Moving during the holiday season can be a good choice for many people. With time off from work and school, along with help from friends and family, the holidays create a convenient time to move. Many moving companies are also less busy around Christmas which can mean more flexible scheduling and possibly lower costs. Even with these benefits, every move still needs proper planning and organization to reduce stress in the days before your relocation.
During the holidays, it’s easy to juggle moving duties alongside celebrations which makes it important to focus on the small details that can greatly affect your move. Our complete holiday moving tips are meant to help your move go more smoothly and allow you to unpack and settle in faster. With years of experience offering residential moving services to satisfied customers across the Phoenix area, our advice comes from real, hands-on experience.
#1. Plan Your Move Ahead of Time
Start preparing for your move as early as possible so you can focus on important tasks and use your time wisely. This is especially important for families, since moving during the school year can affect your children’s education. If you’re planning a long-distance move, collect essential documents like insurance papers and medical records early to avoid last-minute stress.
#2. Get a Head Start on Your Move
The holiday season is already busy with events and celebrations. Beginning your moving preparations early—ideally 6–8 weeks before your move—can help you avoid last-minute pressure. Making a clear timeline that includes both moving responsibilities and holiday plans will help keep everything on track.
#3. Book Your Movers in Advance
Even though the holiday season is usually slower for moving companies, reduced staff and limited holiday hours can make scheduling tricky. Contact STI Moving & Storage as soon as your moving date is confirmed. Booking early helps secure the time you want and may also lead to better pricing.
Ready to Plan Your Holiday Move?
Don’t let moving during the holidays become overwhelming. Our experienced Phoenix team understands the challenges of holiday moves and will make sure your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Contact us today for a free quote.
#4. Create a Clear Moving Budget
Moving during the holidays can cost more than moving at other times of the year. When you add extra holiday spending, it’s easy to go over budget. Creating a detailed moving budget can help you keep your expenses under control and give you peace of mind throughout the process.
#5. Arrange Utilities Before Moving Day
During the holidays, utility companies may have longer wait times because of limited staff and closures. Get in touch with service providers at both your current and new home as early as possible. Set up disconnection and connection dates in advance, and remember that holiday service may sometimes cost extra. Make sure essentials like heat, electricity and water are ready when you move in.
#6. Make Use of Delivery Boxes
With holiday shopping at its peak, you’ll likely have plenty of strong boxes on hand. Instead of throwing them away, keep them for your move. These boxes work well for packing smaller items and can reduce the need to buy extra packing supplies. Just keep them clean, dry and stored until you’re ready to pack.
#7. Get Packing Supplies at a Discount
A smart way to cut costs when moving close to Christmas is to check with local supermarkets or department stores for empty cardboard boxes. Some stores may charge a small fee but it’s usually much cheaper than buying new boxes. You can also look for sales on moving supplies to pick up items like labels, packing tape and bubble wrap at lower prices.
#8. Pack Your Belongings in Stages
Begin packing at least six weeks before your move. Use the first few weeks to declutter, organize your items and collect packing supplies. Then, spend the remaining time packing one room at a time. This step-by-step approach helps reduce last-minute stress and keeps everything well organized.
It’s also a good idea to keep items from the same room packed together, as this makes unpacking much easier in your new home. Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and décor, and larger boxes for lighter items. If you prefer, you can also hire professional packing services to handle everything for you.
#9. Create a Moving Day Checklist
Having a clear checklist is a key to a smooth moving day, especially during the busy holiday season. A checklist helps you remember important items that are often forgotten, such as:
- Essential documents and records
- Medications and first-aid supplies
- Phone chargers and electronics
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Tools needed for furniture assembly
- Holiday items you’ll need right away
- Keys to both your old and new home
- Payment for the movers
- Snacks and water
#10. Label Boxes for Easy Identification
When holiday décor is packed along with everyday items, staying organized is essential. Clearly label each box with:
- The room it belongs to in your new home
- A short description of what’s inside
- Handling notes like fragile or this side up
- A priority note showing which boxes should be opened first
Using different colored labels or markers for each room can make it even easier to sort and unpack everything once you arrive.
#11. Put Safety Measures in Place
Keeping your new home safe is especially important during the holiday season, when houses can be more at risk. Installing a security system before you move in can help discourage unwanted visitors.
Simple additions like 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 protects your belongings and gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy the holidays in your new space.
#12. Pack Holiday Decorations with Care
Keep the festive feeling going by packing your holiday decorations in an organized way. Use separate, clearly labeled boxes for items such as Christmas lights, ornaments and seasonal linens. This makes it easier to decorate your new home quickly after you move. You don’t need to decorate every room but having key items like a tree, wreath and stockings easy to find can help your new space feel warm and welcoming.
Getting children involved in unpacking and decorating can make the move more fun and help them settle into the new home. Moving during the holidays is also a good chance to go through your decorations, refresh your collection and decide what to keep or donate.
#13. Let Someone Else Host the Holidays
If you usually host holiday gatherings, this may be a good year to let a family member or friend take over. Let them know you’re moving and ask if they can host instead. This takes the pressure off keeping your home ready for guests while packing and allows you to focus on your move without letting anyone down.
#14. Use Holiday Cards to Share Your New Address
You can save time by using your holiday cards as moving announcements. Simply include your new address and moving date in your seasonal message. This way, friends and family get your updated details along with your holiday wishes, helping you stay connected while cutting down on extra mail.
#15. Prepare for Weather Conditions
If you’re moving from a colder area, it’s important to have the right supplies ready. Items like shovels and ice melt can help clear walkways and entry points if needed. Be sure to dress warmly with boots, hats and gloves so you can move comfortably and safely.
It’s also a good idea to bring old towels, padding or plastic sheets to place on the floors. This helps protect your new home from snow and moisture and keeps everything clean during the move. Lastly, check that your homeowner’s insurance covers any possible damage while your belongings are in transit.
#16. Keep Shorter Daylight Hours in Mind
Winter days have fewer hours of sunlight, so it’s important to plan your move around daylight. Start early in the morning to make the most of natural light. This helps ensure loading and unloading are done safely and reduces the chances of accidents or lost items.
If your move continues into the evening, set up temporary lighting at both your old and new home. Good lighting improves visibility and safety, especially when carrying heavy or fragile items or moving through stairs and tight spaces.
#17. Donate Unwanted Items
Moving is a great time to clear out items you no longer use. Charities such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity accept gently used donations. Many of these organizations even offer free pickup services, making the process simple and convenient. Donations worth over $250 may also be tax-deductible, as long as you receive a written receipt from the charity.
#18. Put Your Family First
Moving during the holidays can be exciting but also stressful, especially for children. It’s important to help your family settle into the new home comfortably. Make time for simple family activities, like exploring the neighborhood or taking walks together, to help everyone feel more relaxed and adjusted.
Creating routines and starting new traditions can also make the transition easier for kids. Be sure to keep important documents, such as marriage certificates, Social Security cards and school records, in a safe place where you can easily access them when needed.
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 advantages. Whether you’re relocating at Christmas or another time of year, having a clear plan that fits your family’s needs is important. Our practical tips and proven strategies help simplify the moving process, ease stress and make your move as smooth as possible.
And remember, if you need help with your holiday move, we’re here for you. The professional Phoenix movers at STI Moving & Storage can handle your full move or assist with specific tasks like packing and transportation. Request a free quote today to get started.
