Moving During the Holidays: A Survival Guide

The holiday season is a time of joy, gatherings, and celebrations, but it can also be stressful—especially if you’re planning a move. Whether it’s relocating for a new job, upsizing for a growing family, or downsizing after the kids have left home, moving during the holidays brings unique challenges. But don't worry! With the right preparation, strategy, and mindset, you can navigate the holidays and your move with ease.



In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving during the holidays. With expert advice and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the season and make your move as stress-free as possible. Plus, if you need professional help, ASAP Moving & Hauling LLC in Avon Lake, OH, is ready to assist!

Moving is always a big task, but adding the holidays to the mix can significantly ramp up the difficulty. There are several reasons why moving during this time of year can be more complicated than moving at other times.

• Weather Concerns: In many parts of the country, the holidays coincide with the winter season. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can make moving both difficult and dangerous. Roads can be slippery, and carrying heavy furniture in these conditions poses its own set of challenges.
• Busy Schedules: The holidays are typically packed with family gatherings, social events, and last-minute shopping. Trying to fit moving tasks into this already busy schedule can feel overwhelming.
• Emotional Strain: For many, the holidays are an emotional time filled with tradition and memories. Moving during this period may intensify feelings of stress or anxiety, especially if you’re leaving a home you’ve lived in for many years.
• Limited Availability of Movers: The holiday season is a popular time for people to take time off, which may limit the availability of moving companies. Additionally, many businesses, including utility providers, may have reduced hours, delaying essential services you need when setting up your new home.

Despite these challenges, with some careful planning, you can still enjoy the festive season while ensuring a smooth move.

To reduce stress, start planning your holiday move as early as possible. The sooner you begin organizing, the easier it will be to handle unexpected events or changes.

• Create a Moving Timeline: Since the holidays are full of extra activities, it’s essential to create a detailed timeline that accounts for both moving tasks and holiday events. List everything from packing schedules to moving truck reservations, and set deadlines for each task.
• Book Movers Early: The holidays are a busy time for professional movers, so book your moving company as soon as possible. At ASAP Moving & Hauling LLC, we recommend reserving your date well in advance to ensure availability, especially if you're moving close to major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s.
• Set a Budget: Between holiday gifts, travel expenses, and the cost of moving, finances can get stretched thin. Set a budget for both holiday shopping and your move. Be sure to factor in any extra costs, such as temporary storage, special packing materials for fragile holiday decorations, or higher fuel costs due to holiday travel.
• Declutter Before You Pack: Take advantage of the timing by decluttering your home before you move. Donating gently used items to charity not only lightens your load but also allows you to contribute to those in need during the holiday season.
• Prioritize Essentials: When packing, prioritize items you’ll need immediately at your new home, including winter clothing, toiletries, and essential kitchen supplies. Keep holiday decorations, gift wraps, and presents in a separate, easy-to-access box.
  

Efficient packing is the key to staying organized and minimizing stress during your holiday move. Here are some packing tips to keep things running smoothly:

• Label Your Boxes Clearly: Label your boxes not only by room but also by priority. For example, if you’re hosting a holiday gathering soon after your move, make sure to mark boxes with kitchen essentials or holiday decorations as “unpack first.”
• Use Color-Coded Stickers: Consider using different colored stickers to differentiate between holiday-related items, essentials, and other belongings. This will make unpacking less time-consuming and laborious.
• Take Extra Care with Fragile Items: Holiday decorations, such as glass ornaments or heirloom pieces, are often fragile. Use bubble wrap or soft clothing to protect these items and label the boxes as fragile. This ensures that movers take extra caution when handling them.
• Pack an Essentials Box: Moving during the holidays means you’ll want to access certain items quickly. Pack a box with essentials like warm clothing, snacks, toiletries, and any holiday-specific items you may need right away, such as gift wraps, stockings, or your favorite holiday music.
• Keep Valuables with You: While movers are trustworthy, it’s always a good idea to keep valuable items like jewelry, important documents, or expensive electronics with you in your car or a carry-on bag during the move.
  

Just because you’re moving during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the festivities. Here are some ways to keep the holiday spirit alive:

• Decorate Your New Home Early: After the move, set aside some time to decorate your new home, even if it’s just a few key items like a wreath on the door or a small tree. It’ll help make the space feel more festive and cozy.
• Plan a Simple Holiday Celebration: Even if your move happens right before a holiday, don’t feel like you have to skip the celebration entirely. A small, simple gathering with a few close friends or family can be just as meaningful as a large event.
• Stay Connected with Loved Ones: Whether you’re moving close by or far away, stay connected with loved ones during the holidays. Send out holiday cards early, schedule video calls, or even plan a virtual holiday party to keep up with family traditions.
• Listen to Holiday Music: While packing, cleaning, or organizing your new space, play some of your favorite holiday tunes. It’s an easy way to bring a little cheer into what could otherwise feel like a hectic time.
  

The best way to ensure a smooth and successful move during the holidays is by hiring a professional moving company. ASAP Moving & Hauling LLC in Avon Lake, OH, offers reliable, efficient, and friendly moving services to help make your holiday move stress-free.

Our team of expert movers understands the unique challenges of moving during the holiday season. Whether you need help with packing, loading, or transporting your belongings, we’re here to assist. We offer a range of services tailored to fit your needs, so you can focus on enjoying the holidays instead of stressing over the move. Whether long-distance or local moving, we have your back.

At ASAP Moving & Hauling LLC, we’re committed to making your move as seamless as possible. Give us a call today at (440) 517-4921 to book your move or to learn more about how we can help. Don’t let the holidays overwhelm you—let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most.