It’s often said that moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do. Throw in all the additional pressure that goes along with planning and executing a magical Christmas and you might find yourself what on earth you were thinking!
That said, many people do enjoy the idea of being in their new home ready for the festive season.
In this post I’ve put together some tips to help and some helpful points that you might want to consider.
Should You Buy Christmas Gifts Before Moving House?
If you’re expecting to move house in the run-up to Christmas, one of the big decisions you’ll need to make is whether or not to buy your Christmas gifts ahead of time.
One of the main benefits of getting organised and shopping early is the peace of mind it brings.
You’ll know everything’s sorted, leaving you free to focus on unpacking and making your new home feel festive once you’ve moved in.
It also means avoiding those last-minute dashes to the shops when the pre-Christmas rush is at its peak.
However, buying ahead does come with a few downsides. It means more things to pack and transport, and if you have children, there’s the added risk of them stumbling across their presents during the move (especially if they’re not yet wrapped!).
There’s also a chance that gifts could get lost or damaged in the shuffle between homes.
Check Your Budget
Moving house is expensive.
Christmas is expensive.
With these two things together, you’ll want to stay on top of your finances and know what additional expenditure you can expect. For example, house removal cost London could be significantly more than in other parts of the country.
You’ll then need to factor in the cost of things like packing materials, cleaning fees and even a couple of takeaways for the first few nights in your new home while you get settled.
Take some time looking for a cheap moving company London to help save on costs, check whether any local takeaways will be running special offers and don’t forget to factor in the cost of gifts and Christmas food as well.
If you can be a little bit flexible with your moving date, you might find that some removal companies offer lower rates midweek in early December as fewer people are moving then.
Taking a bit of extra time to compare quotes and plan ahead can make a big difference.
Plan Ahead And Always Have A Plan B
Unfortunately, one in three house sales falls through, so it’s worth having a back-up plan in case of delays or if the worst should happen.
You might want to consider booking a restaurant or planning a family meal with relatives if you think your kitchen might be all packed up and in boxes come Christmas day.
It can also help to prepare a small ‘just in case’ box with essentials, like mugs, tea, coffee, snacks, and a few plates and cutlery. so you’re not entirely caught out if your move is postponed at the last minute.
A bit of foresight can save a lot of stress, and it means that even if your move doesn’t go exactly to plan, you’ll still be able to enjoy the festive season.
Don’t Forget To Delegate
Moving house close to Christmas can feel like a huge juggle, especially if there are children in the mix with the added fun of nativity plays, school parties and visits to Santa.
Ask family and friends to help where you can, even if it’s just watching the kids for a few hours while you get some packing or present shopping done. Having an extra pair of hands or eyes can make all the difference during such a busy time.
You might also want to consider hiring professionals for some of the larger tasks, such as deep cleaning or packing up the house.
It could be money well spent if it alleviates some of the stress and takes a bit of the mental load off your shoulders.
Think of it as a Christmas present to yourself!
Final Tips For Moving Before Christmas
Here are a final few tips to help with you move before Christmas:
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Keep a Christmas essentials box
Pack a separate box with everything you’ll need right away, like decorations, wrapping paper, stockings, scissors, and tape. -
Label everything clearly
Use labels for each room to make unpacking quicker and less stressful once you do get moved in. -
Book services early
Movers, cleaners and storage companies can get very busy in December, so secure your bookings as soon as possible. -
Don’t forget to redirect your post
Set up post redirection so important Christmas cards, gifts or bills don’t go missing. -
Keep warm clothes and bedding handy
You don’t want to be searching through boxes for jumpers or blankets if the heating isn’t sorted when you first arrive.
I hope these tips help when moving house during the festive season!