6 tips for a stress-free Christmas move
With an average of 87,000 home sales taking place during the month of December, Property DriveBuy has compiled practical advice for those due to complete this festive season, a time already known for being one of the busiest and most emotionally charged periods of the year. Despite this bringing the potential for a more stressful move, the analysis also reveals that there are actually significant advantages to making the big move around Christmas.
Property DriveBuy has analysed UK property sales volume data* and found that 72,992 sales completed in December 2024, marking a 13.9% increase on December the previous year. What’s more, over the last 10 years an average of 87,000 property transactions complete during the month of December, highlighting just how many homebuyers are likely to be navigating the moving process during the upcoming festive period.
Given how stressful even the most simple Christmas can be, adding a house move into the mix has the potential to make things incredibly challenging. But there are a number of season-specific tips that can help ensure moving home at Christmas is as smooth, organised, and stress-free as possible.
Tips for moving home during the Christmas build-up
Set a clear timeline and plan ahead
Good planning is important regardless of what time of year you’re moving, but it becomes absolutely crucial during the festive season. With holiday events, the last minute rush to wrap up work, and higher demand on moving services, setting a clear schedule helps keep the process under control. Maintaining regular communication with your estate agent, conveyancer and removals team ensures everyone stays aligned and prepared for the unique challenges of moving at Christmas.
Declutter and organise your packing
Packing should be finished well in advance of moving day, especially at Christmas when free time tends to vanish before your eyes. Preparing larger items such as furniture and white goods at least a week before the move will make the final days far easier to manage. Meanwhile, embarking on a serious decluttering mission before you start packing will vastly reduce stress, speed up the packing process and, most importantly, make unpacking at your new home much easier.
Book removals well in advance
Because working hours are shorter than the rest of the year, demand for removal vans can intensify around Christmas, so it’s vital to get them booked in as far in advance as possible. Don’t forget to stay in regular contact with them ahead of moving day to ensure all plans are going ahead as expected, and remember to take advantage of the additional services that many removals firms offer, such as packing and temporary storage.
Consider the kids
Moving day is rarely fun for anyone, and with Christmas around the corner, kids aren’t going to want to miss out on any festive fun due to packing and unpacking. It’s often best for all involved to organise some activities or child care for moving day, and maybe a couple of days either side as well.
Get ahead on setting up utilities
The last thing you want is to move in just before Christmas and realise that the heating, gas, or WiFi aren’t working. Make doubly sure that everything is set-up to be working on the day you move in because getting hold of service providers around Christmas can be tricky.
Get ahead on Christmas preparations
If you’re going to be moving house, it’s best to get the Christmas prep finished beforehand – one less thing to worry about when you get into your new home. This means getting all of the present shopping done, and the same goes for food. You might even want to arrange an online delivery for the day of your move-in.
The benefits of a festive move
Celebrate in your new home
A pre-Christmas move means you can enjoy the festive season in your new home, embracing the opportunity to decorate, host gatherings and make new memories right away.
Use of annual leave or holiday time
If you already have holiday time booked off for Christmas, it can provide a convenient window to move, unpack and settle in without needing to take extra days off work.
Possible cost savings
With fewer moves taking place during certain parts of the festive season, some removals firms may offer better availability or competitive rates.
A fresh start for the New Year
Being fully settled by Christmas allows you to begin the New Year with a clean slate, without the burden of unpacking or dealing with moving-related admin. You’ll be heading into 2026 in a brand new home – what can be better than that?
Steve Foreman, Founder and CEO of Property DriveBuy, commented:
“Moving home at Christmas might sound like a recipe for disaster – a real raw turkey – but with the right preparation, it can actually be a gift in disguise.
From ready-made time off to the joy of settling into a new home just in time for the holidays, there are plenty of reasons a festive move can work in your favour.
With a clear plan and a little Christmas spirit, buyers can turn what could be a chaotic season into the perfect end to the year, and an exciting start to the next chapter.”
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