The holidays are a hectic time of year and when you throw a move into the mix, it gets even crazier. Moving during the holidays, getting ready for the celebrations and keeping up with the extra commitments that time of year brings can be a lot to juggle all at once. To help you handle your holiday move, follow these great tips:
- Plan Ahead – With so many additional responsibilities the holidays bring, you now have to add in the many tasks of a move. Look at your time frame and schedule out specific days you’ll spend preparing for the holidays and plan on preparing for the move on the others. Also keep in mind, that there is more traffic during the holiday season, specifically on Thanksgiving weekend so if you have to move around that time, it might be best to do it the weekend before or after Thanksgiving weekend.
- Budget – The holidays can add stress to your wallet with all the presents, food preparation, and additional expenses they have you incur so when planning a move during this time as well, take into consideration moving expenses as well. Take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for those must-have presents or shop resell sites for the merchandise or discounted gift cards to use for your presents. If you’re hiring movers, rates are cheaper mid-week or choose to move yourself by renting a U-Haul at an hourly or per mile rate. Craigslist is also a great place to find someone giving away moving boxes free of charge as well!
- Weather – Winter weather can really put a damper on a scheduled move. If you’re moving to or from the northern part of the country, give yourself a little extra time to get to or from your location. Icy roads or snow storms can slow down traffic or even close roads.
- Packing – As with any move, you need to plan your packing based on the time frame you have to move. Give yourself a goal to pack at least five boxes each day and start with items you don’t use often or won’t be using for a few months. Also, keep in mind that items like wrapping paper, Christmas lights and other holiday décor which are usually packed first and put to the side, will be needed once you arrive to your new home. Pack those last or when you unpack the moving truck, leave those boxes in a convenient location.
- Donations – The holiday season is the season for giving so while you’re going through all your clothes and other belongings, keep in mind those less fortunate who could use what you haven’t touched in a year. Some donation organizations will pick up your donations free of charge from your curb and if you keep your receipt, you’ll be able to write off the donations come tax time.
- Safety – Winter weather can bring slippery sidewalks and walkways but the holiday season itself brings an increase in home invasions and robberies. Because of this, it might be a good idea to set up a security system in your new home so schedule a time for the security system provider to install your system before or right after move in.
- Celebrate and Have Fun – The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time, so take time out to celebrate the season through your move. Reduce your stress from your move by adding in some holiday cheer: sing holiday songs, or drink hot chocolate while you pack. Not only will adding some holiday spirit to your move make you feel good, if you have children helping out, it’ll make their tasks more enjoyable.
If we can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
