With around 87,000 home sales typically completing in December, moving house during the Christmas period can seem daunting. However, Property DriveBuy offers practical advice to navigate this busy time, turning potential stress into a festive advantage. This guide provides actionable tips to ensure your holiday move is as smooth and joyous as possible, allowing you to celebrate in your new home.
Moving House in December: The Numbers and the Reality
December is a surprisingly busy month for property transactions, with an average of 87,000 homes changing hands over the festive period. Property sales data shows that 72,992 sales completed in December 2024, a notable increase from the previous year. This means a significant number of people will be navigating the moving process during what is already one of the busiest and most emotionally charged times of the year. While the thought of moving home during Christmas might sound challenging, there are distinct advantages to be gained with careful planning.
Your Christmas Moving Checklist
Moving day can be stressful at any time, but adding Christmas preparations and celebrations into the mix can amplify the pressure. To help make your festive move as organised and stress-free as possible, Property DriveBuy has compiled essential tips.
Tips for Moving Home During the Christmas Build-up
- Set a clear timeline and plan ahead. Good planning is essential, but it becomes absolutely crucial during the festive season. With holiday events, last-minute work rushes, and increased demand for moving services, a clear schedule helps maintain control. Regular communication with your estate agent, conveyancer, and removals team ensures everyone stays prepared for the unique challenges of moving at Christmas.
- Declutter and organise your packing. Packing should be finished well in advance of moving day, especially at Christmas when free time tends to vanish. Prepare larger items like furniture and white goods at least a week before the move. A thorough decluttering mission before packing will reduce stress, speed up the process, and make unpacking at your new home much easier.
- Book removals well in advance. Working hours are often shorter around Christmas, making demand for removal vans intense. Book them as far in advance as possible. Stay in regular contact with them ahead of moving day to confirm plans. Many removal firms offer additional services, such as packing and temporary storage, which can be very helpful.
- Consider the kids. Moving day is rarely fun, and with Christmas approaching, children won’t want to miss out on festive activities. Organise activities or child care for moving day and perhaps a couple of days either side. This allows everyone to focus on the move.
- Get ahead on setting up utilities. The last thing you want is to move in just before Christmas and find that heating, gas, or WiFi aren’t working. Ensure everything is set up and working on your move-in day, as contacting service providers around Christmas can be difficult.
- Get ahead on Christmas preparations. If you are moving house, it’s best to complete Christmas preparations beforehand. This means getting all present shopping and food shopping done. You might even arrange an online delivery for your move-in day.
The Benefits of a Festive Move
Despite the perceived challenges, moving around Christmas can offer several advantages.
- Celebrate in your new home. A pre-Christmas move means you can enjoy the festive season in your new home, decorating, hosting gatherings, and making new memories right away.
- Use of annual leave or holiday time. If you already have holiday time booked off for Christmas, it provides a convenient window to move, unpack, and settle in without needing to take extra days off work.
- Possible cost savings. With fewer moves happening during certain parts of the festive season, some removals firms may offer better availability or competitive rates.
- A fresh start for the New Year. Being fully settled by Christmas allows you to begin the New Year with a clean slate, without the burden of unpacking or dealing with moving-related admin.
Steve Foreman, Founder and CEO of Property DriveBuy, commented:
“Moving home at Christmas might sound like a recipe for disaster – a real raw turkey – but with the right preparation it can actually be a gift in disguise. From ready-made time off to the joy of settling into a new home just in time for the holidays, there are plenty of reasons a festive move can work in your favour. With a clear plan and a little Christmas spirit, buyers can turn what could be a chaotic season into the perfect end to the year, and an exciting start to the next chapter.”