Your holiday season is likely one of the busiest times of the year. Your calendar fills up with school events, office parties, travel plans, and family traditions. Adding a move to that mix can sound overwhelming. Yet, every year, people successfully relocate in November, December, and even early January.
The truth is, moving during the holidays doesn’t have to mean giving up the spirit of the season. National Van Lines has guided many moves in December and beyond, so we know both the hurdles and the happy moments that can come with a holiday move. With smart planning and a little flexibility, you can stay organized while still enjoying holiday traditions and time with loved ones. In this blog, you’ll be able to explore exactly how to go about doing that.
How Do I Plan Around My Busy Holiday Calendar for a Long Distance Move?
The holidays bring competing demands that can make a move feel harder to manage. Workplaces often close early or have year-end deadlines. Schools go on winter break. Friends and family host gatherings that fill weekends quickly. Without a plan, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction.
Start by securing your moving date as soon as you can. Movers’ schedules can fill quickly at the end of the year, so the sooner you confirm, the smoother your planning will be. Once that’s set, take a close look at your own calendar. Factor in school breaks, time off work, holiday events, and travel commitments. Building your packing and preparation schedule around those dates helps you stay realistic and avoid last-minute stress.
Another helpful step is looking at your personal and family calendars. Mark school breaks, office closures, and holiday events. Then, build your packing schedule around those blocks. By seeing the whole picture, you can make sure the move doesn’t completely overshadow the celebrations you care about.
How Do I Honor My Traditions During a Long Distance Holiday Move ?
One of the hardest parts of moving during the holidays is the worry that traditions won’t fit into the schedule. The good news is, traditions can adapt. You don’t have to skip the season— you can celebrate in smaller or creative ways.
For families with kids, try giving them a role in making the holiday feel special, even in the middle of boxes. Let them decorate a “travel tree” with paper ornaments or pack one special box of decorations that stays out until the very end. On moving day, slip a stocking into the essentials bag and let them open a surprise once the truck is loaded. These little touches help children feel connected to the holiday, even when everything else feels different.
Singles and couples can find joy in simplicity. Maybe this is the year to order a small meal from a local restaurant, stream your favorite holiday movie while packing, or invite a few friends over for a cozy goodbye gathering. You don’t need a perfect setup to enjoy meaningful moments.
The key message: holidays don’t vanish just because you’re moving. By adjusting expectations and scaling down traditions, you keep the season joyful in your own way.
How Do I Plan For Weather, Travel, and Seasonal Logistics During a Holiday Move?
Late fall and winter bring unique challenges for moving, especially in colder regions. Snowstorms, icy roads, and unpredictable weather can affect both travel and moving schedules. While you can’t control the forecast, you can prepare.
Pack a winter essentials kit and keep it with you, not in the moving truck. Include warm clothing, blankets, a thermos for coffee or tea, a flashlight, batteries, and any emergency supplies. If you’re driving to your new home, check your car for winter readiness: Antifreeze levels, tire pressure, and an emergency roadside kit. If you’re flying, consider shipping gifts or seasonal items directly to your new address to avoid airport delays with extra baggage.
It also helps to build flexibility into your schedule. Plan for a buffer day or two in case weather causes delays. This mindset reduces stress if things shift unexpectedly. For reliable updates, check resources like the National Weather Service or your state’s Department of Transportation before moving day.
Staying Connected and Centered
The holidays often mean togetherness, which makes moving feel even harder if you’re missing familiar gatherings. It’s normal to feel a little left out, but there are ways to stay connected.
Set aside time for video calls with family or friends. Send holiday cards early with your new address so loved ones know where to reach you. If exchanging gifts, consider having them delivered directly to your new home so you avoid carrying extra boxes.
Don’t forget about self-care, either. Moving takes energy, and holiday stress can add to it. Make sure you’re eating regular meals, drinking enough water, and getting rest. Even a short break for fresh air or a walk can clear your head. Treating yourself kindly during this season helps you stay positive and energized.
And remember: this move can be part of your holiday story. You might look back and laugh about the year you celebrated with pizza on the floor of your new home or decorated a tree with unpacked ornaments in January. These moments can easily become new traditions, too.
Helpful Resources You Can Use Right Now
When you’re juggling both a move and holiday plans, having quick access to resources makes life easier:
- Mail and shipping: Check USPS holiday forwarding deadlines and shipping cutoffs for packages.
- Donations: End the year with a lighter load by dropping items at Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local holiday drives.
- Travel: Look up airline and shipping deadlines if you’re sending gifts or traveling long distances.
- Weather updates: The National Weather Service provides a handy list of all 50 states, and ways you can find about road closures in each state.
- Professional movers: Choose a company experienced with holiday moves who can guide you through timing and logistics.
Using these tools means less guesswork and more peace of mind as your moving day approaches.
A Season of New Beginnings
People moving during the holidays may feel they have to sacrifice the joy of the season. But with better planning tools and resources, it’s easier to balance both. At National Van Lines, we’ve seen the benefits of taking practical steps before a move during the holiday season. They help protect your celebrations while keeping your move on track. And as the future unfolds, you’ll start the new year in a fresh space— settled, organized, and with meaningful memories from a unique holiday season.
You’re moving during the holidays— and now, you’re that much more informed and ready to make a big life transition as smoothly as possible. Wondering where to start in your planning process? We suggest reading our blog about decluttering next to get inspired.
