While many people think moving during the spring or summer is best, a handful of people might need to do the opposite: moving during the busy holiday season of late fall and winter.
It might sound crazy — adding the stress of moving to an already hectic time of the year — but for some, moving during the holidays is unavoidable. If your situation involves moving amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, consider the following guide our gift to you.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- How to strategically plan for your move.
- The benefits of moving during the holiday season.
- Challenges to moving at this time of year.
- Financial planning for a holiday move.
- Travel logistics, including lodging.
- Maintaining the holiday spirit during your move.
- How hiring moving services via Safe Ship can simplify your moving holidays.
Strategic Planning for Your Holiday Move
Just like any other residential move, moving during holidays requires careful planning. It might even require more planning due to the added logistical hurdles that weather, reduced services, or off days can create. Consider the key steps to help make your move a seamless experience:
- Create a moving timeline. Start planning early. Outline critical dates and deadlines, from packing and hiring movers to setting up utilities.
- Book services in advance. It may not be easy but you should try to book your services as soon as possible. By securing your movers and other services early, you can avoid last-minute delays or other concerns.
- Declutter your home. Use this opportunity to sort through your belongings and donate or dispose of items you no longer need to lighten your load.
- Pack strategically. Label boxes clearly and pack seasonal items separately. This makes unpacking more manageable and ensures you have ready access to essentials for moving, holidays, and emergencies.
- Stay organized. Keep important documents and essentials handy. A moving checklist helps you stay on track and avoid overlooking critical details.
- Communicate. Inform your family and friends about your move to avoid scheduling conflicts and get help if needed. Your movers will likely be busy during this period, so keep them up-to-date, too
Benefits of Moving During Holidays: Embracing the Season’s Advantages
Holiday moving isn’t entirely negative. In fact, there are some positive aspects to planning your move during the festive season. It can sometimes offer more flexible pricing and cost savings than moving during the warm summer months.
Cost Savings During Holiday Moves
Moving during holidays can be surprisingly cost-effective. As winter holidays often fall during the “off-peak” season for movers (especially in the northern United States), you may find lower rates. Many moving companies offer seasonal promotions or discounts to offset this quiet period.
Flexible Schedules for Holiday Relocation
Finding a day to coordinate and execute a move during busier times of the year can be difficult. But because many offices and businesses close for winter holidays (sometimes up to a week), it can be advantageous to coordinate your move during this time of year. If you have more availability now than in warmer weather, moving during the holidays can be a great opportunity to save your PTO.
Availability of Services During the Holidays
That same availability can even extend to moving services. During the spring or summer, movers might be busier with additional services like full packing or unpacking. The winter months could allow you to hire movers to handle those tasks, too. That can help save money if moving on a budget is a priority.
Don’t forget about the possibility of booking your move for the middle of the week. These days often have more availability than weekends.
Navigating the Challenges of Holiday Moving
Moving into a new house during the holiday season can present interesting challenges, from securing movers to dealing with winter weather. Let’s dig into what it looks like to maneuver through these issues and complete your move effectively.
Securing Movers During the Holiday Season
One of the best ways to book professionals when moving during the holidays (or any time of year) is to use a moving broker. Moving brokers have connections with professional movers nationwide and can help find a team that meets your unique needs. You’re already busy with other things. Why add the stress of sourcing quotes to your already long to-do list?
Weather Considerations for Holiday Moves
Winter weather can be unpredictable, which could make moving during holidays a struggle. Monitor weather forecasts closely and have a flexible plan. Ensure your home’s walkways are clear of ice and snow to prevent accidents.
If it snows on moving day, protect your belongings with waterproof packing materials and cover furniture with plastic sheets. An emergency kit with essentials like blankets and extra clothes is a good idea, too. You can ensure a smoother, safer holiday move when you anticipate weather-related challenges.
Managing Increased Traffic and Potential Delays
The holiday season often means more cars on the road. That traffic can complicate a move. Consider the following tips to help manage increased traffic and potential delays:
- Plan travel times. If possible, avoid peak travel days. Early mornings or late evenings may mean less congestion.
- Use navigation apps. Tools like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze can provide real-time traffic updates and suggest alternate routes.
- Allow extra time. Include buffer time for unexpected delays to ensure you stay on schedule even with traffic hiccups (or extra pit stops).
- Stay informed. Stay tuned to local traffic reports and weather updates to adapt to changing conditions.
- Prepare for downtime. Have snacks, water, and entertainment handy in case of long waits. Make sure tablets are charged and activities are planned if moving with kids.
Financial Planning for Your Holiday Relocation
The holidays aren’t just a busy time. They are often a time of financial stress for individuals and families, too. Ensuring you manage your finances smartly can help you minimize that stress.
