Top Tips For Moving Home At Christmas

Yes, It’s A Wonderful Life but it’s going to be a tricky Christmas. “Darling, I’ve been thinking, Christmas isn’t stressful enough, so we should move home as well!” Somehow you’ve managed to combine to of life’s most stressful events into one panic laden month. Yay you! But you can mitigate some of that tension with a few handy pointers.

Book ’em Danno

Like many industries, removals have peak periods. At Christmas the world and Mrs Claus want to be in their new place in time for the big day, so good movers get booked up early. Book your removals company as early as you can and talk to them about packing services to help ease time burdens. That’ll leave you extra time to plan your Nigella/Jamie feast.

Food Christmassy Food!

For most, the main Christmas event is the food, but it’s understandable that fridge might not be as well stocked as usual. Check opening times of your new local shops (although the closer to Christmas you get, the longer the queues and less options). You could break with tradition and have a Christmas takeaway instead, an increasing number of restaurants offer a Christmas Day service and it’ll give you one less thing to worry about this year. Or book a food shop to arrive the day after your move, ensuring you have everything you need for the big dinner, along with key home and kitchen essentials (soap, toilet roll, etc). And don’t forget the Brussel sprouts!

Let It Snow

Weather is unpredictable especially around this time of year and you don’t want to be caught out. Snow and ice are just some of the possibilities that can make moving heavy items dangerous. Make sure you have plenty of salt and a shovel to hand if the weather does get icy. You’ll also need warm, durable clothing handy too, so bear this in mind when packing. A simple solution is to have a bad weather box ready, just in case.
And if you’re moving to a house with a log fire, wood burner or oil powered heating, make sure you’re stocked up, removal boxes don’t burn for long!

Don’t Forget Furry Family Members

No, we don’t mean Uncle Keith, and although it’s one more thing to squeeze into an already busy festive schedule, make sure pets don’t get overlooked when there’s so much going on. Moving home can be a stressful time for animals too. Strange new surroundings, smells, people, loud noises, car travel… Set time aside for your furred or feathered friends during your Christmas removals to get them bedded in and ensure they still get the exercise they require. If you can throw in a new toy and some treats, even better!

You can read more tips on Moving With Pets here.

Deck The Halls

You might not be able to go the whole 9 yards of tinsel this year but after you’ve taken care of the essentials, you’ll still want a few yuletide baubles. In fact, having a slightly ‘less is more’ minimalist approach to Christmas decorations can make it feel even more unique and special. Pack a box of the Xmas must haves, a mini tree (or inflatable one), a few gonks here and there, eco-friendly tinsel. You don’t need your home dressed from head-to-toe, focus on making one room the hub of your festivities. Some simple touches and festive lights will work wonders!

Secret Santa

“Sorry, we’re moving house.” Yes! Finally an irrefutable get out of Christmas jail card. Those gatherings you’d rather not gather for, the office Christmas party you wish you could avoid every year, even family get togethers… You got things to do! You could also downsize the hassle of buying dozens of gifts by suggesting a family secret Santa instead.

Don’t Pack The Presents

That might sound counter-intuitive, but if you can, arrange to leave gifts and presents with a friend or family member. This is especially important when moving with children who are still expecting a visit from the jolly big man. Don’t place presents in the removals van to keep them away from any bumps, stop them being spotted (Santa myth busting disaster!), stop them getting mislaid (even worse!) and help keep the magic of Christmas alive. Just remember to go and get them before Mr Claus is due to drop by.

Find Time To Relax & Enjoy

No, those pictures aren’t going to hang themselves, but the walls will still be there after Boxing Day. You’ve had a busy time, it’s your Christmas too and you deserve a well-earned break to enjoy the time with the rest of your household. There’s no denying that moving can be a bit stressful, tempers can get frayed, so take time to reconnect, remember why you put yourselves through it in the first place and we hope you enjoy this magical first Christmas in your new home. So from all the Armishaws’ team, we wish you a successful move and a very merry Christmas wherever you’re moving to.

And if the worst comes to the worst…

Descend on family members instead!