Combining Christmas and a Move: Practical Dos and Don'ts

Posted on 11/08/2024

The holiday season is a magical time filled with warmth, joy, and cheer. However, it can also be one of the busiest times of the year, especially for those who are planning to move during Christmas. While the thought of starting afresh in a new home may be exciting, the idea of packing and moving during this busy time can be overwhelming. Yet, with proper planning and some practical dos and don'ts, you can successfully combine Christmas and a move without sacrificing the joy of the holiday season.

Do: Plan Ahead

The key to any successful move is planning. This becomes even more crucial when combining it with Christmas festivities. As soon as you finalize your move date, start creating a timeline and checklist. This will help you stay organized and on track with tasks such as packing, hiring movers, and notifying utilities about your change of address. Moreover, having a clear plan in place will reduce stress and allow you to enjoy the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed.

Don't: Leave Packing for Last Minute

Waiting until the last minute to pack is a recipe for disaster, especially during Christmas when there's already so much on your plate. Start packing non-essential items at least two weeks before your move, leaving only essential items until closer to the moving date. This way, you won't have to pack everything in a rush while also trying to prepare for Christmas celebrations.

Do: Declutter

Moving during Christmas presents an excellent opportunity to declutter your belongings before packing them up. Sort through your items and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. Not only will this save you time and effort in packing unnecessary items but also make space for new gifts that you might receive during the holidays.

Don't: Overdo Decorations

While decorating your current home for the holidays may be a tradition that you cherish every year, remember that it's extra work that can cause delay and stress during a move. Keep your decorations to a minimum and focus on packing and preparing for the move. You can always make up for it next year in your new home.

Do: Pack an Essentials Box

During the hustle and bustle of packing, it's easy to lose track of where you've packed the essentials such as daily medications, toiletries, and important documents. Be sure to pack an essentials box that will stay with you during the move and contain all the items that you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This way, you won't have to rummage through multiple boxes to find the things you need during the chaos of unpacking.

Don't: Forget to Enjoy the Holiday Season

Amidst all the chaos of moving, it's essential to take some time to enjoy the holiday season. Plan fun activities with your family such as baking cookies, watching Christmas movies, or going ice skating. These moments will not only create cherished memories but also alleviate stress and help you stay positive during the midst of a hectic move.

Pros:

- Combining Christmas and a move can save time and money by avoiding two separate hectic events.
- Moving during Christmas can be an opportunity to declutter and start fresh in your new home.
- It allows for a fresh start in a new place during the beginning of the year.

Cons:

- Moving during Christmas can add extra stress on top of an already busy season.
- It may be challenging to balance holiday preparations with packing and moving tasks.
- The holiday season is often a busy time for moving companies, so availability may be limited.

Tips:

1. Consider hiring professional movers who specialize in holiday moves to alleviate some stress.
2. Use festive wrapping paper to pack fragile items such as ornaments or dishes.
3. Involve your children in packing by creating fun activities like decorating their own boxes.
4. Reach out to friends and family for help with packing or babysitting during the move.
5. Enjoy the opportunity to explore your new neighborhood during Christmas by attending local events or trying out new holiday traditions.

Takeaways:

1. Plan ahead and create a timeline and checklist to stay organized.
2. Declutter before packing to save time and make space for new items.
3. Keep decorations to a minimum and focus on essential tasks.
4. Pack an essentials box with daily necessities.
5. Remember to take breaks and enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones.

Conclusion:

Combining Christmas and a move may seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning, it can be a successful and memorable experience. By following these practical dos and don'ts, you can minimize stress, save time, and create cherished memories in your new home during the holiday season. Remember to keep a positive attitude, involve your loved ones, and enjoy the magic of the season amidst all the chaos of moving. Happy holidays!