Moving House Over Christmas and New Year: What You Need to Know

Moving House Over Christmas? Order you Moving Boxes in good time!

Moving house is never a simple process, but doing so during the festive season adds an extra layer of complexity. If you’re considering a house move over Christmas and New Year, careful planning is essential to avoid unnecessary stress. While the timing can seem less than ideal, there are some unique benefits as well as potential drawbacks to moving during this time of year.

In this article, we’ll explore the positives and negatives of moving during the holiday season, offer tips on how to make the move as smooth as possible, and share advice on essential preparations, like securing removal boxes and moving boxes.

1. The Positives of Moving Over Christmas and New Year

Less Competition

One of the major advantages of moving house during the festive period is that fewer people are looking to buy or sell homes. This means:

• • Lower Competition: The housing market tends to slow down in December, so you may face fewer competing buyers or sellers. If you’re purchasing, this could provide you with more leverage to negotiate on price.
  • Faster Transactions: With fewer deals in the pipeline, estate agents and solicitors are often less busy and may be able to focus on getting your move completed faster.

Potentially Lower Removal Costs

December and January are quieter months for removal companies, which means:

• • Discounted Rates: Many removal companies offer discounts to attract customers during this slower period. This can result in lower moving costs, leaving you with more money to spend on your new home.
  • Availability of Services: You’ll likely have more flexibility when booking removal services, and you may be able to secure your preferred moving date without the long lead times seen in busier months.

Settling into Your New Home for the New Year

• • Fresh Start: Moving house at the end of the year provides the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. You can settle into your new home just in time for the New Year and set your goals in a new environment.
  • Extended Time Off: The holiday season often comes with extra days off from work, allowing you to focus more on your move. You can use this time to unpack, decorate, and get comfortable in your new surroundings before heading back to your regular routine.

2. The Negatives of Moving Over Christmas and New Year

Unpredictable Weather

One of the most significant challenges of moving during the festive period is the unpredictable winter weather. Heavy snow, ice, or rain can make moving day more difficult. Potential issues include:

• • Dangerous Road Conditions: Icy or snowy roads can slow down the removal process and make driving hazardous. This is especially important to keep in mind if you’re moving long distances.
  • Risk to Belongings: Your moving boxes may be exposed to moisture, snow, or rain, so it’s essential to ensure they’re packed well and protected from the elements.

Limited Availability of Services

While some service providers may be more available, there are also potential drawbacks related to holiday closures:

• • Limited Business Hours: Many businesses, including estate agents, banks, and utility companies, operate on reduced hours or close entirely during the holiday season. This can delay the finalisation of paperwork, transfer of funds, or setting up services like electricity and internet in your new home.
  • Fewer Removal Companies Open: While some removal companies operate through the festive period, many close on key dates like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Planning your move around these closures is essential to avoid disruptions.

Higher Costs for Certain Services

While some services may be cheaper during this period, others may become more expensive:

• • Holiday Surcharges: If you’re moving on or near Christmas or New Year’s Day, you may find that some removal companies charge extra for working during the holidays. Be sure to check pricing before booking your movers.
  • Heating Costs: Winter moves require additional heating, which can drive up energy costs during a time when many are already dealing with high holiday-related expenses.

3. Things to Consider When Moving Over Christmas and New Year

Plan Well in Advance

To ensure a smooth move over Christmas and New Year:

• • Book Early: Removal companies can get booked up quickly for popular dates, especially between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Make sure to secure your preferred removal company well in advance.
  • Order Moving Supplies: You’ll need high-quality removal boxes and moving boxes to keep your belongings safe during transit. Ordering these early will give you time to pack and organise your move without last-minute stress.

Prepare for the Weather

Winter weather can be harsh, so it’s crucial to prepare:

• • Strong Boxes: Use sturdy, strong moving boxes that won’t easily get soggy or damaged in the rain or snow. Adding plastic covers or moving blankets to protect your items can help ensure your belongings arrive safely.
  • Clear Walkways: Before the movers arrive, ensure that all paths and driveways are clear of snow and ice. This will help prevent accidents and make moving day more efficient.

Factor in Holiday Events

Moving during the festive period can conflict with holiday plans:

• • Social Events: Christmas and New Year are often filled with family gatherings, parties, and other events. Moving house can be disruptive to your social calendar, so try to schedule your move at a time when it won’t interfere with holiday festivities.
  • Holiday Stress: Moving house can be stressful at any time, but combining it with the usual pressures of Christmas shopping, cooking, and hosting guests can make it even more overwhelming. Make sure to delegate tasks or hire additional help if necessary to lighten your load.

Be Mindful of Utilities

Setting up utilities during the festive period can take longer than usual:

• • Contact Utility Providers Early: Many utility companies may be closed or operating on limited schedules over Christmas and New Year, so make sure to set up your electricity, gas, water, and internet well before your moving date to avoid any delays.
  • Double-Check Closing Times: Some banks, solicitors, and other services needed to finalise your house purchase may have holiday hours. Be sure to complete any time-sensitive paperwork before businesses close for the holidays.

    More help on who to contact when moving here: Moving House Checklist

4. Tips for a Smooth Festive Season Move

1. Stay Organised

Create a moving timeline to help you stay on track. Breaking down your tasks into manageable steps will help reduce stress, especially when juggling holiday preparations with your move. Use clear labels on all your moving boxes to make unpacking easier when you arrive.

2. Pack Your Christmas Decorations Separately

If you’re moving right before Christmas, pack your decorations in easily accessible removal boxes. This way, you can quickly set up your tree and decorations in your new home to maintain the festive spirit.

3. Consider Temporary Storage

If the timing of your move conflicts with holiday plans, it may be worth using temporary storage for some of your belongings. This allows you to celebrate the holidays without being surrounded by boxes and packing materials. You can find out more about Moving House Storage here.

4. Keep Essentials Handy

Pack a separate box with holiday essentials such as Christmas gifts, snacks, or special meals. Keep these items with you instead of loading them onto the moving van so you can easily access them when needed.

5. Helpful Links for Moving Over Christmas and New Year

For further advice on moving house over the festive period, check out these helpful resources:

• • MoneySavingExpert’s Moving Home Guide
  • Rightmove’s Moving Tips
  • Removal Companies: Find and compare removal companies to ensure you get the best deal for your move.

6. Conclusion

Moving house over Christmas and New Year can be a challenging experience, but with the right planning and preparation, it can also be a rewarding one. From the advantage of less competition in the housing market to the potential drawbacks of unpredictable weather, it’s important to weigh both the positives and negatives before deciding to move during this time.

By staying organised, packing your belongings into high-quality removal boxes, and considering the potential impact of holiday closures, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free move. Remember to prepare for the winter weather, keep essentials handy, and plan early to secure your preferred moving date.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to starting the New Year in your new home!