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The holiday season is busy enough without adding a move to the calendar. Between family gatherings, gift deliveries, and winter weather, relocating this time of year comes with a few extra considerations. Planning ahead will help you stay organized and move smoothly while still being able to enjoy the season.
Read below for ways to make moving during the holiday season easier, and check out this guide from Redfin that includes Atlas expertise: How to Make a Back-to-School Move Easier for Kids.
1. Do not assume winter means easier scheduling.
While summer is typically considered peak moving season, the winter months present different scheduling nuances and logistical challenges. Limited mover availability, holiday closures, heavy travel traffic, and hazardous weather conditions can create unnecessary last-minute anxiety.. Booking your move 8 to 12 weeks in advance gives you time to lock in preferred dates and rates while allowing your moving coordinator to build a customized plan, ensuring a seamless move. It also provides a cushion to adjust for unexpected weather delays or other unforeseen disruptions.
2. Make room in your budget for the holidays AND the move.
Expenses add up fast during the end of the year between travel, holiday meals, gift shopping, and the cost of moving. Creating a clear budget can help you prepare for both. Beyond upfront costs like hiring professional movers or purchasing packing supplies, remember to account for everyday settling-in expenses, such as stocking a new pantry and buying cleaning supplies. Planning your holiday and moving budget early can help prevent unexpected expenses from catching you off-guard. Check out our previous blog which details how you can estimate the cost of your move.
3. Have a plan for gifts and holiday deliveries.
The holidays may not be peak moving season, but it is definitely peak package delivery season. With packages coming and going, managing holiday mail during a move takes extra coordination. Be sure to update your mailing address with the post office, banks, and online retailers well before moving day. If shopping online for family and friends, consider shipping gifts directly to the recipients' homes or scheduling delivery dates after you move. Any gifts bought before moving day should be wrapped before packing with discreet labels so no surprises are spoiled.
4. Pack for the season, not just the move.
When packing up your home, seasonal items such as holiday decorations, gift wrap, winter coats, and snow boots should be packed separately and kept easily accessible so they are not lost among other belongings you will not need right away. You can also ease moving day for the whole family by preparing a dedicated "first-day essentials box" for kids and pets. These boxes can include medications, comfort items, favorite toys, and daily necessities. To keep pets safe and calm, consider boarding them or keeping them in a quiet, cozy room during the move.
5. Don't plan your move around a holiday gathering.
Planning ahead for both your move and the holidays can help make the season feel more manageable. Do not try to do too much at once. Give yourself a buffer of several days on either side of major holidays to unpack and get settled. Look for ways to make the move itself part of the holiday experience: I play your family's favorite carols while packing, wear matching winter sweaters on moving day, or let kids decorate their moving boxes. Keeping daily routines consistent and being deliberate about bringing festive cheer into the process can turn a potential inconvenience into a memorable holiday experience.
A holiday move may look a little different than a warm weather move, but it does not have to mean putting the season on hold. With some planning and a few adjustments to your usual traditions, you can make space for both a smooth move and the moments that make the holidays special.
When you are ready to plan your move, request a free moving quote online or call 800-638-9797 to connect with your local Atlas® agent.