Moving During the Holidays: What to Expect, Costs, and Tips

Is Moving During the Holidays a Good Idea?

Moving during the holidays can be a smart move if you want to save cash, but it does come with extra stress. We’ve broken down the main benefits and drawbacks below to help you decide if this is the right time for you to move.

Pros of Moving During the Holidays

Winter is usually the off-season for the moving industry. Because fewer people move in December, you often find better deals and have an easier time booking the specific day you want. Here are a few big advantages to consider:

• Potential cost savings: Many people avoid moving in the winter, so you might find lower rates for truck rentals or supplies.
• More scheduling flexibility: If your office closes for the break, you can use those days to pack without having to use your vacation time.
• Less competition for movers: It’s usually easier to book your preferred time slot since fewer people are trying to move at once.

Cons of Moving During the Holidays

Of course, moving in December or January is not perfect. The weather can be unpredictable, and businesses often operate on limited hours, which can slow down your plans significantly. You should consider these downsides before you book anything:

• Weather risks: Snow, ice, and rain can slow down your truck or make it harder to carry boxes safely into your new home.
• Limited building access: Many apartments and condos don’t allow moves on actual holidays or specific weekends.
• Holiday delays: Offices often close early or shut down, which makes it hard to set up utilities or transfer internet service.

Is Moving During the Holidays Cheaper?

Moving during the winter holidays can be much cheaper than a summer move. Most people prefer to stay put and celebrate with family, so demand for moving services drops. When demand is low, prices often follow. You can find great deals because companies want to keep their schedules full during the quiet months.

While many winter dates are affordable, some specific days may cost more or be harder to book:

• Thanksgiving weekend: Prices can spike as people use the long weekend to move without taking extra time off work.
• December 26–31: This is a very busy window for renters whose leases end on the last day of the year.
• New Year’s Day: Expect higher rates or low availability since many local businesses close to celebrate the holiday.

Try to schedule your move for midweek in early December. These dates are usually the sweet spot for getting the lowest prices and the greatest availability of moving companies. You could pay up to 30% less than you would during the peak moving season. For example, a local move that costs $2,500 in July might end up costing you around $1,800–$2,200.

Labor-only crews on the HireAHelper marketplace usually offer more flexibility than full-service companies. They focus on loading and unloading, which allows them to adapt to your schedule and budget better than big van lines with high overhead costs. Plus, they are far more affordable than the full-service option while still offering a lot of convenience.

Best and Worst Holiday Dates to Move

Choosing the right holiday date can save you money and keep your stress levels low. While some holidays offer a quiet break for moving, others are busier and more expensive.

Thanksgiving Moves

Moving during Thanksgiving weekend is very popular. Many people have 4 days off work, which makes it easier to pack and unpack. However, this high demand means you should book early on our marketplace. If you wait too long, help might be scarce or more costly.

Traffic is another big factor to consider. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and driving a large rental truck through heavy traffic can be frustrating, on top of causing delays during your move. Try to move on Monday or Tuesday before the holiday to avoid the biggest crowds.

Christmas & Christmas Eve Moves

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are often the hardest days of the year to book a move. Most local businesses close so workers can spend time with their families. Finding a rental truck or labor-only movers will be much more difficult on these specific dates. Even if you find help, you run the risk of holiday traffic and winter weather delays on the road.

If you need to move around this time, try to book well in advance. Keep in mind that it’s usually easier and cheaper to wait until the days immediately following Christmas to schedule your move.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Moves

New Year’s is one of the busiest times for moving services. Many apartment leases end on December 31, which creates a huge rush. Even though it’s winter, you might face peak prices because so many people are trying to move at once.

Also, plan for potential delays with banks and offices. Since New Year’s Day is a federal holiday, you won’t be able to handle official business or paperwork. If you can, move a few days before the 31st to avoid the higher costs and busy rush.

Planning Your Holiday Move

When you’re moving during the holidays, you need a detailed schedule to balance family events with all the logistics of a relocation. This section covers how to set a timeline, budget for moving costs, and pick the best dates to hire movers.

