Moving during the holidays can be a lot to handle. You have to manage packing, travel, family traditions, and all the details. The good news is that with some planning, you can move and still enjoy the holiday season.
Here are six tips to help.
1. Let go of decorations you no longer love
Holiday décor can take up a surprising amount of space in boxes and on the truck. If you haven’t put something out in years, this is a great time to let it go.
- Set aside a “donate” box for gently used decorations, lights, and ornaments.
- Offer items to a local nonprofit, community center, school, or buy-nothing group.
You’ll have fewer boxes to move, and someone else gets to enjoy a little extra holiday cheer.
2. Turn your holiday cards into moving announcements
If you’re sending cards this year, make them do double duty:
- Include a short note about your upcoming move.
- Use your new address as the return address on the envelope.
It’s also a great reminder to:
- File a change of address with the post office.
- Update your address with banks, subscriptions, online retailers, and anyone else who sends you important mail.
One quick card run now can save you a lot of “Oops, we sent it to your old address” later.
3. Make sure your new home is truly move-in ready
If you’re moving on a cold holiday weekend, you don’t want to arrive at a dark, chilly house.
Before move-in day, confirm that:
Electricity, heat, and water are turned on in your name.- Internet service is scheduled, especially if you’re working remotely or have kids home from school.
- Any needed snow removal or yard work is taken care of, so the crew can safely access your home.
Cozy evenings by the fireplace are wonderful, but only if the lights work when you arrive.
4. Pack the holidays into a “first-night box”
Keeping some of your holiday traditions in your new place can make you feel at home right away.
Create a clearly labeled “Holiday First-Night Box” with:
- A few favorite decorations (stockings, a small wreath, candles, or a tabletop tree)
- Special items for your traditions (menorah, advent calendar, family heirloom pieces)
- Holiday pajamas, mugs, cocoa, and snacks
- A speaker or device for music, and a pre-made playlist
Let each family member make their own holiday playlist and take turns listening in the car or while unpacking. You might not do everything you usually do, but you can still create special moments for your family.
Remember, traditions can change and evolve. Ask your family what matters most to each of them and focus on those things. Allow yourselves to start a few new traditions in your new home.
5. Plan around holiday schedules, traffic, and weather
The holidays can make travel and logistics even more challenging, so a little extra planning really helps.
- Confirm dates and times early. Movers, storage facilities, and elevators in apartment/condo buildings may book up fast.
- Ask about holiday hours. Utility companies, leasing offices, and trash/recycling services may have limited schedules.
- Check local events. Parades, tree lightings, or holiday markets may close roads or limit parking near your new home.
- Build in weather wiggle room. Winter storms can slow things down, especially if you’re moving long-distance.
Making a list (and yes, checking it twice) won’t guarantee a perfectly smooth move, but it can help you avoid the big surprises.
6. Plug into your new community’s holiday traditions
One of the best parts of a holiday-season move? You get to discover how your new community celebrates.
- Ask your realtor or new neighbors about local events, such as tree lightings, holiday markets, shows, or charity drives.
- Look for neighborhood or community organization pages online to see what’s happening nearby.
- Take time out from unpacking and pick one event to attend. It’s a simple way to meet people and start feeling at home.
Taking part in these events can become new traditions you’ll look forward to each year.
Moving during the holidays isn’t always easy, but it can be meaningful. You’re not just changing addresses. You’re starting a new chapter during a season that’s all about home, connection, and new beginnings.