The holidays may not seem like an ideal time to buy or sell your home, but what if you can’t wait until the spring or summer to make a move? Whether you must relocate for a new job position, to be closer to family or to finish school, moving during the holidays may be something you have to do, but it doesn’t have to be hectic.

Here are four tips to buying or selling a home during the holiday season.

1. START PLANNING AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

Depending on the size of your home and the number of belongings and furniture that needs to go during the move, you’ll need to plan for taking at least three to four solid weeks to pack up. If your work-life does not allow for you to put in much time for this, employ a professional packing and moving company to help you expedite the move. If you wait until the last minute to pack and organize your things, you’ll find yourself rushing the process and adding unnecessary stress.

To make packing easier, consider utilizing a portable storage unit, which can hold a truckload of items during your transition. Our favorite local company is UNITS, owned by our preferred partner Sam McKillip. They serve over 400 cities in the United States and can help make your move easier.

2. DIAL DOWN THE DECORATIONS

If you’re selling your home during the holidays and anticipate showings around Thanksgiving or Christmas, do your best to keep decorations, presents and fluff to a minimum. Instead of a huge tree with tons of ornaments, opt for a mini tree that won’t take up a lot of space. To be festive and minimalistic, play holiday music and bake some seasonal cookies instead of having stuff that crowds the space.

You may even consider celebrating your main events at a family’s or close friend’s home instead of hosting it at your home. This will eliminate the need to overdo it and keep your home nice and neutral. Even if you’re planning to relocate or buy a home during the holidays, it’s best to keep it simple. If you play it small, there will be less clean up, less clutter and a lot less organizing when the time comes to move on.

3. BE KIND TO YOUR CHILDREN

If you’re planning to uproot your kids in the middle of the school year, be prepared to help them with this adjustment period. This may mean having a few sitdowns before, during and after the move to check in on them emotionally. Communicate the importance of having to buy or sell your home during the holidays, while validating their feelings about the move. Stay positive! Moving can be tough for your kids, but you can acknowledge how they feel and help them to transition by being there for them.

In terms of getting all of your ducks in a row, make sure their important documents and school records are transferred to the new school(s) accordingly. For the most part, this means transcripts; report cards; immunization records; any academic testing the child has undergone; and other various files and records. Most schools have a holiday vacation the week of Thanksgiving and between Christmas Eve and New Years, so be sure to make arrangements to get copies of any necessary documentation before the office staff heads out for the holidays. 

Photo by Ann Danilina on Unsplash

4. MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS SECURED

Unfortunately, home invasions and robberies increase during the holiday season. SafeWise reports (per the FBI) that 400,000 burglaries take place every year in the U.S. during the November and December months. To secure your home, make sure you set up a security system either before you put it on the market and if you’re moving set up a system before or right after moving in. Call your security system provider a few weeks prior to the move to schedule a time for them to come out and install the system in your house. With easier access to camera systems such as Ring and Google Nest, you can feel more secure knowing your home is safe.

We know that moving during the holidays can be stressful and hope that these tips help. Please reach out to us to help you make your move easier.