The holidays are hectic enough; add a residential move in NH and you’ve got a perfect storm. Speaking of, maybe a Nor’easter will blast through and really kick up the crazy.
In other words, moving house in NH around the holidays is less than ideal, especially when you imagine transitioning to a new home while also trying to preserve the magic of the holiday season. Between packing boxes, coordinating schedules, and managing winter weather, it’s easy for the festive moments to slip through the cracks.
All this aside, believe us when we say a holiday-season move doesn’t have to dim the sparkle on your family’s festive season. With a little planning and intentionality, you can keep the spirit of the season alive, create meaningful memories, and even start new traditions in your new home.
Before you give us the old bah humbug!, take a look at our tips below…
Read more: Keeping the Holiday Spirit Alive During a December MovePrioritize the Atmosphere, Not the Extras
Consumerism has undermined the real spirit of the season, which is that the holidays are about feelings, not perfection. Instead of stressing about full holiday décor, focus on small touches that bring comfort: a favorite candle, a wreath on the door, or a strand of lights you can hang quickly. These simple details help ground your family emotionally during a time of transition. Encourage your kids to make Christmas decorations — even the old school paper garlands will not only do in a pinch, but will also provide your new home with that authentic holiday feel.
Take a look at our 5 Steps to Make Your New House Smell Like Home
Pack a “Holiday Essentials” Box
This is big. Amid the moving chaos, it’s easy to lose track of things you’d normally take for granted this time of year. Setting aside a dedicated holiday box full of your family’s favorites, whether that means stockings, certain ornaments, books, cozy pajamas and slippers, or special treats, ensures that festive moments stay within reach no matter where you’re sleeping that night. Spoiler alert: most families require more than one box and that is okay! Try to envision how you would prepare for Christmas if you weren’t in the throes of a move, and then make every effort to collect the decor and creature comforts your family will be counting on.
Focus on the task at hand while keeping the kids distracted with our recommended Blockbusters to Benefit All Ages and Audiences Before a Big Move.
Keep Traditions Flexible
You don’t need to skip beloved traditions just because everything is in motion, but you may need to adapt them.
- If you normally bake a cookbook’s worth of recipes for holiday cookies, pick one easy recipe and make it in your temporary kitchen.
- If you usually decorate a large tree, opt for a small tabletop version this year.
- If you host gatherings, turn them into virtual celebrations or meet friends for sledding and cocoa instead.
Preserve your traditions by evolving them for this specific moment in time. Remember, you can always return to the real deal once you’re settled and ready to celebrate without the stress of a relocation.
Create New Memories Along the Way
Change is often uncomfortable and it might be hard to get everyone, especially kids, on board with this one. But, a move with kids during the holidays really does present unique opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise. So, try to capture the uniqueness of this experience as something to look back on one day. You might, for instance:
- Take a family photo amid moving boxes to commemorate this unusual season. Bonus points if everyone wears a winter hat or other holiday-themed item. Ugly Christmas sweaters, perhaps?
- Enjoy a final holiday walk or drive through your old neighborhood. Rate the neighbors’ decorations as you go!
- Pick a special ornament that represents your new home or city.
Although it’s tough to believe now, these moments can turn what might feel hectic into something heartfelt.
Embrace the Excitement of a Fresh Start
A December move sets the stage for a refreshing new year. Even if the transition feels messy, there’s something special about entering January with a clean slate, a new space, and new possibilities. Lean into that excitement and let us help you with your NH residential moving needs. Contact us to schedule your move or request a quote.
