20 Oct Moving house before Christmas: timeline and tips

If you’re planning to move house before Christmas, it might have begun to feel a little overwhelming. But with the right planning – and team by your side – it can also be exciting and stress-free. At Kaytons, we’ve helped hundreds of families to do just this, so we’ve used our insider knowledge to put together a list of timeline and tips to make your move as smooth as possible. 

Why move before Christmas?

–       Fresh start – Moving before the new year means you’ll be settled and ready to enjoy January 

–       School holidays – If you have children, moving during the school break minimises any disruption 

–       Festive spirit – There really is nothing like decorating your new home!

Of course, the shorter days, holiday distractions and busy moving companies mean that planning is essential so keep reading our list!

Timeline for a pre-Christmas move  

8-10 weeks before 

If you haven’t already, now is the time to begin house hunting. Instructing an estate agent to market your own property is a good idea and will ensure your home stands out. You should also arrange mortgage agreements and get any finances in order to avoid delays. You could also begin decluttering your current home and selling or donating items you no longer need. 

6-8 weeks before 

 It might seem too early but book a removal company in advance. December is busy and last-minute bookings can be costly. You may also need to notify schools and consider the impact of the move on any children. For example, will you need to arrange childcare for the day?

4-6 weeks before  

Start packing the non-essential items like out of season clothes and decor, and organise important documents like contracts, mortgage paperwork, insurance and utilities. On that note, you should notify utility providers, banks and subscription services of your upcoming move.

2-4 weeks before 

Confirm the removal company as well as any helpers. Begin to pack up other items but keep essentials out. Be sure to label boxes clearly as this will save stress later down the line. 

1 week before 

Pack an essentials box with snacks, chargers, toiletries and important documents. Give your current home a good clean, ensuring it’s ready for the new owners. During this time, it’s also good to check heating, lighting and water connections for your new home. 

Moving day

Try to be there when your movers arrive so you can supervise and ensure everything is being handled correctly. If you can, have someone at your old home, checking off each room to ensure nothing is left behind. Keep children and pets safe, ideally away from the chaos. 

How Kaytons can help

Moving house before Christmas can be done but it requires careful planning. That’s why we guide you through every step – from listing your home to settling in. Our main piece of advice is to start early and stay organised, so if you want to take the first step today, why not get in touch?