Costs, Benefits and Tips for Holiday Moving
There’s no place like a new home for the holidays.
Families in the middle of scheduling moves may find the weeks of winter celebrations to be the perfect timeframe. After celebrating the years in your house, you can ring in the new year from a new home and start fresh.
Though moving over the holidays can be stressful for some, others may find it an ideal time for such a transition. If you’re considering moving during the holidays, factor these benefits and costs into your decision.
The Benefits of Holiday Moves
1. Off-Season Savings
Peak moving season falls between April and September. If you’re willing to move outside the peak season, you may benefit from lower rates and holiday discounts on moving services. You can also save money on packing supplies such as boxes and tape, as most office-supply stores run holiday deals.
2. Holiday Generosity
As your friends, family and neighbors get into the holiday spirit, more may be willing to help you with your move. Friends may be more likely to open their homes to give you a respite from a cross-country move, and family members may have more time to help you pack up the house.
3. Less Competitive House Market
Redfin data shows that the United States housing supply tends to increase in the summer and decrease in the winter. By selling your home in the fall or winter, you will experience less competition and more motivated buyers. Your realtor also may be able to devote more energy to marketing and showing your home.
4. More Time Off
Working adults receive more time off during the winter holidays than in the summer because Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve all fall in November and December. Offices may also be emptier, giving you an ideal opportunity to take time off to focus on your move without feelings of stress or guilt.
5. Easier Goodbyes
Though no goodbyes are easy, you may find it easier to say goodbye to your home, neighborhood, friends and family during the holiday season. As the holidays bring people together, you can have one last celebration and ensure everyone receives a proper goodbye.
The Costs of Holiday Moves
1. Holiday Stress
The hustle and bustle of the holidays can lead to high stress levels, particularly for parents. A C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital poll found that one in six parents report high stress levels during the holidays, with twice as many mothers as fathers reporting high stress levels. Adding in the stress of a move may overwhelm some parents if they are packing and transporting everything themselves.
2. Winter Delays
If you live in a state that regularly experiences White Christmases, the inclement winter weather may disrupt or delay your scheduled moving date. Maintaining a flexible timeline and a watchful eye on the forecast is essential to ensuring your holiday move goes smoothly.
3. Busy Travel Time
The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is one of the busiest travel times in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of long-distance trips increases by 54% during the six-day Thanksgiving travel period and by 23% during the Christmas and New Year’s travel period. Most of that long-distance travel happens by car, so if you’re planning an interstate move, brace yourself for more time stuck in traffic.
4. Mid-School Year
If you have kids, moving during the holiday season means your children need to start at a new school halfway through the academic year. Though this may mean your child will receive extra attention, it also may make it more difficult for them to catch up on their new school work.
5. Simpler Celebrations
Some people may view pared-down holiday celebrations as a benefit of holiday moves. However, families who typically celebrate the holidays with lavish events and large get-togethers may find holiday moves challenging. When planning a move over the holidays, you should call on others to host the celebrations this year.
Tips for a Successful Move
With the right planning and moving company, a holiday move can be an exciting time of transition for you and your family. Here are five tips to make the most of your holiday move.
1. Pack holiday décor and gifts last.
Don’t cut the holiday hoopla altogether. Choose a few themed decorations, clothes and gift wrap to bring the holiday spirit to your home, even as you pack up the rest of your belongings. When ready to move, you can pack the last holiday items and hit the road.
2. Share your new address via holiday cards.
A Shutterfly poll found that two in five Americans planned to send holiday cards during the 2021 season. If holiday cards are part of your annual traditions, this year, let them double as your change-of-address announcements.
3. Pre-plan visits to federal entities.
Keep in mind that banks, post offices, doctors’ offices and other facilities may be on holiday hours, so get your visits done as early as possible. Request necessary records from your children’s doctors and schools weeks in advance to build in time for the holiday slump.
4. Downsize by donating.
Food banks, charities and other organizations often host holiday donation drives. Lighten your load while making a difference by donating items you no longer need, such as unopened non-perishable foods you won’t eat or winter clothes your children have outgrown.
5. Turn your transit into an adventure.
Instead of racing to your destination, take your time during your holiday move. Transform your transit into a trip by choosing a destination along your moving route to visit. Down the road, you’ll look back at this transition fondly.
Armstrong is here to make your move as stress-free as possible. As a full-service moving company, our team can provide everything from packing and storage services to moving and settling-in services. Get started today by requesting a free quote online.
