Moving during the holiday season is not ideal, but sometimes a job start date, lease ending, or home closing leaves you no choice. The good news is that holiday moves offer some of the lowest rates of the year if you plan around the actual holiday dates.
Moving companies are at their quietest during the holiday season, which means lower rates and more flexible scheduling. However, most movers do not work on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year's Day. Some charge premium rates for the day before or after major holidays. Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance during the holiday season since crews are smaller and availability can still be limited despite lower demand.
Map out the specific holidays that fall during your move window and plan around them. Utility companies, cable installers, and government offices (for address changes and vehicle registration) often have reduced hours or closures. Schedule all utility transfers and hookups well in advance. If you are closing on a home, coordinate with your real estate agent and lender since title companies may have limited hours. Ship any packages or mail forwarding requests early to avoid holiday postal delays.
Moving is already one of life's most stressful events, and adding holiday obligations compounds that pressure. Give yourself permission to skip or simplify holiday traditions this year. Let family and friends know early that you are in the middle of a move. Accept help when offered and delegate holiday tasks like meal prep or gift shopping. If you have children, maintain one or two meaningful traditions but do not try to do everything. A calm, organized move is a better gift to your family than a perfect holiday.
If you are moving before a holiday you typically celebrate, pack decorations last and unpack them first at your new home. Label holiday decoration boxes clearly and load them onto the truck last so they come off first. For a Thanksgiving move, consider hosting a simple potluck at the new place as a housewarming-meets-holiday celebration. For Christmas, a small tabletop tree is easier to manage than a full setup during a move.
Four weeks out: book movers, schedule utility transfers, notify schools if applicable. Three weeks out: begin packing non-essential items, set up mail forwarding, update your address with banks and subscriptions. Two weeks out: confirm all appointments, pack holiday items strategically, arrange pet or childcare for moving day. One week out: pack essentials bag, confirm mover arrival time, prepare both homes. Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your holiday move budget and find the best rates for your timeline.
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Most moving companies do not operate on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day. Some offer service on the days surrounding holidays at standard or slightly elevated rates. Book early and confirm holiday availability directly with your mover.
The holiday season (November through early January) is generally the cheapest time to move due to low demand. You can save 15-30% compared to summer rates, though the exact savings depend on your location and the specific dates.
Involve children in the process by letting them pack their own special items. Maintain at least one holiday tradition to provide normalcy. Arrange childcare for moving day itself so you can focus on logistics. Frame the new home as an exciting holiday adventure.
