Overview

Moving can be a daunting task, especially during the holiday season, but with careful planning, a reliable moving company, and a touch of festive spirit, you can transform the experience into a joyful new beginning filled with cherished family moments.

Moving During the Holidays: How to Make It Work

Let’s face it, moving is rarely easy, and when it overlaps with the holiday season, the challenges can multiply. Between festive gatherings, packed schedules, unpredictable weather, and year-end commitments, it’s no wonder that moving during the holidays can feel overwhelming.

Whether your holiday move is out of necessity or convenience (many people move now to take advantage of time off from work or school), there are ways to make the process smoother and even a little more joyful. Here’s what to keep in mind if you're planning a move during the most wonderful, and chaotic, time of the year.

Book Your Movers Early

One of the most important steps in preparing for a holiday move is hiring a reputable moving company well in advance. Moving companies often operate with reduced availability during the holidays due to staff schedules and increased demand. When calling for quotes, be upfront about your desired move date and confirm the company's availability. Make sure they’re experienced with moving during the holidays and can accommodate weather-related delays or tight scheduling.

Need extra support? This is the perfect time to consider using professional packing services, especially if you’re trying to balance a move with holiday travel, hosting duties, or simply managing your to-do list.

Create a Holiday-Specific Packing Plan

Packing during the holidays comes with a unique set of complications. Decorations, giftwrap, and holiday purchases can easily get lost in the shuffle unless you plan ahead.

We recommend keeping all holiday-related items in clearly labeled, separate boxes that stay accessible during your move. This includes decorations, baking supplies, wrapping paper, gifts, and even special tableware. If you’ve already decorated your current home, don’t wait until the last minute to take it all down—use our dedicated post on packing holiday decorations for safe, stress-free tips.

Also, if space is an issue or you don’t want to unpack everything right away, consider using storage services to temporarily house non-essentials until the holidays are over.

Make Unpacking Manageable

If your move lands just before Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s, don’t pressure yourself to completely unpack right away. Instead, focus on setting up the basics: your kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and one central living area where your family can relax and celebrate.

You can always unpack more thoroughly once the new year begins. For now, aim to create a cozy, functional space, even if that means putting up a small tree or a few lights to keep the holiday spirit alive.

Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive

Moving during the holidays doesn’t mean giving up on the festivities altogether. In fact, it’s more important than ever to protect small traditions and moments of joy. Here are a few ways to keep the season bright:

• • Play holiday music while packing or unpacking.
  • Set aside time for a family movie night or baking session.
  • Hang stockings or string lights—even if it’s only temporary.
  • Keep traditions alive, even if they look a little different this year.

Prepare for Winter Weather

If your move involves snow, ice, or freezing temperatures, take time to prepare. Winter weather can cause delays, so be flexible and build extra time into your schedule. Keep sidewalks and driveways clear for the moving crew, and make sure utilities are turned on at your new home in advance.

We’ve gathered more seasonal advice in our blog post on winter moving and our winter moving tips page, which both offer great insights for navigating everything from icy roads to shorter daylight hours.

Don’t Forget the Kids

Holiday moves can be especially confusing for children, who may worry that Santa won’t find them or that the season won’t feel the same. Reassure them by involving them in the packing process, keeping favorite decorations or gifts handy, and creating a familiar, festive atmosphere in the new home.

An age-appropriate activity box with coloring books, games, and puzzles can also help keep little ones entertained while boxes are being loaded and unloaded.

Prioritize Rest and Routine

The holidays are a busy time even without a move, so don’t forget to take breaks. Try to maintain regular meals, get enough sleep, and give yourself permission to step away from moving tasks now and then. Whether it’s watching a holiday classic, sipping hot cocoa, or simply going for a walk, those moments of peace will help you stay grounded and focused.

Final Thoughts

Moving during the holidays can feel like juggling two major life events at once, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be chaotic. Planning ahead, leaning on services like packing and storage, and keeping the spirit of the season alive can make the experience not just manageable, but meaningful.

From all of us at Verity Van Lines, we wish you a smooth move and a joyful holiday season.

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