Setting a Realistic Timeline Around Holiday Events

Start your preparations earlier than usual to avoid the general December rush. If you rely on online orders for supplies, get them at least a month early so they arrive before the mail system gets backed up. Here’s a timeline to help you stay on track:

• 6–8 weeks out: Start researching movers on HireAHelper’s marketplace. Book your dates before their holiday schedules fill up completely.
• 4 weeks out: Declutter your home. Start sorting items and packing nonessentials. Notify utility companies of your move-out date, as their support lines often have limited holiday hours.
• 2–3 weeks out: Order all your boxes and tape now to avoid shipping delays. If you need a parking permit, apply for it as soon as possible. Confirm your holiday plans with family and friends. If you’re planning to host a holiday gathering near your move, consider preordering catering or takeout to save time.
• 1 week out: Double-check your building’s holiday hours or parking rules. Set aside a box of essentials you want to use right away.

Checking in with your moving company a few days before the move will also help catch any last-minute weather or schedule changes.

Creating a Holiday Move Budget

Your holiday moving budget should include more than just a truck and labor. You need to account for hidden costs that might pop up:

• Tipping your crew: Movers work hard in the cold, so plan for a generous tip.
• Travel costs: Factor in higher gas prices or holiday airfare if you’re moving long-distance.
• Emergency funds: Keep cash on hand for last-minute supplies.
• Winter gear: Budget for salt, shovels, and protective floor mats to keep your new and current home clean.
• Storage fees: You might need a temporary unit if your new home isn’t ready for all your boxes yet.

Coordinating Time Off Work and School Schedules

Many people choose a holiday move to take advantage of office closures. This is a great way to save your vacation days for a real break later. However, make sure your boss knows your plans early so your absence is approved before booking your movers.

If you have kids, check the school district’s winter break schedule. Moving during a long break gives them time to adjust to their new home before classes start again. You can also use this downtime to let them pack their own rooms without the pressure of homework.

Choosing the Best Moving Date in a Busy Season

Try to avoid weekends and the days directly before and after a major holiday. Everyone wants to move then, so prices go up, and trucks are hard to find. Keep these tips in mind when you look at the calendar:

• Aim for midweek moves: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to hire movers.
• Skip the end of the month: Leases end on the 30th or 31st, making these the busiest days.
• Look at mid-month dates: Moving between the 10th and the 20th usually offers better availability.

Scheduling Movers During the Holiday Season

If you’re moving in December, many companies have “blackout” dates when they’re closed for family time, or they may have shorter hours. You might need to adjust your plans by a day or two to get a crew. Here are a few ways to handle scheduling challenges:

• Check for blackout dates: Ask your moving company on which specific days they’re fully closed.
• Plan for travel: Don’t book a move on the same day you plan to fly or drive to visit family.
• Use temporary storage: If your move-out and move-in dates don’t line up, keep your things in a secure unit.

Labor-only movers are great for this specific problem. You can load a rental truck and drive it when you’re ready. This gives you control over the schedule.

Key Challenges to Consider for Holiday Moves

Moving during the holidays comes with specific challenges you won’t face at other times of the year. We’ll cover some of the main ones below, so you know what to expect before the big day arrives.

Apartment, Condo, and HOA Rules During the Holidays

Many apartment buildings and HOAs have strict rules about when you can move. During the holidays, leasing offices often close or have very short hours. This can make it hard to get your new keys or finish a final walkthrough inspection. You should check these dates early so you don’t end up with a loaded truck and nowhere to park.

If your building has an elevator, you may also need to reserve it weeks in advance. Some condos even ban moving on actual holidays to keep the hallways clear for guests and parties. Always talk to the front desk about their holiday schedule.

