Moving during the holiday season can be an attractive option for many. With time off from work and school, and the support of friends and family, the holidays offer a unique opportunity to relocate. Additionally, moving companies often experience a slower period during Christmas, allowing for more flexible scheduling and potentially more affordable rates. Despite these advantages, any move requires careful planning and organization to minimize stress in the days leading up to your relocation.
During the holidays, your attention may be divided between moving tasks and festive commitments, making it essential to address the smaller details that can significantly impact your move. Our comprehensive tips for holiday moving are designed to ensure a smoother transition and a quicker unpacking process. With years of experience providing residential moving services to satisfied clients in the Chicagoland area, our advice is grounded in real-world expertise.
#1. Start Planning Early
Begin organizing your move well in advance to prioritize essential tasks and manage your time effectively. This is especially crucial if you have a family, as relocating mid-school year can disrupt your children’s education. For long-distance moves, gather important documents such as insurance policies and health records early to avoid last-minute hassles.
#2. Initiate Preparations Ahead of Time
The holiday season is already hectic with festivities and celebrations. Starting your moving preparations as early as possible, ideally 6-8 weeks before your move date, will help you avoid the last-minute rush. Create a detailed timeline that accounts for both moving tasks and holiday activities.
#3. Secure Your Moving Company Early
Although the holiday period is generally quieter for moving companies, limited staff and holiday hours can complicate scheduling. Reach out to Alliance Moving & Storage as soon as you confirm your moving date. Early booking not only guarantees your preferred schedule but may also help you obtain more favorable rates.
#4. Develop a Comprehensive Budget
Moving over the holidays can be pricier than at other times of the year. Include additional holiday expenses, and you can easily end up spending more than you intended. We recommend creating a budget — the more detailed, the better — to ensure your expenses stay on track. It will also give you greater peace of mind.
#5. Secure Your Utility Services Early
The holiday season can mean longer wait times for utility services due to reduced staff and holiday closures. Contact utility providers at both your current and new locations well in advance. Schedule disconnection and connection dates, keeping in mind that you might need to pay premium rates for service during the holidays. Ensure your new home will have heat, electricity, and water when you arrive.
#6. Reuse Delivery Boxes
With holiday shopping in full swing, you’ll likely accumulate numerous sturdy boxes. Instead of discarding them, save these boxes for your move. They are perfect for packing smaller items and help reduce your need for additional packing supplies. Keep the boxes clean and dry, and store them until you’re ready to use them.
#7. Buy Your Packing & Moving Supplies During Sale
One way to save money when moving just before Christmas is to ask your local supermarket or department store if they have any empty cardboard boxes. While some may charge a nominal fee, it’s still cheaper than paying the full price. It’s also a good idea to find moving supplies for sale, so you can get things like labels, parcel tape, and bubble wrap at discount prices.
#8. Pack All Your Belongings
Start packing at least six weeks before your move. Use the first three weeks to declutter, sort belongings, and gather packing materials. Dedicate the remaining weeks to systematically pack each room. This gradual approach minimizes last-minute stress and ensures everything is organized for the move.
We also advise keeping items from the same room together. This makes it much easier to unpack everything in your new home. Moreover, remember to use small containers for heavier items like books and ornaments and bigger ones for lighter items. Alternatively, once you’ve sorted everything, you can hire professional packing services to do the job for you.
#9. Make a Moving Day Checklist
An organized checklist is crucial for a successful moving day, especially during the busy holiday season. Items commonly forgotten on moving day include:
- Essential documents and records
- Medications and first-aid supplies
- Phone chargers and electronics
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Tools for furniture assembly
- Holiday-specific items you'll need immediately
- Keys to both properties
- Payment for movers
- Snacks and water
#10. Label Your Boxes Clearly
With seasonal decorations mixed with regular belongings, organization is key. Implement a detailed labeling system for your boxes, including:
- The designated room in your new home
- A brief description of contents
- Special handling instructions (fragile, this side up, etc.)
