Moving during the holiday season can be a good option for many people. With time off from work and school, along with help from friends and family, the holidays can make relocating easier. In addition, moving companies often have lighter schedules around Christmas which can mean more flexible booking options and possibly lower rates. Even with these benefits, every move still needs proper planning and organization to reduce stress in the days before your relocation.
During the holidays, your focus can be split between moving responsibilities and holiday plans which makes it important to pay attention to the small details that can have a big impact on your move. Our complete tips for holiday moving are meant to help make your move smoother and allow you to settle in and unpack faster. With years of experience providing residential moving services to happy clients throughout the Chicagoland area, our guidance is based on real, hands-on experience.
Start Planning Early
Start preparing for your move as early as possible so you can focus on important tasks and manage your time better. This is even more important if you have a family, since moving during the school year can interrupt your children’s education. If you’re planning a long-distance move, collect important documents like insurance papers and health records ahead of time to prevent last-minute stress.
Initiate Preparations Ahead of Time
The holiday season is already busy with events and celebrations. Beginning your moving preparations as early as possible, ideally 6–8 weeks before your move date, can help you avoid last-minute stress. Put together a clear timeline that balances your moving responsibilities with your holiday plans.
Secure Your Moving Company Early
Even though the holiday season is usually slower for moving companies, reduced staff and holiday hours can make scheduling more difficult. Contact STI Moving & Storage as soon as your moving date is set. Booking early helps secure your preferred time and may also give you access to better rates.
Ready to Plan Your Holiday Move?
Don’t let moving during the holidays become overwhelming. Our experienced Chicago team knows how to handle the challenges of winter moves and will make sure your belongings reach your new home safely. Get in touch with us today for a free quote.
Plan Your Moving Budget Wisely
Moving during the holidays can cost more than moving at other times of the year. When you add extra holiday expenses, it’s easy to spend more than planned. We suggest creating a budget—the more detailed it is, the better—to keep your costs under control. This will also help you feel more relaxed and confident throughout the move.
Secure Your Utility Services Early
During the holiday season, utility companies may have longer wait times because of limited staff and holiday closures. Contact the utility providers for both your current home and your new place well ahead of time. Arrange the shut-off and start-up dates early and remember that holiday service may come with extra charges. Ensure essential services like heat, electricity and water are active in your new home before moving in.
Reuse Delivery Boxes
With holiday shopping in full swing, you’re likely to end up with plenty of sturdy boxes. Rather than throwing them away, keep these boxes for your move. They work well for packing smaller items and can reduce the need for extra packing supplies. Make sure the boxes stay clean and dry, and store them until you’re ready to use them.
Buy Your Packing & Moving Supplies During Sales
One way to save money when moving close to Christmas is to ask local supermarkets or department stores if they have empty cardboard boxes available. Some places may charge a small fee but it’s usually cheaper than buying brand-new boxes. It’s also smart to look for sales on moving supplies so you can buy items like labels, packing tape and bubble wrap at discounted prices.
Pack All Your Belongings
Begin packing at least six weeks before your move. Spend the first few weeks decluttering, organizing your items and collecting packing supplies. Use the remaining time to pack each room step by step. Taking this gradual approach helps reduce last-minute stress and keeps everything organized for moving day.
We also suggest keeping items from the same room packed together, as this makes unpacking much easier in your new home. In addition, use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and decorative pieces and larger boxes for lighter items. If you prefer, once everything is sorted, you can choose professional packing services to handle the packing for you.
Make a Moving Day Checklist
Having an organized checklist is essential for a smooth moving day, especially during the busy holiday season. Some items that are often forgotten on moving day include:
- Essential documents and records
- Medications and first-aid supplies
- Phone chargers and electronics
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Tools needed to assemble furniture
- Holiday-related items you’ll need right away
- Keys for both your current and new home
- Payment for the movers
- Snacks and water
Label Your Boxes Clearly
When seasonal decorations are packed along with everyday items, staying organized becomes even more important. Use a clear labeling system for each box that includes:
- The room it belongs to in your new home
- A short description of what’s inside
- Any special handling notes (fragile, this side up, etc.)
