Is Christmas move a good idea?

As counter-intuitive as it may seem, many families decide to move house around Christmas. Whether it’s part of their New Year resolutions or just a unique set of circumstances, many household moves actually take place during the Christmas holidays. Although starting a new year in a new house seems like an auspicious event, the mere transition can be a bit daunting, which is why many people try to avoid and postpone a Christmas move.

The combination of inclement weather, high traffic and holiday euphoria doesn’t seem to be favorable for such an important undertaking. On the other hand, the fact that you are off from work gives you more time to arrange for a fresh start in a new home.

As it turns out, a Christmas move is nothing like any other kind of move. While holidays are supposed to be funny and cheerful, with a household move in the picture, your experience may be completely different.  The statement ‘’there’s no place like home for the holidays’’ couldn’t be truer. But, what if you are going to spend holidays differently this year?

What was supposed to be a time for festivity and joy has suddenly turned into a worrisome and hectic activity. Planning a Christmas move instead of buying decorations, having a Christmas movie marathon or making Christmas cards doesn’t seem like a scenario you were hoping for.

However, as discouraging and overwhelming as it may seem at first, holiday relocation doesn’t have to exclude other joyful family activities. Hopefully the following suggestions will help you get creative during your Christmas move and make the transition a lot easier.

How to survive a Christmas move?

Although you have a household move to organize, you can still have a wonderful time with your family during the holidays. Instead of feeling sad or frustrated about the forthcoming move, try to add the holiday spirit to it. What better way to make a fresh start in the new year than by moving to a new home. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to move to a new place, why wouldn’t you start your preparations now that you’re off from work?

In order to be able to enjoy the holidays in spite of the upcoming move, the best would be to schedule it for the week after Christmas. Although you are about to face an emotional and life-changing transition, don’t forget to maintain a holiday spirit.

Moving during the holidays involves a lot of careful and advance planning. Assuming that you’ve taken that task seriously, you can both enjoy the holiday time and get ready for a fresh start in a new home. Here’s what you can do to turn your Christmas move into a trouble-free experience.

Calculate moving costs

Moving is an expensive affair and if scheduled for the holiday season, you may end up with a drained wallet. You’ve probably budgeted for buying gifts, organizing family get-togethers, holiday travels and decorations. But if you add sudden moving costs, the holiday expenses may quickly skyrocket.

In order to avoid further stress and frustration you may want to start saving ahead of time. Going through a holiday move is anything but cheap and you may be glad to learn that there are some efficient ways to cut moving costs as well. Ideally, you will do the Christmas shopping in advance while you’re still not too busy with moving preparations. Also, having determined your budget, you will know exactly what professional moving services you can afford. By making advance arrangements and bookings, you will be able to save a lot of money in the long run.

Book movers well in advance

Researching moving companies well in advance will help you spot the one that can accommodate your needs and requirements. Always keep in mind – the earlier your start, the more likely you are to come across some really good moving companies for your Christmas move.

On top of all holiday expenses, moving costs may seem too overwhelming. So, contact several moving companies requesting moving quotes so as to be able to choose the most convenient one. You final decision should not be based solely on the pricing. There are other factors to take into account:

• Previous experience
• Moving reviews and testimonials
• Valid license and insurance
• An overall impression after talking to them

As it turns out, quality moving companies are in high demand during the holidays due to the lower rates. As a result, many people choose to move around Christmas and New Year’s Eve in order to take advantage of moving deals and discounts.

Pack up your belongings for the Christmas move

Packing is a notoriously daunting and time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be that way if you are moving around Christmas. Although you are facing such a demanding task, you can still add a festive atmosphere to it by playing cheerful, holiday music. How you will go about the packing task is entirely up to you, as long as you are following some of the most common packing principles.

Packing for a move should be pretty straight-forward – things that you haven’t been using for a while should be left behind. But, in most cases it’s easier said than done. As people are emotionally attached to certain items, they have trouble letting go and deciding what goes and what stays. By choosing to donate, recycle or give away you will maintain a holiday spirit and reduce the unnecessary items that would clutter up your new place.

Since you are going to spend more time with friends and relatives during the holidays, do not hesitate to ask them for help. Also, assign your kids age-appropriate packing tasks so as to keep them entertained and busy. Make sure to have regular breaks when you can engage in some common family activities typical for the holidays.

Also, while tackling the packing task leave out seasonal clothes and decorations and pack them last. Don’t let the move take away the holiday spirit and joy from your home.