How To Stay Sane When Moving Over The Holidays
Posted on: 12 December 2018
The holiday season is busy enough already. Add moving to your list during this time of year, and you'll certainly start to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, there are some ways you can stay sane and tackle this challenge head-on. Start by following these tips.
Plan ahead.
The sooner you start planning the move, the less you'll actually have to do during the busy holiday season. There are many moving-related tasks you can tackle a few months in advance. These include:
- Packing seasonal items and things you don't use every day.
- Calling your new utility companies to arrange to have service started.
- Repairing small problems in your current home so you don't lose your security deposit.
- Collecting boxes, tape, and other packing supplies when you find them on sale or for free.
- Calling moving companies for estimates.
Consider making a long checklist of tasks so you can check them off as you complete them. Challenge yourself to see how many you can get done before the month of December arrives.
Ask family members to help you move instead of giving you gifts.
If your family traditionally gives gifts for the holidays, here's an opportunity you can take advantage of. When someone asks you what you want, tell them that you want their help. Ask if they can help you pack for an afternoon, or if they can collect boxes for you and drop them off at your house. Try to ask for something specific; people have an easier time helping when they know what is expected. Some people will be happy to help and still give you another gift, and that's okay. Others will be happy to help you so they can save cash on gifts!
Take a rain check on some celebrations.
With all of the moving-related tasks on your plate, you will probably have to say no to some of the celebrations you're invited to. Don't feel bad about this; it's part of life. To soften the blow on friends and family members whose events you cannot attend, offer to take a rain check. Promise that you will spend some time together in February or March when you're all moved into your new place and the stress of the holidays has passed.
Set decorations up at your new home only.
Decorate twice? That would be crazy! Even if the holiday season will be almost over by the time you move, it's best to just set up the decorations in your new home. If you're comfortable doing so, you might want to skip decorations entirely this year -- or at least keep it very simple and only put up a few key pieces of decor.
Hire an excellent moving company.
Hiring a good moving company is more important at this time of year than at any other. Make sure you hire a company with a sizeable staff so that if some staff members take off for the holidays, there are still enough people around to meet your needs. Schedule your move well in advance so you can work around the moving company's schedule for the holidays.
Budget carefully.
The holidays can be expensive. Make sure you set a budget for both the move and for the holidays so you don't overspend. You may have to go a bit lean on the gifts this year. You may have to cut a few corners on the move, too. For instance, you may want to use recycled boxes instead of buying new ones.
Moving during the holidays won't be as scary as you might think. With a good moving company on your side and the tips above, you can do it!
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