Ah, December! The most wonderful—and chaotic—time of the year. Throw a house move into the mix, and it can feel like juggling snowballs in a snowstorm. But fear not! With a sprinkle of planning, a dash of humour, and some festive cheer, you can make moving at Christmas less of a logistical nightmare and more of a Christmas miracle.
Here’s our ultimate guide to ensure your house move doesn’t steal your Christmas spirit:
1. Plan Ahead for the Move and C-Day (Christmas, That Is)
Yes, it sounds obvious, but planning is your sleigh ride to sanity. Start by locking in your moving date and booking your removals company well in advance (professional packers can be a lifesaver). Once that’s sorted, work backwards to figure out your timeline for packing, shopping, and general merry-making.
But let’s manage expectations here: your Christmas probably won’t be a picture-perfect It’s a Wonderful Life moment. Just aim for “We’ve got food, presents, and a place to sit”—the rest can wait.
2. Sort the Food—Because Nobody Wants a Hungry Christmas
Christmas is all about the feast, but let’s be realistic. Your new fridge might be emptier than Santa’s sleigh on Boxing Day.
- Option A: Order a supermarket delivery for the day after you move. Essentials like bread, milk, loo roll, and Brussels sprouts (we see you, sprout fans) will keep you going.
- Option B: Break with tradition and book a Christmas takeaway or restaurant meal—many places now offer festive dining.
- Option C: Go survivalist: stash a few easy meals and mince pies for emergencies.
Also, check out your new local shops in advance. Christmas queues are no joke, so get in early or be ready to settle for that last packet of novelty biscuits.
3. Prepare for the Weather, Whatever It Throws at You
December weather is as reliable as a three-legged reindeer, so have a “bad weather box” ready. Include:
- Salt and a shovel for icy driveways.
- Sturdy boots and warm clothing that’s easy to grab mid-move.
- A stash of hot chocolate or mulled wine for morale boosts.
If you’re lucky enough to have a log fire or wood burner in your new home, stock up on logs—because removal boxes, while tempting, don’t burn for long.
4. Don’t Forget Your Furry Friends
No, not Uncle Keith. We’re talking about your pets. Moving is stressful for animals too, so make sure they’re sorted:
- Set up a safe, quiet space with familiar bedding or toys.
- Keep their essentials (food, bowls, leads) handy and accessible.
- Treat them to a new toy or two—nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a chewable Santa.
5. Deck the Halls (Lightly)
Sure, your new home may look more “warehouse chic” than “winter wonderland,” but don’t skip decorations altogether. Keep it simple:
- A small tree or tabletop decoration.
- A string of fairy lights.
- A festive candle or two for that all-important Christmas vibes.
This way, you’ll feel festive without turning your new home into a chaotic grotto.
6. Secure Your New Home
Christmas is prime time for opportunistic Grinches. With expensive gifts under the tree, take a few precautions:
- Get curtains or blinds up quickly to keep prying eyes out.
- Stash valuables safely out of sight.
- Check that locks and alarms are functioning properly—better safe than sorry.
7. Don’t Pack the Presents!
Trust us on this one: keep the gifts out of the moving van. Leaving them with a friend or relative ensures they don’t get lost, damaged, or spotted (we’re looking at you, curious kids). Plus, it keeps the magic alive—nobody wants to explain why Santa outsourced gift delivery to Dad and the removal men.
8. Take Time to Relax and Enjoy It
Moving house is up there with the most stressful life events. Add Christmas, and tensions can rise quicker than a turkey timer. So, once the essentials are unpacked, give yourself permission to stop.
- Leave the picture frames for January.
- Pop on some festive tunes or a classic Christmas movie.
- Pour yourself a well-earned glass of mulled wine and toast to your new home.
This is your first Christmas in your new place—make it memorable for the right reasons!
9. And If All Else Fails…
Take the ultimate escape route: descend on family or friends instead. They’ll love the surprise, and you’ll love avoiding the chaos. (Just bring a bottle or two to smooth over your impromptu arrival.)
A Merry New Home Christmas from JW Wood
Moving at Christmas might feel like a logistical snowstorm, but with a little preparation and a lot of festive cheer, you’ll pull it off in style. From all of us at JW Wood Estate Agents, we wish you a smooth move and a magical first Christmas in your new home! 🎄
Sourced from armishaws.com
