There are times when you probably wonder to yourself, “why have I put myself in this situation?” Moving during the holidays is likely one of those times. The holidays can be absolute chaos, especially if you have children or a large family, or both. Add moving to the mix and you might just be pushed over the edge. However, we have some tips to make the process a little simpler! Save yourself from a stress vortex and check out our list…

Start Packing Early

If you know your moving timeline coincides with the holiday season, do yourself a favor and start packing early. Choose a location to set up all of your boxes (garages can be great for this) and pack room by room. Moving is a great time to get rid of any clutter, so seize the opportunity! Separate the items you will be taking from the ones you won’t so it’ll be easier to get everything together once it’s time to begin the process.

Minimal Decorations

Just because you’re moving doesn’t mean you can’t decorate. You aren’t going to want to go all out because then you have to take everything down prior to leaving your home. You don’t have to be a complete Scrooge, either. If you’re moving around Christmas time, the tree will likely have to wait but you can certainly string up some nice lights and tinsel to make the place a bit more festive. If you have to minimally decorate, just think about how great your new home will look next year during the holidays!

Enjoy the Season

Moving doesn’t have to take precedence over celebrating the holidays. While the move is up there on the list of importance, it doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy some festivities. If you’re moving out of state, take the time to see the sights of your current city before you make your exit while also making time for friends before you leave. If you’re staying local, get out and enjoy yourself. While the holiday season can be stressful, it can also be quite beautiful. Friends and family you don’t usually see tend to come around in droves, and making time for the ones you love is what makes the holiday season so special. The move is important, yes, but so isn’t the holiday season.

While you should certainly try to schedule your move away from the holiday season, some moves and timelines cannot be helped. Everyone has their own methods for packing and organizing themselves, just be sure to tend to that early during the holidays. After all, you’re going to need time to for family and friends. The key is to keep stress low while giving yourself time to relax before the move.