Moving house is always a big task, but doing it during the holiday season can add extra layers of stress and complexity. With Christmas festivities, family gatherings, and the pressure of year-end deadlines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and to feel like your Santa duties will end up being placed on the back burner. 

With some thoughtful planning and a little holiday spirit, you can navigate your move successfully and still enjoy the festive season. Here are some fun ideas to add a little bit of festive magic into your Christmas time move. 

Plan Ahead (and Then Plan Some More)

Christmas is a busy time of year, and the closer you get to the big day, the more you'll feel the pressure. This makes early planning essential. Start as soon as possible, ideally a few months in advance. With a clear moving timeline, you can avoid the holiday rush and tackle tasks in manageable chunks.

Take a look at our free Moving Guide which includes spreadsheets, budgeting tips and everything you need to organise with a move. 

Get Quotes as Early as Possible

Best rated Transport can handle this for you. Simply start a quote (it's free to do) and we can organise the best rated transport options for your move ahead.

Schedule in Christmas-Friendly Activities (No Packing Allowed)

There’s so much excitement that comes with Christmas - driving around to look at the lights, taking photos with Santa, Christmas concerts and community events. When you’re in the middle of a move it can be hard to schedule these things in but it’s important that you do make time for these magical Christmas moments too, whether you do so in your current town, new town or even on the road. 

Declutter Before You Pack

The festive season often comes with an influx of new gifts and decorations, making it the perfect time to declutter. Use this period to sort through your belongings and donate, sell, or recycle things you no longer need. By minimising what you have to move, you'll save time, space, and effort.

Tackle one area at a time—kitchen, living room, bedrooms, etc.—to make the decluttering process more manageable. As you prepare for new gifts or decorations, consider giving away old items to charity or selling them, so you don’t bring unnecessary items into your new home.

Pack Smart (And Festively)

Packing can be particularly tricky during the holiday season when you're juggling decorations, presents, and the usual household items. To make your life easier, adopt a strategic approach to packing:

Pack holiday items last: If you're moving before Christmas, pack all your seasonal items (decorations, Christmas tree, etc.) last, so they’re easy to access. If you're moving after Christmas, make sure these items are packed with extra care, as fragile ornaments can get damaged in the rush.

Use sturdy boxes: When packing delicate items such as decorations, glassware, or ornaments, make sure you use plenty of bubble wrap or packing paper. Label the boxes clearly as "fragile" to alert your movers or anyone helping you.

Label everything: During a holiday move, it’s easy to get confused between decorations and regular household goods. Use colour-coded labels or detailed labels to ensure things are easy to unpack.

And, most importantly, when packing up the house, make sure you have Michael Buble’s Christmas Album on blast!

Consider Your Christmas Plans

Moving during Christmas means you might need to balance the logistics of your move with family gatherings, parties, or travel plans. Ensure that your holiday celebrations are not disrupted. If you need to, celebrate early or late. 

Use the Change to Start a New Christmas tradition 

New house, new holiday tradition. Bake cookies at midnight. Enjoy takeaway for Christmas Eve, drive around the new neighbourhood to check out the lights, or leave Santa a Map so he knows where to find you. 

Save those Moving Boxes!!! 

Moving boxes can be anything - forts, castles, marble races. But they can also make excellent Christmas decorations! Take a look at some of our favourite cardboard box Christmas decorations including moving box sleighs, giant Santas and cardboard box fireplaces. 

Ask for Help (And Delegate Tasks)

Moving at Christmas can be physically and emotionally draining, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends or family. With everyone’s schedule packed, it may take a little extra coordination, but having extra hands can make the process much smoother.

Yes, moving house at Christmas time requires extra attention to planning and preparation, but with the right approach, it can also be a memorable and fulfilling experience. 

December happens to be the busiest time for moving and Best Rated Transport will do our best to find you the best rate if you are planning a move during the summer holidays. Give us a call today or get a free quote. Many companies will take time off during Christmas so it’s always best to book well in advance.