as soon as you move into your new home. Putting up decorations right away will make your new home feel more festive, and allow you to celebrate.
Donations
Before you move, it is important to make a separate pile for donations. There is absolutely no reason to move a bunch of stuff that will just be placed in storage, or never used again. Donate those items to make moving a little less cumbersome. Charities like The Salvation Army will gladly pick up your donations, just give them a call. But, be sure to keep those receipts, as they may come in handy come tax time.
Weather
From icy roads to white-out blizzards, the holiday season can usher in dangerous winter weather conditions. And since you can’t control the weather it is important to plan ahead. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to ensure your winter move goes as smoothly as possible. Use proper moving supplies and winter-ready gear to deal with bad weather, including boots, gloves, hats, and some salt to spread along the driveway and sidewalks.
Family Concerns
Moving in the middle of the school year can be difficult for children, so it is important to make the move as smooth as possible. With every change in life, there will be an adjustment period, and moving is no different. Be prepared to help your kids out during this period. Make sure you have collected all of their important documents and school records to hand over to the new school to start right after the holiday break.
