Five Quick Tips for Moving in the Holiday Season by a Trusted Moving and Storage Company

Moving is always hard, but moving in the holiday season may prove to be even harder and more stressful for families and individuals looking to spend time with their loved ones. Therefore, U.Santini Moving & Storage offers essential guidance to ensure your relocation during this period is as smooth and worry-free as possible. These tips may help you make plans for a special holiday, even if you find yourself far from home. Embrace the spirit of the season and let your trusted movers transform your moving experience into a festive journey.

1. Planning for a Smooth Transition

Moving during the holiday season can be a complex task, but with the right preparation and expert tips, it can become a manageable and even enjoyable experience. Your detailed planning will be crucial in ensuring a stress-free move.

Man holding a box

Organize Early and Effectively

Start preparing ahead of time: Begin by creating a “Moving folder” to keep all your moving-related paperwork in one accessible location. This should include mover’s estimates, to-do lists, lists of items you need to purchase before the move, children’s immunization certificates, new school contact information, new doctor’s telephone numbers, and addresses of essential services like the post office and bank. Make multiple photocopies of this folder to ensure you have backups in case of loss or damage.
Inventory and Declutter: Before packing, take the time to go through your belongings. The holiday season is an excellent opportunity for decluttering. Donate or sell items that you no longer need. This will not only lighten your load but also make unpacking in your new home quicker and more organized.
Holiday Decorations: If you’re moving during the festive season, pack your holiday decorations separately and label them clearly. This will allow you to easily access them and decorate your new home, maintaining the festive spirit.

Utilize Professional Assistance

Choose the Right Movers: Hiring professional NYC local movers is essential for a smooth transition. Look for companies with experience in holiday season moves. They understand the unique challenges of moving during this time and can provide valuable insights and assistance.
Schedule in Advance: The holiday season is a busy period, so book your movers as soon as possible. Early scheduling with your Brooklyn local movers ensures you get the date and time that best suits your needs.
Discuss Holiday Schedules: Confirm with your movers about their holiday working schedule. Some Downtown Brooklyn movers might have limited hours during the holiday season, and it’s crucial to know this in advance to plan accordingly.

Expert Packing and Unpacking Tips

Weather-Proof Your Packing: Winter weather can be unpredictable. Use waterproof bins and wrap your items in plastic to protect them from snow or rain. Pay extra attention to fragile items; bubble wrap and packing peanuts can provide additional safety.
Label Thoroughly: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking more efficient. Consider color-coding moving boxes for each room for even easier identification.
Essentials Box: Pack an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, chargers, and snacks. This is particularly important during the holiday season when stores may have limited hours.
Unpacking Strategy: Start by setting up bedrooms and the kitchen. Having a place to sleep and eat makes the rest of the unpacking process less overwhelming. If you’re moving close to a holiday, prioritize decorating to keep the festive spirit alive.

2. Early Arrangements: The Key to a Successful Holiday Move

Moving during the holiday season can be a daunting task, but with strategic planning and expert guidance, it can be a seamless experience. Early arrangements are crucial, especially when dealing with the unique challenges of holiday relocations.

Girl using a laptop

Secure Your Moving Date

Make arrangements early on: The holiday season is a peak time for moving due to various reasons. People often move during this period to avoid losing workdays or to transition into new opportunities in the new year. Given the high demand, it’s vital to book your moving dates as early as possible. Whether you’re working with NYC long distance movers for a cross-country move or international movers for a transition from abroad, securing your dates early will ensure a smoother process.
Research and Choose Movers Wisely: Selecting the right moving company is critical. For long-distance moves, look for experienced Brooklyn long distance movers known for their reliability and customer service. If you’re moving internationally, choose from international moving companies in NYC that specialize in global relocations and are familiar with the necessary customs and logistics.
Check Reviews and References: Don’t just go with the first mover you find. Spend time reading reviews and asking for references. This step is even more crucial during the holiday season when moving companies are stretched thin, and you want to ensure you’re working with the best movers who specialize in moving to New York.

