Packing to Move During the Holidays

The holidays are typically filled with a whole bunch of festive decorations, family gatherings, and gift-giving. For some, it also means the added stress of moving to a new home.

It doesn’t matter if you’re relocating to a new city or just across town here in Nashville, balancing holiday cheer with the chaos of packing up your life and moving can feel overwhelming. But with a little planning and the help of professional packing services (like Move On!), you can make the process much smoother.

Here are some essential tips for packing and moving during the holidays, so you can focus on what really matters—celebrating with loved ones in your new space.

1. Decide on Holiday Decor

We know decorating this time of year usually brings people joy. But when you’re moving during the holidays, will you have the time or energy to deck the halls as usual?

Before you start unpacking the seasonal boxes, take a moment to consider whether it’s worth putting ‘em up in your old home or if you should just wait until you’re settled into your new place. If you’re planning to be in your old place for only a short time, consider skipping the decorations altogether.

• Sort and Downsize: Moving is actually the perfect chance to go through your items and downsize—especially when it comes to holiday decorations! Go through your ornaments, lights, and other bits and bobs to determine what you use and what you can part with. Donate or sell items that no longer fit your style or that you haven’t used in years. Trash items that are broken or can easily be replaced. It not only lightens your load but also makes unpacking so much easier.
  
• Pack Decorations with Care: If you plan to move your decorations with you, make sure they’re well-packed. Delicate ornaments and figurines should be carefully wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper, and lights should be neatly coiled and placed in sturdy boxes. Consider using specialized moving boxes designed for fragile items, like ornament boxes or dish packs, to keep everything safe.
  
• Plan for Your New Home: Think about how you’ll decorate your new home for the holidays. If you’ll be arriving close to the holidays, prioritize moving your tree and other seasonal decorations first so you can enjoy a cozy, festive atmosphere right away. If you’re not celebrating at your new home this year, it may be easier to pack everything away and decorate when you’re more settled in.
  

2. Set Realistic Expectations for the Holidays

The holidays are meant to be a time for joy, but they can also be stressful if you’re juggling a move. One of the first steps is setting realistic expectations for the season. Since moving requires a lot of time and energy, you’ll want to create a balance between your duties and festive fun.

• Prioritize Moving Tasks: Moving isn’t just about packing—there are often utilities to set up, cleaning to do, and paperwork to complete. Create a moving plan that lists out all your to-dos, and then break them down into smaller, manageable chunks. It’ll help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  
• Create Your Own Holiday Schedule: Scheduling time for fun sounds cheesy…but it’s important to do so! Plan out when you’ll handle all your moving tasks and when you’ll focus on holiday fun. Designate specific days for packing, cleaning, and organizing your place. Then, just as you would do to a Thanksgiving turkey, you have to CARVE…out time that is, to enjoy family traditions, holiday parties, and decorating. Just make sure you don’t overload your schedule to prevent any burnout.

3. Pack With Weather in Mind

Depending on where you live, winter can bring unpredictable weather conditions and complicate moving. Snow, ice, and even rain can make loading and unloading more difficult—not to mention the safety concerns—which means packing requires some extra thought.

• Prepare for the Cold: If you’re moving to a colder climate or are dealing with snow and ice, keep your winter gear—like coats, boots, and gloves—handy. Layering up is key when moving furniture in and out of your homes to stay warm.
  
• Protect Your Belongings: Cold, wet weather can damage sensitive items like electronics, clothing, and holiday decorations. Use wrapping or moving blankets to shield your belongings from the elements. Make sure any valuables are packed securely with padding and/or waterproof bins for extra protection.
  
  
  • Tip: professional packing companies use high-quality packing materials—such as heavy-duty bubble wrap, moving blankets, and sturdy boxes—to keep your items safe from the elements and any potential bumps along the way.
  
  
• Keep an Eye on the Radar: Snowstorms and icy roads can delay your move. Be prepared with an emergency kit in case you encounter gross, difficult weather on moving day.
  

4. Pack Up Your Kitchen Cookware

One of the most important aspects of the holiday season? No doubt, the food. If your move is close to a holiday, you’ll need to pack your kitchen a bit more thoughtfully.

• Separate the Essentials: Make sure you pack a box or bag of holiday cooking essentials that you’ll need at your new home. Any baking sheets, measuring cups, and favorite holiday recipes should be easily accessible so you’re not scrambling to find ‘em after the move.
  
• Pack Smart: Use sturdy boxes to pack fragile kitchenware like plates, glasses, and serving dishes. Wrap delicate items in packing paper or bubble wrap and label the boxes clearly.
  
• Plan for Takeout: You might not have the time or energy to cook a holiday meal, so having a backup plan (like ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant) lets you enjoy a delicious meal without added stress.

5. Hire a Professional Packing Company

The holidays are busy enough as it is, and adding a move to the mix can quickly feel like you got a lump of coal instead of a nice gift. One of the best ways to reduce your stress and make the process more manageable is by hiring a professional packing service like Move On. Companies that specialize in packing up all kinds of items—delicate glassware, bulky furniture, even your seasonal holiday decor—can ensure your belongings are packed securely and efficiently.

Hiring pack and move companies is especially beneficial if you’re on a tight timeline or don’t have the bandwidth to pack everything up yourself. Packing pros know how to protect fragile items and how to maximize space in moving boxes, which not only saves time but can also reduce the risk of breakage.

Give Yourself the Gift of a Stress-Free Holiday Move

Moving during the holidays may not be ideal, but with the right planning and professional help, you can make it manageable. And who wouldn’t want to free up more time to focus on enjoying the season?

A little organization and some expert assistance from the moving pros can go a long way. If you’re ready to enjoy the holiday season in your new home without the headache moving brings, get a free estimate from the professionals at Move On.