December is busy enough with presents, food and family plans. Add a house move and it can feel like too much. Plenty of people move over the festive period, though, and with some planning it can go smoothly. Here are our tips from years of moving families around Conwy and North Wales in winter.
1. Book Your Removals Company Early
December is one of our busiest months. Many people want to be settled before Christmas, and the bank holidays leave fewer working days. Hiring a removal company early gives you the best choice of dates and an extra pair of hands when you need it most. If your date isn’t fixed yet, tell us. We can pencil you in and talk through your options.
Get a written quote early as well, so you know the costs before the Christmas spending starts. Stay in touch with your removals team and raise any questions and concerns as they come up. We’re here to support you on your exciting move.
2. Check Your Completion Date Carefully
Solicitors, conveyancers and mortgage lenders often close or run on reduced staff between Christmas and New Year. Funds can also take longer to transfer around the bank holidays. Ask your solicitor early whether your completion date is realistic. Have a back-up plan if it slips.
If you have to leave your old home before you can get into the new one, short-term storage can bridge the gap. Ask us about our storage options.
3. Plan for North Wales Winter Weather
Winter here can bring ice, high winds and heavy rain, and daylight ends early. To keep your move safe and on schedule:
- Clear and grit paths and driveways at both properties the night before
- Keep floor protectors or old towels by the door for wet, muddy feet
- Arrange parking for the removals van, especially on narrow or steep streets
- Check the forecast and traffic on the A55 the day before
- Start early in the day to make the most of the light
Our team is used to moving in all weathers, but a little preparation makes a big difference.
4. Make a Plan and Pack Early
Write a to-do list and split it into weeks. Start packing about two weeks before your move, beginning with the rooms and items you use least. That way you won’t be up late the night before trying to fit everything into boxes.
Label every box with its contents and the room it’s going to. Unloading is quicker and you can unpack one room at a time. Professional packing is also available if you’d rather hand the job over.
5. Get Your Christmas Shopping Done Before the Move
Buy, and ideally wrap, your presents before moving day. Keep them in one clearly labelled box, or in your car if you’d like to keep them away from curious eyes. You won’t be hunting through boxes on Christmas Eve.
6. Redirect Your Post and Update Online Orders
With so many parcels on the way in December, it’s easy for gifts to end up at your old address. Set up a Royal Mail redirection well before you move. Update your address on shopping accounts such as Amazon too. For anything arriving close to your moving date, consider delivery to a friend’s house or a collection point.
7. Sort Out Utilities and Broadband
Tell your energy and water suppliers you’re moving. Take meter readings and photos of them on the day you leave and again when you arrive at your new home. Broadband installations can take longer over the holidays, so book yours as early as you can. Remember to update your council tax, bank and TV licence details too.
8. Think About Food, Kids and Pets
- Food: Run down the freezer in the weeks before the move, and defrost it at least a day ahead. If you’ve already bought Christmas food, plan how it will travel and where it will be stored.
- Children: A familiar toy or two in the car and their own room set up first help them settle quickly.
- Pets: Moving day can be stressful for animals. Consider asking a friend or a kennel to look after them for the day, and remember that New Year fireworks may unsettle them in an unfamiliar home.
9. Pack a Festive Essentials Box
Pack one box to travel with you, not in the van: kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, phone chargers, toiletries, bedding, basic tools and a few Christmas decorations. A string of lights and a small tree will make your new house feel like home on the first night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you move house between Christmas and New Year?
Yes, but completions and bank transfers can be limited, so check with your solicitor first. Removals companies’ availability is also limited, so book early.
Is it cheaper to move in winter?
It depends on the date. Dates close to Christmas are in high demand, while early January can be quieter. Get a quote for a few different dates to compare.
What happens if my completion is delayed?
Talk to your removals company as soon as possible. Storage can keep your belongings safe until you can get into your new home.