How to Plan a Holiday Move | Move Planning

Last Updated on May 13, 2021 by Kari-Ann Ryan

As the bright holidays roll around, you are committed to an upcoming move. While scheduling a move before or after this merry time of year is advisable, sometimes planning a move during the months of November or December is an unavoidable obligation.

You may relocate for a new job. Many Decembers have seen some of the lowest home prices, giving homebuyers a good chance at scoring a sweet deal. Your real estate agent might devote extra time to your situation (due to fewer clients), completing the sale before year’s end.

When shifting gear to a new home during the festive season, keep in mind the following tips to stay jolly—or at the least, limit your stress. By the end of the move, you’ll have deserved that eggnog panna cotta instead of a lump of coal in your holiday stocking.

Here are some tips on how to plan your move during the holidays.

1. Plan in Advance

Allow a month to plan the details of the upcoming move. Homeowners who organize at a leisurely pace, dedicating three to four weeks to pack, experience far less stress. Advance planning is important during the holidays, as this time of year already tends to be stressful for most.

An important aspect of proper planning is scheduling a moving company early. Moving crews are relatively busy at the end of the year, although it is far from the hecticness of the peak summer season. Relocating on a holiday weekend will also catapult the price of hiring a mover.

In the event you plan to load and unload your own vehicle, be aware of heavy highway traffic. Thanksgiving Day is the busiest travel day of the year, with Black Friday and Super Saturday lagging not far behind in terms of the momentous traffic congestion to be expected.

If boarding a plane is part of your move, schedule the flight during mid-week, preferably on a Tuesday or Wednesday, to minimize cost and increase seat availability. Weekends during the 17-day period surrounding the holidays are jam-packed with passengers scrambling for a flight.

2. Stay on Budget

Hiring a moving service on a holiday weekend will empty your wallet rather quickly. Avoid paying a premium by hiring a mover for a mid-week morning. Confirm the reservations, as the holidays are distracting. If moving yourself, consider renting a truck or utilizing convenient portable storage units.

Moving boxes can be a financial drain—unless you look for free ones. Grocery and liquor stores as well as offices may have several boxes to give away if you simply ask. Rather than buy bubble wrap, cushion the packing boxes with old towels and linens.

3. Start Packing Early

Moving during the holidays does not entirely eliminate entertaining; hosting a small celebration is practical. But if you do not anticipate inviting guests over to your current home for the holidays, consider packing the guest bedrooms, storage compartments and closets.

Getting a head start on packing up simplifies the moving process, but it does not wipe out decorating. The holiday spirit can still be achieved with minimal decorations, such as a table-top tree and a wreath on the front door.

Pack the rest of the holiday décor in a separate, clearly labeled box. Rather than sort through an avalanche of boxes upon arrival to the new destination, you’ll have instant access to the decorations and can readily hang festive stockings along the new fireplace mantel.

During packing, sorting through a mess of belongings is expected. Evaluate all items and set aside goods that will serve little or no use in the new home. If in good condition, these possessions can be donated to charity—a very fitting activity during this generous time of year.

4. Schedule Services

Depending on where you plan to move during the holidays, winter weather can be quite chilly. Spending the night in your new, unheated home can put a significant damper on your holiday spirit. Stay warm and toasty by arranging the transfer of services (heating and utilities) prior to moving in.

5. Address Holiday Trifles

When sending out holiday greeting cards to family and friends, include an announcement of your change of address. Despite being the season for gift-giving, people on the move may not want more stuff, which means extra time spent organizing, finding boxes and packing.

Instead of accepting a flurry of gifts, request that friends and family postpone presenting gifts until after you have shifted into your new abode. Alternately, gifts may be kept unwrapped until you finally move. Once settled in a new place, unpacking and unwrapping gifts is far easier and more enjoyable.

In order to save money and secure a moving date that falls around the holidays, you may be tempted to move yourself. However, since gift-giving is an important part of the holidays, you just might want to present yourself with a practical, time-saving gift—like a professional moving service.

Choose a Reliable Moving Company

Mid-West Moving & Storage is a local, reputable moving service dedicated to moving residential homeowners in and out of the Windy City. Our experienced moving crews have shifted individuals and families to and from condos, retirement homes, dorms, houses and apartments.

Each one of our professional movers is background-checked, licensed, and bonded to give our customers maximum peace of mind on moving day. Mid-West Moving & Storage customers also receive guidance from one of our helpful move counselors. We communicate each stage of the move via phone or email.

If packing is too time-consuming during the busy holidays, Mid-West Moving & Storage crews are available to complete the task as a part of our moving services. We also carefully unpack your belongings at your new destination. Storage facilities are available to our customers, as well.

Mid-West Moving & Storage has successfully moved countless satisfied customers to and from Chicago. We have been known to effectively tailor our comprehensive moving services to address any potential challenges that arise during the move. When a local move is on the horizon, consult Chicagoland’s most trusted mover, Mid-West Moving & Storage.