15 Top Tips For Moving Home at Christmas

Christmas is a special time of year, and is particularly symbolic of home. For many people, there is something special about being at home over the holidays surrounded by family and friends. For others, it‘s the first time they‘ll be visiting the house they once grew up in. The holidays can be a special time for a family to reunite, especially if they‘re making the move back to the old homestead.

Moving home at Christmas can be a bittersweet experience. On one hand, there‘s the excitement of returning to a lovely old home that may have changed little over the years. On the other hand, there‘s the emotional pain of leaving a home you‘ve grown to love, no matter how long you‘ve been away.

Preparing for a move during the holidays is simpler than during other times of year. With so many services running on flexible holiday schedules, it‘s easier to coordinate moving activities than during a regular work week. Apart from securing the services of a moving company, it is important to take into account what kind of packing materials are needed to make sure possessions are not damaged during the move.

We’ve created our top 15 tips to help you get into your new home this, and any future Christmas.

1. Start planning: It’s never too early to start planning your move and creating a timeline. Do the essential house viewings and property searches before Christmas, to ensure there is time for everything else.
2. Tape measure: Have a tape measure with you at all house viewings, so you can start measuring up for furniture and keep things running smoothly.
3. Tell friends and family: Make sure your family and friends know when you’re moving and what assistance is required. This will help them manage their own Christmas celebrations to ensure you have all the help you need.
4. Sort out your packing: Get the packing process started now; sort through items that don’t need to be moved, etc. Start by de–cluttering and packing up those items you won’t need in the next few weeks.
5. Choose a moving date: If you’re flexible, sometimes it’s easier to wait until after the festive season is over. If you are set on moving before Christmas, book your removal company well in advance.
6. Communicate: Be sure to keep your estate agent and removal company in the loop with any updates. Make sure that messages are sent fairly regularly during the moving process; never leave them guessing.
7. Create a plan: Create a plan for the day of the move and have it accessible for everyone. This will help keep the process on track and organised.
8. Get supplies: Make sure you have all necessary boxes, tape, and packing materials well in advance.
9. Pack the car: If you are self–moving and using a hired van, try to pack the car with items you want to take with you, rather than taking more van space. This will save on fuel costs.
10. Book early: Book your removal services as soon as possible to secure your spot on their busy Christmas schedule.
11. Change your address: Make sure to inform all of your contacts of your new address and inform them of the Christmas move.
12. Keep your energy bills: Keep up to date with energy bills and final meter readings. It’ll be best to pay the bills before you move.
13. Lighting and heating: Strike a balance between not wasting energy and at the same time, avoid frozen pipes. Keep the heating on a low setting, perhaps around 13 degrees.
14. Experts: Ask your local independent removal company for advice. They will be able to provide you with any additional tips that you may need.
15. Preparation: Prepare properly, accept help and don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Moving is an exciting part of life and you want to enjoy it!