Moving during the holiday is particularly strenuous because you’ll probably have to deal with holiday traffic, wintry weather, and planning around holiday events and family gatherings. Many adults already have issues trying to balance work and personal obligations, so adding in a move during the holidays makes things a little more challenging, but it can be done.
Most people probably want to avoid moving during the holidays given a chance. Unfortunately, we can't always choose the most convenient times to move. Therefore, if you are moving this holiday season, here are some tips for you!
Have a Gradual Packing Plan
You will avoid the common burnout most people experience with rushed packing sessions by gradually packing your stuff. It's advisable to plan your move two months in advance and start packing 2-3 weeks before the moving date. Packing early will allow you to properly organize your belongings in boxes and help you purge the stuff you don't need.
Take Advantage of the Off-Season Deals
The holiday season has no shortage of deals and offers you can take advantage of. With many people preferring to move in the summer, holidays are considered an off-season for movers. That said, there is less competition, hence higher chances for lower rates.
Similarly, Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales can help you get the supplies you need for a lower price. Most retailers will be marking down their stock, and you're more likely to get deals on moving supplies.
Consider the Hidden Costs of Moving
Moving isn't cheap no matter the time of the year. However, it could get more expensive and tighten your holiday budget if all the hidden costs of moving are not factored in. That's why you need to budget carefully to avoid getting get jumped by these pitfalls.
Hidden costs such as tips, packing supplies, special service fees, or extra care handling items service fees might make the moving more costly and affect your settling into the new place.
Donate the Stuff You Don't Need
If you have stuff sitting in your home for a long time and you don't really use them, just donate them. Excess clutter can make moving more stressful. You'd be better off donating such stuff to charitable causes before moving.
That way, you have less baggage when it's time to move and it might even lower the cost of moving.
Consider the Weather
The holiday season coincides with the cold winter months. Therefore, there are higher chances you are likely to interact with harsh weather when moving. You can't control the weather, but you can plan to ensure you are flexible even if you're hit by bad weather. You can also consider the weather when packing your stuff to avoid possible damage to your belongings.
Get a Reliable Mover
You should pay special attention to selecting a reliable mover. Getting a mover that is honest, dependable, and considerate enough to work with your timelines can help ease the stress of the whole moving process.
Good movers can even help arrange your stuff in your new place, making the moving process less troubling for you and your family.
Relax and Take It Easy
Moving is stressful, at the very least. Therefore, most people tend to start panicking at the thought of something going wrong with the whole process. That said, you need to take it easy and relax. As long as you've got yourself a reliable mover and have planned everything well, it shouldn't be too hard for you.
Moving is stressful, even more so when you have to move while everybody else is enjoying their holidays. However, the above tips should help make your move during the holiday season a little easier.
If you’re buying or selling a home during the holidays, let Kingfisher Real Estate make things easier for you. Contact us today!