Planning a move during the holidays can add a bit of stress and chaos to what should be a joyful time of year. Fortunately, there are some key moving tips you can take advantage of to help you have a smooth—and even enjoyable—moving process so you’re settled into your new place in time to enjoy the holiday festivities.
Identify your moving budget
The holidays are generally an expensive time of year. Buying gifts, decorations, and special food can add up quickly. With those extra costs in mind, it’s a good idea to take a close look at general moving costs in Chicago. Talk to a few local movers and get estimates from two or three companies. The cheapest isn’t always the best choice, but having a few options will help you understand how different companies charge and how you can save a little money when you move during the holidays.
Plan your pack
Careful packing is one of the best ways to ensure a quick and smooth move. Here are a few tips to packing up your old home as the holidays approach:
- Give yourself plenty of time. Pack a little bit every day during the weeks leading up to your move so you don’t get stressed or burned out.
- Set aside your holiday items. Depending on which holidays are approaching, you might want to have some festive décor around your old place before you move or start decking out your new home as soon as you move in. Make sure your holiday gear is set aside and clearly marked so you can easily find and access it.
- Get the right packing supplies. You can save money on some packing supplies, whether it’s using what you already have (i.e., suitcases and duffle bags), finding free moving boxes in your neighborhood, or renting eco-friendly plastic moving boxes.
- Host a packing party. Invite your friends and family over for one last get-together at your old home. Break out some drinks and snacks for them to enjoy while they help you expedite the packing process.
- Hire professional packers. Your local moving company likely offers expert packing services that will take some of the packing pressure off of you.
If you currently have holiday decorations displayed in your old place, you might want to leave them up until the last minute. Being in a cheerful, festive setting is a great de-stressor, and it’ll bring a bit of hominess to your old dwelling even while most of your house, condo, or apartment is boxed up in preparation for your move.
Have a great moving day
The best movers in Chicago make your moving day fun, even when you move during the holidays. As long as you’ve given yourself time to prepare and pack, you’ve set yourself up for a great overall experience. So have a little fun on your big day! Wear a holiday-themed hat, give your moving crew some holiday-themed treats, and think about how fun it’ll be to decorate your new home. Moving doesn’t have to be stressful—you and your crew can make it a fun and enjoyable event.
Enjoy the holidays while you settle into your new home
After your moving day comes to an end and you start the unpacking process, let yourself think about how you’ll enjoy the holidays in your new place. Here are a few ideas:
- Plan your festivities. You’ll be spending lots of time unpacking, so your home might not be in the ideal condition to host holiday parties. Talk to your loved ones about alternative party venues or host an unpacking and decorating party to help get your new place ready for hosting.
- Make new traditions. Your new home is a fresh start and a great opportunity to create new holiday traditions. This can help you love and celebrate your new home, so get creative and have some fun!
- Dedicate a holiday room. Unpacking can take a while, so if you’re not confident in being completely settled in by the time the holidays roll around, at least decorate one room so you can relax in a fun and festive environment.
Throughout the holiday season—as you continue to unpack—be sure to give yourself a pat on the back. You just completed a move during the holidays! Relocating to a new dwelling is always a big deal, and this time of year it’s an even bigger event. So treat yourself to an extra holiday cookie or two, and most importantly, enjoy your new home!
We’ll help you have a smooth move during the holidays!
It’s not always easy to move during the holidays—or relocate to Chicago in winter in general. As the best movers in Chicago, we can help you have a smooth, fun, and wallet-friendly move so you can get settled into your new digs and start enjoying the festive season.
Get an estimate today!