How to Prepare for your Post-Holiday Move

The holidays in Cleveland are a time filled with warmth, friends, and family. There is nothing better than taking the time to enjoy cherished meals and traditions with those you love. If this is the last holiday season in your home, then you are probably feeling bittersweet. All Cleveland moving company will say the same advice - moving can be a massive adjustment. But if you are moving just after the holidays end, the season of giving can quickly transition into the season of stress! You’re in luck, getting ready for the holidays and your imminent move can be easy peasy if you take the necessary time to prepare properly.

Get Organized

Being organized now will save you a ton time and stress once your moving company arrives! Here are some tips to stay organized and on track this holiday season:

• Print a calendar that you will use for only tasks related to the move. Mark off your move day. Next, count backwards from that day and write up a rough outline of all your move-related tasks and items to pack. Making a timeline will give you a sense of accomplishment and will keep you from losing your focus in the hustle and bustle of December.
• If you’re ending up with many boxes from online shopping and packages, save them! Use these boxes for packing your items. If these boxes also have peanuts, paper, bubble wrap, or other padding, save them! These materials are great for providing additional padding and protection for your delicate décor pieces.
• Get plenty of markets, boxes, tape, etc. Having all your supplies on hand and kept together will allow you to be ready whenever you have the inspiration to pack your things!

  

Decorations

Opening that dusty box and pulling out sentimental holiday decorations for the first time since last year is a great feeling. It’s official, the holidays are here! Unpacking our favorite ornaments, keepsakes or decorations fill us with nostalgia and excitement for the season ahead. But as you start decorating, the time is right to think ahead about how you’ll put everything away later. Not to overlook seasonal festivities, but you want to prepare more than in previous years to repack your decorations. Your fragile ornaments, snowglobes, and keepsakes are typically packed into wonderful storage boxes which sit in your basement, attic, or garage. But are they safe to be moved? Do not create more work for yourself when the season ends. Having a plan in place for how you’ll take down and then pack your décor will save you time and trouble when preparing for your move. These are some general tips for you:

• Have packing supplies ready when taking down your Christmas tree. Use tissue paper or unprinted newsprint to carefully wrap your ornaments and fragile pieces before putting them into a dish pack.
• Garlands and wreaths fit great into wardrobe boxes!
• Menorahs and kinaras should be carefully wrapped with tissue paper or newsprint, and then placed into a book carton, or inside of a dish pack with similar items.
• Wardrobe boxes are fantastic to safely pack artificial Christmas trees. Stack two on top of each other for taller trees!

 

Holiday Meals

While your family snoozes away in tryptophan bliss, use this time to wash and pack any seasonal dishes and tableware. If you have holiday sets of china, casserole dishes or cutlery, immediately packing them after washing is a great way to save time. These things are used only once a year, just properly pack them for moving right away!

Gifts

There are some things to think about when considering any new purchases or gifts. If you’re moving just after the holidays, you have probably already had your moving company provide a quote, this could be based on time or weight depending on your move. If you received or given any large gifts that could impact your estimate, please get in touch with your moving company as soon as possible. There may be extra special disassembly, services, or costs for increased/decreased weight/time than initially quoted. Some common gifts needing extra care are:

• Stationary bikes and treadmills - especially the ones that have video screens, these are in-demand holiday gifts! Keep in mind, as a result of their size and servicing necessary to secure the electronic components, you’ll want to notify your moving company if you added one of these!
• Game tables – ping-pong tables, pool tables, and poker tables might add weight and time to your move. If you have a slate pool table, it will necessitate special service before it’s moved, as well as refelting the table after the move.
• Lithium batteries- hover boards, power tools, even cameras often use lithium batteries these days. Though moving companies usually have no problem moving these batteries with no issues, you will want to make sure the battery is item and charger properly. And, FYI, lithium batteries can’t be packed into an air shipment, if you’re moving overseas.

 

Bonus tip: If you have been granted access to your new place prior to the holidays, you may have family and friends ship your gifts to your new home. This will prevent your moving company from needing to handle them, preventing the need to update your estimate.

Get nostalgic

As long as your current home is still nicely decorated, make sure to enjoy festive treats, all your favorite holiday traditions, and don’t forget to take pictures. You will be glad you’ve preserved these memories and photos to enjoy for years to come. Hosting a festive going away party is also a wonderful send-off. Make sure to invite neighbors and friends you will not see much after you move for one final holiday feast.

Contact Corrigan

Because we are a family-owned and operated Cleveland moving company, we know all about moving around the holidays! We take pride in having the most knowledgeable and compassionate employees in the industry. Do not let yourself get stressed out this season, and miss out on enjoyment and magic of your last holiday in your current home.

Our professional relocation experts are here to help you survive the season ahead. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation, in-home or virtual moving estimate today!