Moving can be a tricky balance between the practical and the sentimental, especially during the holidays. Planning ahead in an effort to balance the move and the traditional celebrations is key, as it will allow you to still enjoy family and friend time without being too distracted from packing boxes.
With potentially extra days off around the major end-of-the-year holidays, it can seem like an opportune time for moving. Yet don’t let the influx of free time cloud your decision-making; instead, use that time as an advantage to balance these two important parts of life: start a new life with a new home while also being able to cherish those familiar, old traditions with those closest to you.
Here’s a short list of pros and cons:
Pros
Historically, a great time to get a deal on a home purchase
- Greater potential of getting time off from work to do it
- Avoid the stress of going to those dysfunctional family gatherings
- More likely to get a moving date that you want
Cons
- Weather will be less conducive to moving
- Start fresh in your new home for the new year
Are the holidays a good time to move?
Moving during the holidays can be a great option if you are looking to save some money. Most moving companies tend to be busier during the summer, spring, and autumn seasons, so opting for a move within a holiday period could make it easier for you to secure an appointment that fits your schedule best.
Additionally, professional moving services are often in less demand during the holidays, which means that some providers offer discounts or deals that could help reduce costs. Because of this, holidays can provide an ideal time to plan and execute a hassle-free move. And with the potential savings, you could hire their team to do the packing as well as the physical moving of your stuff. That would give extra time for holiday celebrations and opportunities to be less stressed.
Let’s talk a little more about a couple of those bullet points from our “pros” list…
Is it good to buy a house during the holidays?
In reference to our bulleted points mentioned above:
“It can be a great time to get a deal on a new home”
The holiday season can be a great time to buy a house if you take advantage of certain benefits the season brings. With fewer buyers on the market, there is less competition and greater opportunities to negotiate and secure favorable financing rates.
Therefore, despite the fact that interest rates aren’t always a sure thing in real estate, taking time to seek out better deal terms during the holidays can potentially put funds back into your pocket.
“You can start fresh in your new home for the new year”
Moving during the holiday season can be a particularly beneficial time for starting anew. With the start of a new year, packing up all of your belongings and settling into a new home provides an exciting opportunity to start fresh!
As daunting as it may feel, going through with this move and leaving your old environment gives you a chance to start with a clean slate and create new beginnings. Whether you’re in search of something different or looking for an opportunity to grow, it can be quite fulfilling setting up your life in your new home for the start of the New Year.
Tips for moving during the holidays
We’ve discussed whether we should move during the holidays, is it a good time scheduling-wise, and is it an economically beneficial time to buy a house during the holidays. Now, let’s look at a quick list of tips and suggestions for moving during the holidays:
- Start planning early
If you know you’re going to be moving during the holidays, starting planning as early as possible is essential. This will give you plenty of time to organize everything and make sure it all goes smoothly on moving day.
- Hire a professional moving company
While you may be tempted to try and save money by doing it yourself, hiring a professional moving company is always a good idea. They will have the experience and resources necessary to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.
- Make a list of everything you need to move
Once you’ve started planning your move, it’s important to make a list of everything that you need to move. This will help you continue to stay organized and make sure that you don’t forget anything when it comes time to pack up your belongings.
- Pack carefully
When packing for your move, it’s essential to be careful and take your time. You’ll want to ensure your belongings are packed securely so they don’t get damaged during the move.
- Give yourself plenty of time
One of the most important things to remember when moving during the holidays is to give yourself plenty of time. This way, you won’t feel rushed and unnecessarily stressed on moving day.
- Take Your Time
When packing and moving, it’s important to take your time. This way, you can avoid making mistakes and causing damage to your belongings. If possible, try to pack one room at a time so that you can focus on each task individually.
- Be Flexible
Finally, be flexible when moving during the holidays. Things will inevitably come up that you didn’t plan for. Try to roll with the punches and go with the flow as much as possible. This will help you stay sane and avoid getting overwhelmed
Should I move during the holidays?
In conclusion, if you are considering purchasing a home and moving during the holidays, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
From looking into competitive financing rates, taking time to pack carefully, and making sure you have plenty of time for the move, there are many ways to ensure that your holiday season is as stress-free as possible.
By taking these extra steps during this special season, you can start fresh in your new home for the New Year.
Good luck!