Moving during the holidays isn’t on anyone’s list of priorities, but sometimes there’s no avoiding it. New jobs, new semesters, and new life changes (like weddings!) often fall right in the middle of winter, leaving you unpacking your dishes instead of unpacking the tree ornaments.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to make moving during the holidays easier without ruining your move or your festive mood.
1. Hire a Moving Company
We know that we’re a little biased, but the difference between hiring a moving company vs. moving yourself can mean the difference between a Happy Holiday and the Nightmare Before Christmas. When you move yourself, it can take multiple trips and multiple hours (or days) to get the job done, after which you’re completely exhausted. (And that’s before you’ve baked a single pie!) Let the pros do as much packing, moving, and storing as possible, so you can focus on everything else.
2. Prioritize Your Packing (and Unpacking)
Rather than making sure your laundry room is “just so,” focus on areas that will be heavily used during your holiday plans. For most families, that means the kitchen and dining areas (especially if you’re stuck hosting Thanksgiving dinner), living area, and guest rooms.
While packing, put all items you know you’ll need for the holidays (Potato masher? Check.) in specially marked boxes so you’ll know which ones to unpack first. Leave the rest—whether it’s your bathing suit or your picture frame collection—for after the ball drops.
3. Keep it Simple
Everyone understands that moving is stressful, so if you have to pare down on the holiday celebration this year in order to keep your sanity, do it.
- Pass on holiday decorating this year, or put up just a few simple pieces that make it feel just festive enough. Get your “holiday decorating fix” by visiting a festival, the mall, or simply walking around the new neighborhood and enjoying everyone else’s efforts.
- Have your big holiday meals catered. Many restaurants, and even grocery stores, can provide you with all the fixings you need for a festive dinner. Just heat and serve. Does even that sound like too much work? Plenty of restaurants are open on Thanksgiving or Christmas and offer delicious, festive buffets.
- If you really want a home-cooked meal, but your house just isn’t ready, see if another friend or family member would consider hosting. You’ll still take over their kitchen as stand-in caterer, but you won’t have to worry about getting your furniture set up in time. Or, have a potluck-style feast so you have less to prepare.
- Avoid the Black Friday rush (and save your sanity) by giving gift cards instead of shopping for presents (your adolescent nieces and nephews will especially appreciate it).
- Above all, lower your standards (and your expectations). It’s perfectly all right to do a little less this season in the wake of a hectic move. If you have young children, take the time to explain to them why you’ll be doing a little less this year (“There aren’t as many presents? I guess Santa didn’t hear about our change of address yet!”) and come up with simple ways you can retain the holiday magic.
Whether you’re moving during the holidays or during summer break, we hope you’ll think of Cento Family Moving first. Our experienced moving crews are fast, efficient, and—most importantly—respectful of your family and your belongings. Call us today to see how we can help you get into your new home or apartment before 2016.
