Tips for Tackling a Holiday Move
Moving during the holidays can bring many challenges from planning a relocation to starting at new jobs and new schools once the new year arrives. If your family is in the midst of preparing for a holiday relocation, here are a few tips to help you stay organized during this hectic time of year.
Managing a Real Estate Transaction During the Holidays
Before you can move, you likely have one other major step to complete, finding your new home. Whether you’re buying or renting, finding a new home during the hectic holiday season can create an added layer of stress. If you’re house hunting during the holidays, here are a few things to consider that can help make the process a little easier.
Buying a Home During the Holidays
If you’re in the market for a new home and are hoping to find a deal, the holiday season may be a great time to buy. While many families are busy with holiday parties and shopping, there are usually fewer buyers searching for homes during this time of year. This means that there may be less competition when it comes to making an offer on a home, and you may be able to negotiate a lower price.
Of course, buying a home during the holidays also comes with its own set of challenges. For starters, you may have a hard time finding homes that are open for tours during the holiday season. Additionally, many real estate agents and home sellers may be taking time off for the holidays, which can make the process of buying a home take longer than usual.
Selling a Home During the Holidays
If you’re selling your home during the holidays, you may be able to take advantage of the fact that there are typically fewer homes on the market. This means that your home may stand out more to potential buyers, and you may be able to secure a higher price.
However, selling a home during the holidays can also be tricky. Because many people are busy with holiday plans, you may have a hard time getting potential buyers to tour your home. Additionally, you’ll need to be extra careful about staging your home during the holidays, as you don’t want potential buyers to focus on your holiday decorations rather than your home’s features.
Preparing for Your Holiday Move
Once you’ve bought or sold your home, it’s time to start preparing for your holiday move. If you’re moving during the winter, be sure to keep an eye on the weather, consider holiday schedules and delays and plan your move far in advance
Here are a few of the top tips from our moving experts to make your holiday move as simple and stress-free as possible.
Stay Organized
One of the best things you can do to keep from feeling frazzled during a holiday relocation is to stay organized and on top of the process. Luckily, full-service relocation companies like ADSI Moving systems partner you with a move coordinator who is there with you every step of the way, to make sure that you’re staying on top of all your pre-move tasks.
Plan ahead
While the holidays are not necessarily “peak season” they can still mark an uptick in relocations, so planning ahead will be key to ensuring that you are able to make your move on a schedule that works for you and your family.
Take advantage of Virtual Surveys
The holidays are already hectic and adding a move to the list can leave you feeling strapped for time. ADSI Moving Systems offers virtual surveys for all relocations so we can perform your pre-move survey and deliver your free estimate all via our app.
Pack Early
Once you know you are moving, try packing a few items a day that you won’t be needing. As it gets closer to your move pack a box or two each day to keep on schedule. If you are struggling try these packing tips. If it is getting closer to your move date and the packing is overwhelming, ADSI Moving Systems can step in. We offer full-service packing options!
Make Holiday Arrangements
The idea of being all settled in time to host a holiday gathering in your new home is exciting, however, we recommend allowing yourself ample time to get moved in and settled. Consider making alternate plans for the holidays to give yourself a break from the unpacking and organizing that comes along with moving so that you can relax and enjoy the season!
Budget Accordingly
The holiday season often comes with lots of added expenses and if you’re adding a relocation to the long list of things you’ll need to pay for as you close out the year, having a budget is super important. Make sure to plan accordingly and take advantage of our free in-home and virtual estimates to make sure you know all your associated relocation costs upfront.
Plan for Seasonal Weather
It may not be hot and humid like the summer, but winter weather relocations come with their own set of challenges. Make sure to keep an eye on the forecasts and plan accordingly if there are winter weather advisories during your relocation. Remember things like ice and freezing rain are common in the south and can cause both traffic and slipping hazards.
Update Your “Moving Essentials” Box
Consider making a separate moving essentials box with some holiday flair! Especially if you are moving with a family, the idea of not putting up all your festive decor can feel sad. We recommend packing a box with a few of your holiday essentials and even allowing everyone to pack their favorite decor item so that you have them on hand to put up in your new home, even if you can’t go “all-out” on your decorations.
Moving with kids?
Here are a few extra tips.
Create a Holiday moving timeline
In the weeks before your move, be sure to schedule a date with your professional moving company. Companies can get booked up quickly during the holidays. Plan your moving date no later than 3-4 weeks in advance. As you begin packing, be sure to label boxes as essential or not so you know which boxes should be unpacked first. If your move is scheduled close to Christmas some recommend only unpacking what you will need for a few weeks until after the holidays pass.
Need a full timeline to help you plan? Check out this blog.
Start new traditions in your new home
The holidays are a great time to start new traditions and what better place to start them than in your new home? New traditions can help you feel more connected to your new living space and can also help clear up any of those holiday blues you might be feeling missing your old home. Here are a few ideas of new traditions to try this holiday season:
- Get a living tree or plant to help liven up your new space and get you into the holiday spirit
- Check out a local holiday light show or parade
- Attend a nearby holiday concert or play
- Host a cookie exchange party with your new neighbors
- Have a movie marathon of all your favorite holiday classics
- Make homemade gifts for your loved ones
Remember to Share the Joy with Friends and Family
After you move, a neat way to share your new address with friends and family is a holiday-themed moving announcement. These can be a great substitute for your yearly holiday cards and will give your friends and family a way to keep track of your new address. Try sites like
for tons of creative ways to customize your holiday moving announcements.
How ADSI Can Help
ADSI Moving Systems offers a variety of moving-related services that can help your family during your relocation. Ranging from full-service relocations to do-it-yourself, our services can include packing, storage, and movers. If you and your family are preparing for a move this holiday season, we’re here to help make the process as stress-free and easy as possible. Contact a member of our team to schedule your in-home or virtual moving estimate today!
Whatever you decide to do this holiday season, we hope these tips help make your transition a little smoother! From all of us at ADSI Moving Systems, happy holidays!