Plan Logistical Details

Lodging Arrangements: If your move requires overnight stays, book your accommodations well in advance. Hotels and rentals can fill up quickly during the holiday season, so early booking is essential to avoid last-minute scrambles.
Plan for Weather Conditions: Winter weather can be unpredictable. Discuss with your chosen movers how they handle snow, ice, or other adverse weather conditions. Ensure that your Brooklyn residential movers are equipped to deal with these challenges.
Holiday Traffic and Schedules: Be aware of holiday traffic patterns and potential delays. If possible, avoid moving on major holidays when traffic can be a nightmare. Discuss with your movers the best times to travel to minimize delays.

Address Special Considerations

Packing for the Season: Remember that you are packing for two major events – your move and the holidays. Keep your holiday items easily accessible and separate from other belongings. This way, you can still enjoy the festive season amidst the moving process.
Communicate with Family and Friends: Moving in the holiday season can impact your holiday plans. Keep your family and friends informed about your moving schedule so they can plan accordingly for holiday gatherings.
Cultural Sensitivities: If moving internationally, be mindful of cultural differences during the holiday season. Moving companies can provide insights into local customs and how they might affect your move.
Insurance and Valuables: Ensure your belongings are adequately insured for the move, especially during the busy holiday season. Discuss insurance options with your movers and consider extra coverage for valuable or sentimental items.

3. Celebrating the Holidays During Your Move

Organizing a festive celebration while moving during the holiday season can add a touch of warmth and joy to the transition. Focusing on the celebration aspect, you can create special memories even amidst the complexities of relocating.

Man and a women having a conversation

Crafting a Memorable Celebration

Pre-Move Festive Planning: Before finalizing your Brooklyn moving quotes, set aside time to plan a small celebration. If you’ll be in a hotel over the holidays, look for a place that is planning a holiday celebration. If you know that you will be on the road during the holiday, then try to find an opportunity to stop in a rest area and spend some quality time with your family. Whether it’s a family dinner at a favorite restaurant or a simple gathering at home, a pre-move celebration can set a positive tone for the transition.
Celebratory Unpacking: Once the movers have delivered your belongings, prioritize unpacking items that symbolize the holiday season for you. It could be as simple as setting up a small holiday display or decorating a corner of your new space. This act can bring an instant sense of holiday cheer and make your new place feel more like home.
Hotel Stay Celebrations: If your move includes a hotel stay, choose one known for its holiday festivities. Many hotels offer special holiday events, meals, or decorations that can make your stay more enjoyable and festive.

Embracing Portable Holiday Traditions

Portable Holiday Kit: Create a portable holiday kit with essentials like string lights, small ornaments, and a foldable holiday-themed decoration. This kit can quickly transform any space, be it a hotel room or a new home, into a festive environment.
Festive Road Trip Breaks: If your move involves a road trip, plan stops at locations known for their holiday spirit. A short break at a winter market or a town with famous holiday lights can provide a delightful respite and a chance to create new holiday memories.
Virtual Celebrations: In case you’re far from loved ones, plan a virtual celebration. Coordinate a time to video call family and friends, share stories, and even open gifts together online. Technology can bridge the distance and keep holiday traditions alive.

Integrating Celebration With Moving

Celebratory Countdown: As you get closer to the moving day, have a small daily celebration leading up to it. It could involve opening a small gift, reading a holiday story, or watching a short holiday movie each evening. This can build excitement and make the moving process more enjoyable.
Incorporate Local Festivities: Once in your new neighborhood, explore local holiday events or markets. Participating in community celebrations can be a great way to feel connected and start forming new bonds.

4. Maintaining Friendships Through a Holiday Season Move

Moving during the holiday season can be particularly challenging for children, as they face the dual challenge of settling into a new environment and missing their old friends. Here are some detailed strategies to help kids stay connected with their friends from their previous community, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for them.

A girl smiling

Leveraging Technology for Connections

Facilitating Virtual Get-Togethers: In today’s digital age, maintaining friendships over long distances has become more accessible. Encourage your children to set up regular Skype calls or video chats with their old friends. Scheduling virtual meet-ups during the holiday season can include sharing holiday stories, showing off decorations, or even virtually unwrapping gifts together. This can help maintain the bond they have with their old friends.
Online Gaming as a Bonding Tool: Many kids enjoy playing video games, and this can be a great way for them to stay connected with friends. Online gaming platforms offer a fun and interactive way for children to engage with their peers, even from afar. They can set up specific times to play their favorite games together, maintaining a sense of camaraderie.
Social Media and Email Communication: For older kids, using social media platforms and email can be an effective way to keep in touch. They can share photos, holiday greetings, and updates about their new experiences. This keeps the communication channel open and allows them to stay updated on each other’s lives.

