Moving during the holiday season can be a good choice for many people. With time off from work and school, along with help from friends and family, the holidays can make relocating easier. At the same time, moving companies often have lighter schedules around Christmas which can lead to more flexible booking options and sometimes lower costs. Even with these benefits, every move still needs proper planning and organization to reduce stress in the days leading up to your relocation.
During the holidays, your focus can be split between moving responsibilities and festive plans which makes it important to pay attention to the small details that can have a big impact on your move. Our complete holiday moving tips are created to help make your transition smoother and allow you to unpack faster. With years of experience providing residential moving services to happy clients throughout the USA, our guidance is based on real, hands-on experience.
Start Planning Early
Start preparing for your move as early as possible so you can focus on important tasks and manage your time better. This is especially important if you have a family, since moving during the school year can interrupt your children’s education. If you’re planning a long-distance move, collect essential documents like insurance papers and health records ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.
Initiate Preparations Ahead of Time
The holiday season is already busy with celebrations and events. Starting your moving preparations early, ideally 6–8 weeks before your move date, can help you avoid last-minute stress. Make a clear timeline that includes both your moving tasks and holiday plans so everything stays organized.
Secure Your Moving Company Early
Even though the holiday season is usually slower for moving companies, reduced staff and holiday hours can make scheduling more difficult. Reach out to No Borders Moving & Storage as soon as your moving date is confirmed. Booking early helps secure your preferred time and may also allow you to get better rates.
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Don’t let moving during the holidays add extra stress. Our experienced team understands the challenges of winter moves and will make sure your belongings reach your new home safely. Contact us today to get a free quote.
Create a Detailed Budget
Moving during the holidays can cost more than at other times of the year. When you add extra holiday expenses, it’s easy to go over what you planned to spend. We suggest making a budget — the more detailed, the better — to keep your costs under control. This will also give you more peace of mind.
Secure Your Utility Services Early
During the holiday season, utility companies may have longer wait times because of limited staff and holiday closures. Contact utility providers at both your current home and your new place ahead of time. Set up disconnect and connect dates early and remember that holiday service may come with extra costs. Make sure heat, electricity and water are set up and ready to use in your new home when you arrive.
Reuse Delivery Boxes
With holiday shopping at its peak, you may collect plenty of strong delivery boxes. Instead of throwing them away, keep them for your move. They work well for packing smaller items and can help cut down on the need for extra packing supplies. Just make sure the boxes stay clean and dry until you’re ready to use them.
Buy Your Packing & Moving Supplies During Sales
If you’re moving close to Christmas, one way to save money is to ask local supermarkets or department stores if they have empty cardboard boxes available. Some may charge a small fee but it’s usually much cheaper than buying new boxes. You can also look for sales on moving supplies to get items like labels, packing tape and bubble wrap at lower prices.
Pack All Your Belongings
Begin packing at least six weeks before your move. Use the first few weeks to declutter, sort your items and collect packing supplies. Spend the remaining time packing one room at a time in an organized way. This steady approach helps reduce last-minute stress and keeps everything in order.
We also recommend packing items from the same room together, as this makes unpacking much easier in your new home. Be sure to use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and decorations, and larger boxes for lighter items. If you prefer, you can also hire professional packing services to handle everything for you.
Make a Moving Day Checklist
Having a well-organized checklist is very important for a smooth moving day, especially during the busy holiday season. Some items people often forget on moving day include:
- Important documents & records
- Medications & first-aid supplies
- Phone chargers & electronic devices
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Tools needed to assemble furniture
- Holiday items you may need right away
- Keys for both your old and new home
- Payment for the movers
- Snacks and water
Label Your Boxes Clearly
When holiday decorations are packed along with everyday items, staying organized is very important. Use a clear labeling system for each box, including:
- The room it belongs to in your new home
- A short note about what’s inside
- Any special handling notes (fragile, this side up, etc.)
- Priority level so you know what to unpack first
You can also use different colored labels or markers for each room to make it even easier to identify boxes when you arrive at your new home.
Take All the Necessary Safety Measures
Keeping your new home safe is very important, especially during the holiday season when houses can be more at risk. Think about setting up a full security system before you move in to help prevent unwanted entry.
Simple improvements like motion-sensor lights, strong locks and security cameras can greatly improve your home’s safety. If your new place doesn’t already have these, now is a good time to add them. A secure home protects your belongings and gives you peace of mind, so you can enjoy the holidays in your new space without worry.
Pack Your Holiday Decorations
Keep the holiday spirit going by packing your decorations with care. Use separate, clearly labeled boxes for items like Christmas lights, ornaments and holiday linens. This makes it much easier to decorate your new home quickly. You don’t need to decorate every room but having important items such as a tree, wreath and stockings easy to find can help your new place feel warm and festive.
Getting children involved in unpacking and decorating can also make the move more fun and help them feel comfortable in their new home. Moving during the holidays is also a good chance to go through your decorations, refresh your collection and decide which items to keep or donate.
Hand Over Holiday Hosting
If you normally host holiday gatherings, this year may be good time to let a family member or friend take over. Share your situation with them and ask if they would be willing to host the celebrations instead. This helps take the pressure off keeping your home guest-ready while packing and allows you to focus on your move without letting down loved ones who look forward to holiday traditions.
Turn Holiday Cards into Moving Announcements
Make your holiday mail easier by using your Christmas cards as moving announcements. Add your new address and moving date to your holiday message so friends and family get your updated details along with your seasonal wishes. This saves time, cuts down on extra mail and gives your loved ones a thoughtful update at the same time.
Plan for the Weather
If you’re moving from a colder part of the country, make sure you’re prepared with the right supplies. Items like shovels and ice melt can be useful for clearing walkways and entry areas. Be sure to dress warmly with boots, hats and gloves so you can move comfortably and safely.
We also suggest bringing old towels, padding and plastic sheets to cover the floors. This helps protect your new home from snow, water and dirt during the move. Finally, take a moment to confirm that your homeowner’s insurance covers any damage that could happen while your belongings are in transit.
Consider Winter’s Limited Daylight Hours
Winter days are shorter, so there’s less natural light available for moving. Try to schedule your move early in the day to make the most of daylight. This helps you finish loading and unloading while it’s still bright outside, lowering the chance of accidents or lost items.
If your move goes into the evening, set up temporary lighting at both locations to keep things visible and safe. Good lighting is especially important when carrying heavy or fragile items or moving through stairs and tight spaces.
Donate What You Don’t Need
Moving is a great time to clear out items you no longer use and donate them. Charities such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity gladly accept gently used donations. Many of these organizations even offer free pickup services, making the process simple and convenient. In some cases, donations worth more than $250 may be tax-deductible if you receive written confirmation from the charity.
Prioritize Your Family’s Well-Being
Moving during the holidays can be exciting but also stressful, especially for children. It’s important to help your family settle into the new environment comfortably. Make time for family activities, such as exploring your new neighborhood or going for walks together, so everyone can feel more relaxed and at home.
Creating simple routines and starting new traditions can help children adjust more easily. Also, keep important documents — like marriage certificates, Social Security cards and school records — in a safe place where you can access them quickly when needed.
Make Your Holiday Move Merry & Bright with No Borders Moving & Storage
Every move is different and moving during the holidays brings its own challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re relocating at Christmas or another time of year, having a well-planned approach that fits your family’s needs is important. Our helpful tips and strategies break the moving process into simple steps, helping reduce stress and make your move easier.
And remember, if you need help with your holiday move, we’re here for you. Professional movers at No Borders Moving & Storage can handle your entire move or assist with specific services such as packing and transportation. Request a free quote to get started.