- Priority level (what needs to be unpacked first)
Consider using different colored labels or markers for different rooms to make identification even easier in your new home.
#11. Take All the Necessary Safety Measures
Ensuring the safety of your new home is crucial, especially during the holiday season when homes can be more vulnerable. Consider installing a comprehensive security system before your move to deter potential intruders.
Simple upgrades like motion-activated lights, sturdy locks, and surveillance cameras can significantly increase your home’s security. If your new residence lacks these features, now is the perfect time to invest in them. A secure home not only protects your belongings but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the festive season in your new space.
#12. Pack Your Holiday Decorations
Keep the holiday spirit alive by thoughtfully packing your decorations. Use separate, clearly labeled boxes for items like Christmas lights, ornaments, and festive linens. This organization makes it easier to decorate your new home quickly and efficiently. You don’t need to adorn every room, but having key decorations like a tree, wreath, and stockings readily accessible can transform your new space into a cozy holiday haven.
Involving children in unpacking and decorating can also make the move more enjoyable and help them feel at home in the new environment. Additionally, moving during the holidays provides a great opportunity to sort through your decorations, update your collection, and decide which items to keep or donate.
#13. Hand Over Holiday Hosting
If you usually host holiday gatherings, this year might be the time to pass the torch to another family member or friend. Explain your situation and ask if they would be willing to host the celebrations instead. This relieves you of the pressure to maintain a presentable home during packing and allows you to focus on your move without disappointing loved ones who look forward to holiday traditions.
#14. Turn Holiday Cards into Moving Announcements
Streamline your holiday mailing list by turning your Christmas cards into moving announcements. Include your new address and moving date in your seasonal greetings, ensuring that friends and family receive your updated contact information along with their holiday wishes. This efficient approach saves you time and reduces the number of cards you need to send, while also providing a thoughtful update to your loved ones.
#15. Plan for the Weather
If you’re relocating from colder parts of the country, you’ll want to make sure you have proper moving supplies. Shovels and deicers will be helpful in case you need to de-ice pathways and entrance areas. Don’t forget to wear warm clothes — boots, hats, and gloves — so you can easily move items.
We also recommend taking some old towels, padding, and plastic to place on the floor. This will protect your new space from snow and ice and keep it clean during the move. Last but not least, double-check your homeowner’s insurance covers damages in transit.
#16. Consider Winter's Limited Daylight Hours
Winter days are shorter, which means you have less natural light for your moving activities. Schedule your move to take full advantage of daylight hours by starting early in the day. This helps ensure that loading and unloading are completed while there’s still ample light, reducing the risk of accidents or misplaced items in the dark.
If your move extends into the evening, consider setting up temporary lighting at both locations to maintain visibility and safety when handling heavy or fragile items, especially when navigating stairs or tight spaces.
#17. Donate What You Don’t Need
Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter and donate items you no longer need. Charitable organizations like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity welcome second-hand donations in good condition. Many of these charities offer free pickup services, making it easy to donate without additional effort. Additionally, donations valued over $250 can be tax-deductible, provided you receive a written acknowledgment from the charity.
#18. Prioritize Your Family’s Well-Being
Relocating during the holidays can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for children. It’s essential to ensure that your family adjusts smoothly to the new environment. Allocate time for family activities, such as exploring your new neighborhood or enjoying walks together, to help everyone feel more at ease in the new setting.
Establishing routines and creating new traditions can make the transition easier for kids. Additionally, keep important documents — like marriage certificates, Social Security cards, and school records — in a secure, easily accessible place.
Make Your Holiday Move Merry & Bright with Alliance Moving & Storage
Every move is unique, and relocating during the holiday season comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Whether you're moving at Christmas or any other time of year, having a well-organized plan tailored to your family's needs is essential. Our expert tips and strategies will help you break down the moving process into manageable tasks, reducing stress and making your transition smoother.
And remember, if you want to hire help for your move during the holiday, we’re here! Professional Chicago movers at Alliance Moving & Storage can take care of your entire move or just help with certain things like packing and transportation. Request a free quote to get started!
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