Fostering New and Old Relationships

Creating a Balance: While it’s important for children to maintain old friendships, encourage them also to make new friends in their new neighborhood or school. This balance helps them transition more smoothly into their new environment while preserving valuable connections from their past.
Organize a Holiday Reunion: If possible, organize a small reunion with their old friends during the holiday season. This could be a day trip or a weekend get-together. It gives the children something to look forward to and helps reaffirm their friendships.
Pen Pal Initiatives: Encourage your children to become pen pals with their old friends. Exchanging letters can be a charming and personal way to stay in touch, and it also helps in developing their writing skills.

Emotional Support and Encouragement

Staying Connected with Teachers: Teachers often hold a special place in children’s hearts. Encouraging kids to stay in touch with their favorite teachers from their previous school can provide an additional layer of emotional support. Teachers can offer words of encouragement, advice, and a sense of continuity amidst change.
Acknowledging Feelings: Moving can be emotionally taxing for children. Acknowledge their feelings of sadness about leaving friends and validate their emotions. Encourage open discussions about their feelings, which can be therapeutic.
Involvement in Local Holiday Activities: Get your children involved in local holiday activities where they can make new friends. This can be through community centers, local events, or holiday-themed workshops.

5. Celebrating Christmas After the Move

Creating a festive holiday experience during a move requires foresight and creativity. By planning ahead, you can ensure that Christmas remains a joyful and memorable occasion for your family, even if you’re surrounded by moving boxes.

Couple enjoying drinks

Preparing for a Travel-Friendly Christmas

Ensure Christmas Feels Special: Opening moving boxes on Christmas day shouldn’t be the main event. To avoid this, prepare in advance by packing a separate container with holiday essentials. This should include small, pre-wrapped gifts, a compact artificial Christmas tree, and some of your family’s favorite holiday snacks. This preparation allows for a quick and festive setup wherever you spend Christmas, ensuring the day feels special and distinct from the moving process.
Selecting Appropriate Gifts: When choosing gifts to pack in your travel-friendly holiday kit, opt for items that are compact and easy to transport. This might include books, small toys, or gift cards. The idea is to have meaningful yet practical presents that won’t add too much bulk to your moving load.

Creating a Pop-up Holiday Celebration

Instant Festive Atmosphere: Once you arrive at your destination, whether it’s a temporary accommodation or your new home, use your pre-packed holiday container to set up a makeshift celebration. This can quickly turn a bland space into a festive haven, complete with a tree, gifts, and snacks.
Engaging the Family in Festivities: Involve your children in setting up the decorations and arranging the gifts under the tree. This activity not only keeps them engaged but also helps to foster a sense of normalcy and excitement about the holiday, despite being in the midst of a move.

Leveraging Online Shopping for Convenience

Utilizing E-Commerce for Holiday Shopping: If you’re too busy with moving arrangements to shop for gifts and decorations, take advantage of online shopping. Many websites offer gift-wrapping services and direct shipping to your new address. You can order all your holiday essentials, from decorations to gifts, and have them waiting for you at your new home.
Arranging a Festive Setup Upon Arrival: When your online orders arrive, setting up your Christmas celebration becomes an enjoyable family activity. It’s a way to take a break from unpacking and to bring some holiday cheer into your new living space.
Personalizing Your Celebration: Add personal touches to your holiday setup. Include family-specific traditions or decorations that hold sentimental value. These familiar elements can make the new environment feel more like home and keep the holiday spirit alive.

Happy Moving in Holiday Season

U.Santini Moving and storage is a trusted moving and storage company that has been moving New Yorkers for more than eighty years. If you are looking for a Brooklyn Mover to help you with moving in holiday season, look no further. We are one of the premier movers in Brooklyn. When you are choosing a Brooklyn moving company, don’t hesitate to call us at 718-768-6778 and ask for a free estimate for your move. U.Santini moving and Storage has an A+ BBB rating. The highest among Brooklyn Movers. We are moving and storage Brooklyn!