Weather Risks and Seasonal Challenges

Winter weather is unpredictable and can quickly change your moving plans. While moving in the fall offers mild temperatures, late December often brings ice, snow, or heavy rain. You also have fewer hours of daylight to work with, meaning you should start your move as early as 8 am to finish before it gets dark. Follow these tips to keep everyone safe:

• Monitor the forecast: Check the weather reports daily as your move approaches so you can adjust your start time if a storm is coming.
• Clear all walkways: Shovel snow and apply salt to paths and stairs to prevent slips while carrying heavy boxes.
• Protect your floors: Lay down cardboard or plastic tarps in entryways to catch mud and melted snow from boots.
• Wrap fragile items: Use extra plastic wrap on electronics and wooden furniture to keep moisture from causing permanent damage.
• Provide warm drinks: Keep some coffee or hot chocolate ready to help everyone stay warm during the loading process.

Packing and Supply Challenges During the Holidays

Finding boxes and tape can be surprisingly hard during the holidays. Holiday gifts usually overwhelm delivery services, so your order of moving supplies might get stuck in a warehouse for days.

Local stores also operate on limited holiday hours. If you run out of boxes at 7 pm, the hardware store might already be closed. To avoid stress, purchase your moving kits online at least 3–4 weeks before you start. It’s also smart to buy more a few more supplies than you think you need.

Tips for Moving During the Holidays

To make your holiday move easier, you should focus on a few key tasks that keep the process moving forward. Use these practical tips to stay organized:

• Book movers early: Crews fill up fast for the holidays, especially on weekends. Lock in your date now to ensure you get the help you need before schedules fill up for the break.
• Confirm building rules: Ask your landlord or HOA about holiday hours and parking rules. Do this well before the leasing office closes for the season so you’re not locked out.
• Order supplies in advance: Purchase boxes, tape, and padding weeks early to avoid shipping delays caused by the seasonal rush.
• Watch the weather: Heavy snow or ice can slow down trucks and make roads dangerous. Keep your schedule flexible and add a buffer day just in case a storm hits.
• Separate your travel: Try not to move on the same day you fly or drive to see family. Giving yourself a day in between reduces the risk of being affected by missed flights or bad traffic.
• Manage your expectations: Accept that you might not have a fully decorated house this year, and focus on the excitement of having a new home instead.
• Involve the kids: Let children pack a special box of their favorite toys or holiday items. This helps them feel part of the process.
• Keep pets safe: The noise of moving day can scare animals. Set up a quiet room for your dog or cat away from the open doors and cold air. Alternatively, you could hire a petsitter or have them boarded for a day so they stay safe and you can focus on the move.
• Take breaks often: Set aside time for a hot meal or a short walk to recharge your energy during the loading and unloading process.

First-Night Essentials for a Holiday Move

When you finally arrive at your new home, you will likely be too tired to unpack everything. Make sure you pack a box with these essentials separately, so they’re easy to find right away:

• Toiletries and bedding: Keep your soap, towels, and sheets in one place so you can shower and sleep right away.
• Winter gear: Bring extra blankets and a small space heater to keep the bedrooms warm before the furnace fully heats the house.
• Kitchen basics: Bring a pot, a few plates, mugs for hot drinks, and snacks so you don’t have to cook.
• Comfort items: Keep your favorite holiday mug or a soft robe handy to help you feel at home in the new space.
• Select simple decorations: Choose a few meaningful items, like a wreath or a small tree, that you can set up in minutes without the work of full decorating.

Managing Holiday Traditions and Celebrations

You don’t have to put your life on hold just because you’re surrounded by cardboard boxes. While you might not be able to host a huge dinner, you can still find small ways to enjoy the season. Here are a few ways to keep your traditions alive:

• Create temporary decorations: Put up a few strings of lights or a small tabletop tree to bring instant warmth to any room.
• Host a casual potluck: Invite friends over for a “housewarming holiday” where everyone brings a dish, so you don’t have to worry about cooking in a half-packed kitchen.
• Simplify your traditions: Pick one or two favorite activities, like watching a classic movie or baking cookies, instead of trying to do every single holiday event.