Tips for Moving House Between Christmas and New Year
Moving house can be stressful at the best times, but doing so over Christmas and New Year adds an extra layer of complexity. With the festive season comes a unique set of challenges, balancing holiday obligations, unpredictable weather, and limited availability of services. These factors can make planning your move feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry! With the right approach, moving during the holidays doesn’t have to ruin your Christmas cheer. This guide offers practical tips for moving over Christmas, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition into your new home.
Helpful Tips for Moving House Between Christmas and New Year
Moving over Christmas or between Christmas and New Year might seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and even enjoyable experience. From juggling holiday commitments to tackling wintry weather, planning is key to ensuring everything runs seamlessly. Here are some practical tips for moving during the holiday season to help you make the most of this festive yet busy time.
Start Planning Early
When moving house, early planning is crucial, especially during the busy holiday season. The first step is to create a detailed checklist. Include essential tasks like booking a reliable moving company, redirecting your mail to your new address, and setting up utilities in your new home. This will keep you organised and on track.
It’s also vital to consider holiday-specific closures. Many services, from movers to council offices, operate reduced hours or close entirely between Christmas and New Year. Confirm their availability as early as possible to avoid any last-minute surprises. Additionally, professional movers are in high demand during this time, so book them well in advance to secure your moving date.
Declutter Before You Pack
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Studies show that the average UK household has £2000 – 3000 worth of unused items, with many of these left untouched for over a year. Before you start packing, go through your belongings and decide what you truly need. Not only does this save time and effort, but it also reduces the number of items you’ll have to move.
Consider donating clothes, toys, or household items to holiday charity drives, this is a wonderful way to give back during the festive season. Alternatively, you could sell unwanted items online through platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace to make a little extra cash before the move. By lightening the load, you’ll find packing and unpacking much more manageable.
Shop and Pack Festive Items Separately
Moving during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to miss out on festive cheer. Pack your Christmas decorations with care, using bubble wrap for delicate ornaments and sturdy boxes to keep them safe. Clearly label these boxes so they’re easy to find when you’re ready to set up your new home.
To keep the celebrations going, pack a separate box with festive essentials like wrapping paper, gifts, and your favourite Christmas jumpers. Keeping these items accessible allows you to celebrate pre- or post-move without hunting through piles of boxes.
Mention the Weather Forecast
Winter weather in the UK can be unpredictable, so staying prepared is essential when moving during the holiday season. Check the weather forecast regularly in the days leading up to your move. Snow, ice, or heavy rain can all cause delays, so it’s wise to have a backup plan.
Protect your belongings by using waterproof covers for furniture and electronics. Blankets and tarps can also add an extra layer of protection. Don’t forget to clear driveways and pathways of snow or ice to ensure safety for both movers and yourself.
Keep an Essentials Box Handy
Packing an essentials box is a lifesaver, especially when moving over Christmas. Research suggests that unpacking can take an average of three months for many households, so having the basics on hand is essential. Include toiletries, snacks, phone chargers, and basic tools like scissors and tape.
For a festive touch, add Christmas crackers, cards, or a small treat to keep spirits high. Having an essentials box ensures you won’t be scrambling to find important items amidst the chaos of unpacking.
Book Professional Movers in Advance
The demand for moving companies spikes during the holiday season, making it essential to book your movers early. It’s important to choose a reputable company with experience in handling moves during this busy time of year. At Bellview Transport, we specialise in seamless house removals, even over the festive period.
Be mindful that some movers may charge extra for services around Christmas and New Year, so be sure to confirm costs upfront. Bellview Transport offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring your move is both affordable and stress-free. Secure your moving date today with Bellview Transport for a smooth and hassle-free transition to your new home.
Inform Friends, Family, and Service Providers
It’s important to keep everyone in the loop when moving house during the holidays. Notify utility providers, banks, and postal services of your new address well in advance to avoid disruptions.
Don’t forget to update friends and family too. A fun idea is to send out holiday-themed moving announcements to let them know your new location. If you’re expecting parcels or holiday cards, set up mail redirection to ensure nothing goes astray.
Protect Fragile Items
Fragile items, such as Christmas decorations, electronics, and valuables, require extra care during a move. Use high-quality packing materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes to keep them safe.
Label boxes containing delicate items with “Fragile” and indicate the room they belong to. This not only helps movers handle them carefully but also makes unpacking easier and more organised.
Stay Flexible with Your Moving Date
Flexibility can make a world of difference when moving during the holidays. Avoid peak travel days like Christmas Eve or Boxing Day, as these can add unnecessary stress and delays.
Instead, opt for quieter times, and always have a backup plan in case unexpected weather or scheduling issues arise. Staying adaptable helps ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.
Make a Plan for Children and Pets
Moving day can be particularly overwhelming for children and pets, so having a strategy in place is essential. Research shows that children feel more secure with familiar routines, so try to keep their day as normal as possible. Pack a bag with toys, snacks, and activities to keep them entertained, or arrange for them to stay with friends or family on a moving day.
For pets, consider boarding them for the day or preparing a quiet, secure area where they can stay safe. Ensuring their comfort will make the entire moving process less stressful for everyone involved.
Things to Consider When Moving House Between Christmas and New Year
Limited Availability of Services
During the holiday season, many moving companies, utility providers, and other essential services may operate on reduced schedules or close entirely. Movers, for instance, can be in high demand, with limited availability between Christmas and New Year.
To avoid disappointment, plan your move early and book your moving company as soon as you finalise your moving date. Don’t forget to schedule the transfer of utilities like gas, water, and broadband well in advance. This ensures you’ll have everything set up when you arrive at your new home.
Holiday Traffic and Travel Delays
The festive season often brings heavy traffic, especially in busy towns and cities where shoppers and travellers crowd the roads. This can create delays and add unnecessary stress on moving days.
To minimise disruptions, plan your route carefully and consider moving on quieter days, such as after Boxing Day. Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you monitor traffic in real-time. And if you’re hiring a moving company, confirm that they’re familiar with your chosen route.
Budget Considerations
Moving during the holidays can be pricier than at other times of the year. Many services charge extra for working on bank holidays or outside regular hours, so it’s important to factor in these potential surcharges.
To save money, consider sourcing free packing materials like cardboard boxes from local shops or supermarkets. Label boxes clearly to avoid confusion during unpacking. You might also enlist the help of friends and family to pack up your belongings, which can cut costs and make the process more enjoyable.
Festive Disruptions
Balancing holiday celebrations with moving tasks can be tricky. You may feel torn between packing up your home and enjoying time with loved ones.
One way to ease this tension is by delegating tasks to friends and family. For example, ask someone to oversee your gift shopping or help you pack non-essential items. Additionally, try to keep some festive traditions alive, and set aside a small box of decorations to make your new home feel cosy and welcoming, even if you’re still unpacking.
Let Bellview Transport Help You with a Smooth Move During the Holidays
At Bellview Transport, we understand the unique challenges of moving over Christmas and New Year. Our professional and reliable moving services are designed to take the stress out of your holiday move, allowing you to focus on what matters most, celebrating with loved ones in your new home.
In addition to house moving, we also offer house clearance and storage solutions to make your transition even smoother. Whether you need a safe place to store belongings or assistance clearing out your old property, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t let the holiday season hold you back from a successful move. Call Bellview Transport today on 01865 774 993 to discuss how we can support your moving and storage needs. Let us help you start the New Year in your new home with ease!