- Priority level, showing what should be unpacked first
You can also use different colored labels or markers for each room to make finding and organizing boxes easier once you arrive.
Take All the Necessary Safety Measures
Keeping your new home safe is especially important during the holiday season, when houses can be more at risk. Think about setting up a security system before you move in to help discourage intruders.
Simple improvements such as motion-sensor lights, strong door locks and security cameras can greatly improve your home’s safety. If your new home doesn’t already have these features, moving time is a good opportunity to add them. A secure home helps protect your belongings and gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy the festive season in your new space.
Pack Your Holiday Decorations
Keep the holiday spirit going by packing your decorations with care. Use separate, clearly labeled boxes for items such as Christmas lights, ornaments and festive linens. This makes it easier to decorate your new home quickly and with less effort. You don’t need to decorate every room but having essentials like a tree, wreath and stockings easily accessible can help make your new space feel warm and festive right away.
Getting children involved in unpacking and decorating can make the move more enjoyable and help them settle into the new home faster. Moving during the holidays is also a good time to go through your decorations, refresh your collection and decide which items to keep or donate.
Hand Over Holiday Hosting
If you normally host holiday gatherings, this may be a good year to let a family member or friend take over. Let them know about your move and ask if they would be willing to host the celebrations instead. This takes the pressure off keeping your home guest-ready while packing and helps you focus on your move without letting down loved ones who value holiday traditions.
Turn Holiday Cards into Moving Announcements
Simplify your holiday mail by using your Christmas cards as moving announcements. Add your new address and moving date to your holiday message so friends and family receive your updated details along with your seasonal greetings. This saves time, reduces the number of cards you need to send and keeps loved ones informed in a thoughtful way.
Plan for the Weather
If you’re moving from or within colder areas, make sure you have the right supplies on hand. Items like shovels and de-icers can help clear walkways and entry points if needed. Be sure to dress warmly as well—wear boots, hats and gloves so you can move items comfortably and safely.
We also suggest using old towels, padding or plastic sheets on the floors to protect your new home from snow and ice during the move. This helps keep the space clean and prevents damage. Lastly, make sure your homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for items while they are in transit.
Consider Winter’s Limited Daylight Hours
Winter days are shorter, so there is less natural light for moving. Plan to start your move early in the day to make the most of daylight. This allows loading and unloading to be done while there is still plenty of light, helping reduce the risk of accidents or lost items.
If your move continues into the evening, set up temporary lighting at both locations to keep the area well lit and safe. This is especially helpful when carrying heavy or fragile items and when moving through stairs or tight spaces.
Donate What You Don’t Need
Moving is a great time to declutter and donate items you no longer use. Charities such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity accept gently used items in good condition. Many of them even offer free pickup services, which makes donating easy. In addition, donations worth more than $250 may be tax-deductible if you receive a written receipt from the charity.
Prioritize Your Family’s Well-Being
Moving during the holidays can be exciting but also stressful, especially for children. It’s important to help your family settle comfortably into the new environment. Set aside time for family activities, such as exploring the neighborhood or going for walks together, to help everyone feel more settled in the new home.
Creating routines and starting new traditions can help children adjust more easily to the move. Also, keep important documents—such as marriage certificates, Social Security cards and school records—in a safe place that’s easy to access.
Make Your Holiday Move Merry & Bright with STI Moving & Storage
Every move is different and moving during the holiday season brings its own challenges and benefits. Whether you’re relocating at Christmas or another time of year, having a well-planned approach that fits your family’s needs is important. Our practical tips and guidance help break the moving process into simple, manageable steps, easing stress and making your move smoother.
And remember, if you need help with your holiday move, we’re here for you. The professional Chicago movers at STI Moving & Storage can handle your entire move or assist with specific tasks like packing and transportation. Contact us today to request a free quote and get started.