Budgeting for Seasonal Moving Costs
Creating a realistic budget for holiday moving is critical to avoiding costly mistakes and unexpected expenses. Consider the following tips:
- Use a moving broker to research rates. A moving broker can help research rates and compare prices from several moving companies simultaneously. They’ll also seek out seasonal promotions or discounts.
- Factor in extra costs. Some items specific to winter or holiday moves might be more expensive. Consider budgeting for weatherproof packing materials and additional labor like snow removal.
- Build an emergency fund. Set aside funds for unforeseen delays or last-minute changes.
- Account for travel costs. Busier roads can increase fuel and hotel prices, so make sure you’ve budgeted accordingly.
Finding and Leveraging Holiday Moving Discounts
Your moving broker can help with this, but seasonal discounts on moving services are one of the best ways to save money when moving. You can also cut costs by seeking out packing materials from local businesses. With the added holiday stock, they’re likely overflowing with sturdy cardboard boxes.
Balancing Holiday Travel and Moving Logistics
Moving is hard enough, but trying to figure out how to deal with hectic holiday travel at the same time is another problem altogether. Let’s explore how you can balance these priorities when moving and holidays coincide.
Navigating Holiday Travel During Your Move
Balancing celebrations and holiday moving needs requires thoughtful planning, which might also mean saying “no” to some of your typical holiday commitments. Instead of traveling across the country for your usual traditions, you may need to stick closer to home. For example, it might mean combining trips. If your mother-in-law takes your dining table when you move, you may need to consolidate trips and deliver it to her home during your next visit.
Combining Holiday Plans with Moving Tasks
If you traditionally host a holiday party, consider integrating your moving tasks into those plans to be more efficient. One way to do this is to invite friends to your home for a packing party. You can still enjoy appetizers and fun, but you can also reduce the labor you need to do as part of your move. You can even downsize by gifting those friends some items in your home.
Exploring Temporary Accommodation Options
Temporary housing accommodations can ease the transition of a holiday move, especially long-distance moves. Short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer flexible stays that feel less like a hotel and more like a home. Extended-stay hotels offer amenities like kitchens or laundry, making longer stays comfortable. Pet-friendly options are a necessity if moving with pets.
Maintaining Holiday Spirit Throughout Your Move
The biggest challenge to moving during any holiday season is to keep that cheer alive despite the stress of moving. Consider the following when planning your move to help keep everyone cheerful and upbeat.
Balancing Holiday Activities and Moving Tasks
Balancing holiday activities with your moving tasks requires planning. Create a schedule to allocate specific times for both activities. You can try to be flexible, but this helps ensure neither is overlooked. Delegate responsibilities to involve all family members in both moving and holiday prep. This spreads the load and reduces stress. You can also opt for low-key celebrations that don’t require as much planning or cleanup.
Creating New Holiday Memories in Your New Home
One great thing about moving during the holidays is that it offers new opportunities to make traditions and memories. Consider decorating your new home as a family to help cultivate that festive atmosphere. You can also host a small gathering, perhaps with new neighbors. Finally, explore your neighborhood and participate in local holiday events. Participating in local events provides the added benefit of integrating into your new community.
Staying Positive During Your Holiday Move
If you start feeling distressed by your move, remember it’s only temporary. Before you know it, you’ll be settled in your new home. Focus on the excitement of starting fresh in a new place. Stay organized, too. A well-planned move reduces stress and keeps you on track. Finally, remember to reward yourself for completing moving tasks to keep morale high and celebrate milestones as well as the holidays.
Professional Moving Services: Your Holiday Moving Solution
Moving during the holidays can feel like a hectic addition to an already busy time of year. However, hiring long-distance moving services is a great way to alleviate stress and ensure a smooth relocation during the busy holiday season. Professional movers are an excellent resource if you’re considering a move during the holidays and need advice on how to approach it. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of moving services no matter what time of year you need to move.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find movers during the holidays?
Finding movers during the holidays takes time. Booking your movers in advance with a moving broker is a great way to reduce the stress and time commitment for your move.
Do people move around Christmas?
People do move around Christmas, but it’s not as common due to holiday festivities and colder weather. Those who move during this time may do so because of job transfers, home purchases, or lease agreements. Planning and being flexible can help manage the added stress of holiday moving.
Does it cost more to move on a holiday?
Moving on a holiday can be more expensive because of increased demand and limited availability. Movers may charge higher rates for working on holidays or weekends. To save costs, consider scheduling your move for non-holiday dates if possible.
What month is the most common for people to move?
June is the most common month for people to move around the US. The period coincides with the end of the school year, warmer weather, and the peak of moving season making it a popular choice for families and people planning relocations.
