Moving is often a stressful process. However, if you are moving during the holidays, it increases the stress significantly. There is an upside – you can start fresh and new in the New Year.
First, you must get through the move. In most cases, hiring professional movers is a good start; however, you may need some other tips to help ensure your move is seamless and as low-stress as possible. Here you can find some helpful tips to aid your move this holiday season.
Give Yourself Plenty of Prep and Planning Time
Assess how much time you have before your planned move, and then work backward on your calendar.
It’s best to give yourself around three to four weeks for packing. If you don’t want to handle the packing yourself, consider hiring a moving company to do this for you. Whatever choice you make, don’t try to rush it – this will only add to the stress of the situation.
Consider Your Budget
The holidays can be expensive. Chances are you are planning to purchase gifts and may even want to travel – all this makes it hard enough to stretch your budget. If you add a move to the mix, there are even more costs you must cover.
You probably need to find a few innovative ways to tighten the purse strings this season. If you plan to hire professional movers, try to plan your move for the middle of the week rather than the weekend. You may be able to get a lower rate since most movers are slow at this time.
You can also consider other cost-saving items that can help you move, such as portable moving containers and rental trucks. Try to go around to different retailers and ask for boxes, which can reduce what you have to spend on these.
Pack Some (Not All) of Your Holiday Decorations
For some homeowners, holiday decorations, items being stored, and other non-essentials are not even thought of until they begin packing. Take some time to walk through your home and consider what you will need for the holidays and what you can just save for the future.
You should try to scale back on your holiday decorating this year, which will help you avoid last-minute packing. With minimal decorations, you can pack up most of the other décor and save it for next year in your new home.
Remember, the more you can pack early, the easier the entire process is going to be. Make sure you label your boxes and consider numbering them in order of importance to know what to unpack first.
Plan for Unexpected Costs
Have some money set back for unexpected costs. You never know what may pop up, and you don’t want to be unprepared.
Donate Items You Don’t Want or Need
Donating your unwanted or unneeded items may not be an exciting part of the moving process, but it is a good thing to do – especially during the holidays. Charities such as The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Goodwill can all come to you and pick up the items you want to donate at no charge to you.
It’s also important to save any receipts for your donations. Remember, the holidays mean the end of the tax year, too, and the donations can help reduce your tax bill.
Consider the Weather
You can’t control the weather, so you must prepare for all possibilities. If it’s going to be cold, make sure you have winter clothes for everyone ready to go. Also, consider factors like white-out blizzards and icy roads. These things can create challenging conditions for the moving company you hire, so be sure they are prepared, as well. This will make things easier on everyone.
Are You Ready for Your Holiday Move?
If you have plans to move this holiday season, there are more than a few factors to consider. Be sure to keep the information here in mind, which will minimize your stress while ensuring your move is a seamless process.
While moving can be daunting, when you are prepared and hire the best professional movers in your area, you can reduce a lot of the stress of the situation. Keep the tips above in mind to ensure that your holiday move is successful and that everyone enjoys the holiday season this year.
