Moving house over Christmas this year?
The festive period is typically a time for winding down, not packing up.
Yet, sometimes circumstances mean a house move falls slap bang in the middle of December or early January.
While the thought might fill you with dread – battling winter weather, limited daylight, and the general Christmas rush – it doesn’t have to be chaotic.
At Barnes of Lincoln, we’ve been helping families move across Lincolnshire since 1921.
We’ve handled numerous winter relocations and understand the unique challenges they present. With careful planning, starting now (in late October/early November), you can navigate a Christmas move successfully.
This guide provides realistic advice on the pros, cons, and essential planning tips.
The Reality: Potential Benefits of a Christmas Move
Let’s be upfront: moving house over Christmas isn’t usually the first choice.
However, depending on your situation, there can be some silver linings:
- A Fresh Start for the New Year: Completing your move before January allows you to start the year fully settled in your new home.
- Potential for Quieter Roads (Specific Days): Although the run-up to Christmas is busy, Christmas Day itself and sometimes Boxing Day see significantly less traffic; however, finding a removal firm operating on these days might be challenging.
- Time Off Work: Many people already have time booked off work around Christmas, which could theoretically be used for unpacking (though ideally, you’d want some downtime!).
The Challenges: Why Christmas Moves Need Extra Planning
Being aware of the downsides allows you to mitigate them.
The main hurdles include:
- Limited Availability: This is the most significant factor. Removal companies, solicitors, and estate agents often operate with reduced staff or close entirely between Christmas and New Year. Booking well in advance is non-negotiable.
- Potential for Higher Costs: Although not always the case (especially when booked early), last-minute bookings or moves on premium dates can sometimes result in higher fees due to increased demand and limited staff availability.
- Winter Weather Disruptions: Snow, ice, and high winds are genuine possibilities in Lincolnshire during winter, potentially causing delays or access issues.
- Shorter Daylight Hours: With less daylight, loading and unloading must be highly efficient to finish safely before dark.
- Increased Personal Stress: Juggling moving tasks with festive preparations, family commitments, and potential school holidays adds significant pressure.
- Service Delays: Banks, utility companies, and council services may have slower response times during the holiday period.
Your Essential Christmas Move Planning Timeline (Start Now!)
Given it’s late October, the key is immediate action.
- Book Your Removal Company Now: This is your top priority. Reputable firms like Barnes of Lincoln get booked months ahead for December. Secure your date immediately. As BAR Members, we guarantee professionalism, even during busy periods. Get yours today.
- Confirm ALL Dates and Times: Double-check completion dates, key handover times, and arrival slots with solicitors, agents, and your removal company. Build in contingency time.
- Declutter Ruthlessly (Start This Weekend!): Less stuff means a faster, cheaper move. Be decisive now – charity shops often get inundated closer to Christmas.
- Consider Professional Packing: This saves immense time and stress, especially crucial during the busy festive season. Our expert ensures everything is secure and efficiently boxed.
- Plan for Weather: Discuss contingency plans with your removal company. Ensure paths and driveways are kept clear of snow and ice in the event of severe weather. Check your home insurance covers move-related issues.
- Notify Utilities Extra Early: Inform gas, electricity, water, broadband providers, and the council well in advance of your move date. Allow extra time due to potential holiday delays. Redirect your post via Royal Mail now.
- Pack an Extensive ‘First Night’ Box: Include not just essentials (kettle, toiletries, PJs, chargers, basic tools) but also maybe some festive snacks, decorations, or a favourite Christmas film to make the new house feel a bit more like home immediately.
- Arrange Childcare & Pet Care: Moving day is chaotic. Arrange for children and pets to be looked after elsewhere if possible.
- Prepare the New Home: Ensure heating and hot water are working before you arrive. Have basic cleaning supplies and light bulbs ready.
How Barnes of Lincoln Supports Your Festive Move
Moving house over Christmas requires experience and flexibility. Our long history in Lincolnshire means we understand local conditions and potential challenges.
- Local Knowledge: We are familiar with the routes and access points throughout the county.
- Experienced Crews: Our teams are trained to work efficiently and safely in winter conditions.
- Flexibility: We work closely with you if dates shift slightly.
- Secure Storage: In the event of a delay, we provide a secure storage facility for your belongings.
Moving House Over Christmas with Barnes of Lincoln
Moving house over the Christmas period presents unique challenges, but it’s entirely possible with early planning and the right support.
By booking your removals team now, decluttering early, and preparing for potential hurdles like weather, you can minimise stress and look forward to celebrating the New Year in your new home.
Don’t delay – secure your December move date with Barnes of Lincoln today. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
