Tips for moving during the holidays
Moving during the holidays is certainly hectic, but you can save money and keep your sanity with a few smart steps:
- Accept that it’s going to be a different kind of holiday season
- Plan and time the move correctly
- Pack Christmas decorations separately
- Get supplies and start packing early
- Donate items you don’t need to charity
It might seem crazy to even try to move during the holidays. But in some cases it’s the right call — a house closing that lands over the holidays, extended time off work, a new job starting in the New Year, or a move that has to happen while the kids are on winter break. Whatever the reason, moving during the holidays doesn’t have to become a disaster. With the right plan, you can handle both the move and the season.
Moving during the Holidays: Key Takeaways
- Moving during the holidays can actually be easier — most people have time off, kids are out of school, and movers can often accommodate your preferred dates.
- Avoid the busiest travel days (Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve) and aim for the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
- Pack holiday decorations in a clearly labeled box the movers keep accessible so you can decorate quickly at the new home.
- Start packing early and donate what you don’t need — decluttering lowers moving costs and helps others during the giving season.
Should you move during the holidays?
The obvious con to moving during the holidays is that they’re the holidays. But there are real pros, too: most people have plenty of time off, the kids are out of school, and while moving companies are busy this time of year, they can often more easily accommodate the dates you want to move. For some families, moving over Christmas break is the most convenient window all year. These tips make a holiday move far smoother.
1.Accept that it’s going to be different
This is the first and perhaps most important step. If you have kids, set expectations early that this Christmas will look a little different than years past — and even without kids, let family and friends know. Because you’re wrapped up in the move, some traditions may not happen exactly as usual, and that’s okay. Don’t try to do everything you normally do while orchestrating a move. One underrated upside: letting go of a “perfect” holiday often means feeling far less holiday stress overall.
2.Plan and time your holiday move
You’re obviously not moving on Christmas Day, and since Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are among the busiest travel days of the year, it’s wise to avoid those too. For traffic, the week — and especially the Saturday — before Christmas is busiest with shoppers. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a popular moving window, or about two weeks before Christmas if you can start your holiday early. (Timing matters for cost as well; see pros and cons of moving during the week and our full move planning guide.)
3.Pack Christmas decorations separately
You don’t have to skip the holiday cheer entirely, especially with decorations you use every year. If you move before Christmas, pack all the decorations in a separate, clearly labeled box and ask the movers to place it somewhere easy to reach. That way you can quickly put up at least some of your decorations and make the new place feel festive right away.
4.Get supplies and start packing early
Black Friday sales are a great time to grab packing supplies in advance (though professional movers include supplies as part of their packing services). Packing early matters for every move, but never more than during the holidays — you’ll want time for at least some celebration during the break, so make sure everything is move-ready before then. Follow smart steps to pack for your upcoming move so nothing gets left to the last minute.
5.Donate what you don’t need
Giving items away is always smart when packing up a house, and it carries extra meaning during the holidays, when so many are in need. While you might keep family gifts to a minimum this year, it’s a perfect time to donate more than ever as you move into a new home. For anything that can’t be donated or sold, a junk removal service clears it out fast — and decluttering helps you save money on the move since movers charge by weight or volume.
6.Make your holiday move smooth
Keep these tips in mind and moving during the holidays can be genuinely enjoyable. As with every move, planning ahead — and partnering with a qualified professional moving company — is what keeps things running smoothly.
Planning a holiday move? Call (561) 683-1313 or request a free moving quote today.
Moving during the Holidays: Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to move during the holidays?
It can be. Late fall and winter fall outside the peak summer moving season, so rates and availability are often better. Just avoid the busiest travel days (Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve) and weekends. Decluttering and donating before the move lowers the cost further.
When is the best time to move over the holidays?
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is popular, as is about two weeks before Christmas if you start your holiday early. Steer clear of Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and the heavy-shopping Saturday before Christmas.
How do I keep some holiday spirit while moving?
Pack your decorations in a clearly labeled box the movers keep accessible, so you can decorate the new home quickly. Set expectations with family that traditions may look different this year, and focus on a few that matter most.
Should I start packing earlier for a holiday move?
Yes. Packing early is important for any move and essential during the holidays, since you’ll want time to celebrate. Grab supplies during Black Friday sales and pack room by room so everything is ready before the break.
Does Good Greek handle holiday moves?
Yes, Good Greek provides full-service moving, packing, storage, and junk removal year-round, including during the holidays, with free in-home or video estimates. Call (561) 683-1313 or request a free quote.