8 Tips for Moving House over Christmas & Winter

Moving house during long dark evenings, cold blustery or even icy weather is enough to give anyone a chill. But what if you are moving during the festive period too?

A house move over Christmas sounds like it could be chaos. At a time when many are thinking about putting up their  tree, you’re simply hoping the magic of Christmas will miraculously pack all those boxes! Christmas aside, moving any time during the colder months can be a challenge.

There are many factors that can make a winter house move seem difficult. However, with the right preparation, it can go smoothly. Beat the chaos with our tips to help make moving home during the colder months that little bit easier.

1. Pack early

Ok, this isn’t just a tip for winter moves, it applies whatever time of year you move. But with all the other stresses that cold winter nights or Christmas can bring, you don’t need to add rushed packing to your list. We have some handy hints on the packing page of our website here, where you can also find a useful packing information sheet. Alternatively, we offer a full packing service where our professionally trained crew can do it for you.

2. Change of address
Give family and friends your new address as quickly as possible to ensure Christmas cards and parcels are sent to the right home. After all, you don’t want mail piling up on your old doorstep. If you’re struggling to update everyone on your move, arrange a Royal Mail redirect. It’s also a good idea to leave behind a sheet of sticky labels with your new address on so that the new tenants or homeowners can forward anything else on. Don’t forget to inform your doctor’s surgery, dentist and all your other service providers/utilities/banks etc.

3. Prepare for bad weather
Snow is wonderful at Christmas… but not on moving day! Strong winds, heavy rain, sleet or even snow, everything’s a possibility. Get a head start by preparing for all weather conditions.

• Make sure you have some grit/salt for your paths, steps and driveway to keep ice at bay
• Keep warm clothes and waterproofs within easy reach
• Hang on to old newspapers that can be laid out to prevent indoor slips and muddy feet marks

4. Beat the darkness
It gets dark much earlier in winter, so aim to be in your new home before the night draws in. If your scheduled move is due to go into the evening, make sure the lights are in full working order in the new property before your move date.  And as a back-up, make sure you have a torch or two to hand. There’s nothing worse than stumbling around in the dark, especially with fragile boxes!

5. Get to grips with your heating
Be sure to understand your new heating system before the big move in order to get some warmth flowing. In winter, you’ll certainly need it. Fiddling around with temperature gauges and trying to understand boiler manuals isn’t ideal on top of everything else you need to do on moving day. Don’t risk a chilly first night, unless you have to.

6. Shops & opening times
Finding your nearest shop and store opening times in advance of your move means you are prepared for any last minute dashes for essentials. Better still, order a gocery delivery slot to see you through your first few days (you might have to book early for a Christmas slot though!)

7. Children and pets
Moving house can be unsettling for children and pets, so make a plan of action with the aim of keeping them relaxed while the move takes place. Arranging for children and pets to be left with a friend or family member could be just the cure for ensuring they feel more at ease and less anxious as the move unfolds. It also means you can concentrate on moving day without the extra worry that your children or pets are safe and out of the way.

8. Organise your removal company early
On top of festive preparations, there’s no doubt that moving house over Christmas or during the winter months can be stressful. Help from a professional moving company can make the job easier, leaving you with less to worry about and more to look forward to once you get indoors.

It’s important to get your removal company lined up early to ensure you can secure your moving date; availability over Christmas can be limited as lots of people are always keen to get in for the big day.

Yeates has been in business for more than 100 years. We are a local family firm with plenty of experience in dealing with customers’ needs over the winter period. If you are planning a move just call 01275 877900 or 01934 9005252 or email info@yeates.co.uk.

Happy moving!