Moving is stressful and so is the holiday season. Here’s five survival tips to keep you from becoming the Grinch while moving into your new home during the most wonderful time of the year.
Strategize Timing
If you have any wiggle room with your timing, then you can be strategic about it. Try to hold off on moving until the week between Christmas and New Years Day. That tends to be the least hectic week during the holiday season, and most of your celebrations will be behind you.
Decorate One Room
Do you love decking the halls? There’s no reason you have to give it up just because you’re moving. While you may not want to unpack every last elf and angel, you should consider decorating one room. This allows you to still enjoy the spirit of the holiday without making too much extra work for yourself. If you need to move any of your normal decor out of the way when you decorate, just go ahead and pack those items up so they’re ready to be moved.
Purge and Donate
The holidays are a season of giving, so now is a great time to purge and donate items you no longer need. There’s no reason to drag unused items to your next place. Instead, pack them up and donate them to your favorite charity. It will lighten your load and help out an organization that could use your support. (Charleston-area Donation Centers)
Consider Dining Out
If you normally host a big holiday dinner, delegate the work or dine out. You already have enough on your plate (so to speak) without having to plan and cook. If nobody else is able to host, you can either plan to have dinner at your favorite restaurant or order takeout and eat at home. If you use your special holiday dishes, you can pack them up for moving as soon as you’ve finished cleaning.
Tell Santa
Finally, don’t forget to let Santa know if you’re going to be in your new house before Christmas. Moving is tough on kids, especially in the middle of a school year. Let them write letters to Santa with their new address, and maybe even leave a present from Santa in your new home for the kids to discover the day you move in.
I’m Susan Matthews, a Realtor who serves greater Charleston SC, with Coldwell Banker. Contact me with your real estate questions.
