There’s something about moving during the holiday season that feels a bit like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Between gift shopping, family gatherings, and the general chaos of November and December, adding a move to the mix can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing, it doesn’t have to be.
We’ve helped countless families in Colorado Springs navigate holiday moves, and we’ve seen firsthand what works (and what leads to stress-induced cookie binges). With a solid plan and some strategic thinking, you can relocate to your new home and still have time to hang stockings by the fireplace. Let’s walk through exactly how to stay organized when moving before the holidays.
Start Early and Create a Realistic Moving Timeline
The single biggest mistake we see? People underestimating how long everything takes during the holidays. Between shorter business hours, busier schedules, and the sheer mental load of the season, tasks that normally take a day can stretch into three.
We recommend starting your moving timeline at least six to eight weeks before your target date. Create a week-by-week breakdown that accounts for holiday-specific obstacles. For example, if you’re moving the week after Thanksgiving, factor in that the week before will be consumed by meal prep and travel plans.
Your timeline should include:
- Weeks 6-8: Research moving companies, get quotes, and book your move date
- Weeks 4-5: Begin decluttering and gather packing supplies
- Weeks 2-3: Pack non-essential rooms and handle address changes
- Week 1: Final packing, confirm moving details, and prepare your new home
Building buffer days into your schedule is essential. Holiday traffic, weather delays, and unexpected family obligations will pop up, count on it. A realistic timeline keeps you from scrambling at the last minute.
Declutter Before You Pack to Lighten Your Load
Here’s a little secret from our years of experience: the less you move, the easier everything gets. And honestly, the holidays are the perfect time to declutter. You’re already in a giving spirit, right?
Before you tape up a single box, go through each room with fresh eyes. Ask yourself what you actually want in your new home versus what’s been collecting dust for years. Old clothes, outdated electronics, duplicate kitchen gadgets, they all add weight, time, and cost to your move.
Consider these decluttering strategies:
- Donate gently used items to local charities (many have holiday drives)
- Host a quick garage sale or list items online
- Recycle or properly dispose of broken or unusable items
- Gift items to family members who might appreciate them
Not only does this lighten your load physically, but it also makes unpacking in your new home so much faster. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not digging through boxes of stuff you don’t even want while trying to set up for holiday guests.
Use a Room-by-Room Packing Strategy
Random packing leads to random unpacking, and that’s a recipe for frustration. We always recommend tackling one room at a time, starting with spaces you use least frequently. Guest bedrooms, storage areas, and home offices are usually safe starting points.
This approach keeps your daily life functional for as long as possible while making real progress. It also makes unpacking infinitely easier because related items stay together. When you arrive at your new place, you can prioritize setting up the kitchen and bedrooms first, then work through other rooms as time allows.
Pack seasonal decorations and off-season clothing early, but keep holiday items accessible, you’ll want those decorations handy once you’re in your new space.
Label Everything and Keep an Inventory List
Trust us on this one: detailed labeling is a game-changer. Don’t just write “kitchen” on a box. Write “kitchen, pots, pans, cooking utensils” so you know exactly what’s inside without opening it.
We suggest keeping a master inventory list, either on paper or using a simple spreadsheet on your phone. Number each box and note its contents. This helps in two ways: you’ll immediately know if something goes missing, and you can direct movers to place boxes in the correct rooms without second-guessing.
Color-coded labels work great too. Assign each room a color, slap matching stickers on boxes, and everyone, including your moving crew, knows where things belong at a glance.
Book Movers and Secure Supplies Well in Advance
Here’s a reality check: professional movers book up fast during the holidays. Between people wanting to settle into new homes before family visits and year-end lease expirations, November and December are peak moving months. Waiting until the last minute could mean limited availability or higher rates.
We recommend booking your moving company at least four to six weeks ahead. At 5 Star Moving & Storage, we’ve been serving the Colorado Springs community since 2007, and we know how hectic this season gets. Our team handles everything from packing delicate items like glassware and electronics to managing all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on the holidays instead of logistics.
Don’t forget about supplies either. Boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and markers tend to fly off shelves as everyone preps for holiday shipping. Stock up early, or better yet, ask your moving company about professional packing services. We use quality materials and proven techniques to protect everything from fine china to family heirlooms.
If your move-in and move-out dates don’t align perfectly, consider storage solutions. Our 20,000-square-foot warehouse offers individual storage vaults with climate monitoring, perfect for keeping your belongings safe until you’re ready.
Plan for Holiday-Specific Challenges
Moving during the holidays introduces some unique curveballs. Weather is a big one, especially here in Colorado, where a snowstorm can appear seemingly out of nowhere. Have a backup plan if your moving day gets hit with bad weather, and communicate with your movers about contingency dates.
Other holiday-specific considerations include:
- Shipping and mail delays: Forward your mail early and update your address with banks, subscriptions, and online retailers before the holiday rush clogs shipping systems
- Utility transfers: Companies may have reduced hours or longer wait times, so schedule utility transfers at least two weeks ahead
- School and work schedules: If you have kids, coordinate around school breaks when possible to minimize disruption
- Holiday events: Block off dates for must-attend gatherings so they don’t conflict with moving tasks
Also, be prepared for emotional complexity. The holidays are sentimental, and leaving a home where you’ve celebrated past seasons can bring up unexpected feelings. Give yourself grace, and remember that new traditions are waiting to be made.
Set Up Your New Home for Immediate Holiday Comfort
There’s nothing quite like walking into your new home and feeling like you actually live there, not like you’re camping in a maze of boxes. Prioritizing a few key areas makes all the difference during a holiday move.
First, unpack the essentials: bedding, toiletries, basic kitchen supplies, and a few comfort items. Having your coffee maker ready the first morning goes a long way for morale. Next, create at least one cozy, functional space where your family can relax. This doesn’t need to be perfect, just comfortable.
If you’re hosting holiday gatherings, focus on common areas like the living room and kitchen. Accept that some boxes might remain stacked in a spare bedroom, and that’s okay. Your guests will understand, and honestly, they’re probably just happy to see you.
Finally, unpack your holiday decorations early. Putting up a tree, hanging lights, or setting out a menorah transforms an unfamiliar space into home. It signals to your brain, and your family, that this is where new memories begin.
Conclusion
Moving before the holidays takes extra planning, but it’s absolutely manageable with the right approach. Start early, declutter ruthlessly, pack strategically, and book your movers well in advance. Account for holiday-specific challenges, and prioritize making your new space feel like home quickly.
At 5 Star Moving & Storage in Colorado Springs, we treat customers like family, and we know how much the holidays mean. Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, we’re here to make this milestone easier. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s get you settled before the festivities begin.