They say timing is everything, and when the calendar flips to the holiday season, that saying couldn’t be truer.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Should you move during the holidays?”, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Americans pack their boxes while the rest of the country is stringing up lights and shopping for last-minute gifts.
In fact, around 24–27% of moves in some U.S. cities happen during the winter months, even though it’s considered the “off-season” for the moving industry.
But holiday moving isn’t for everyone. There are real holiday season moving benefits and drawbacks you need to weigh. On one hand, you could save costs by moving during the winter holidays due to lower demand for movers, cheaper rental rates, and motivated landlords or home sellers.
On the other hand, you’ll need to handle weather challenges, possible travel delays, and the reality of balancing boxes with Christmas cookies.
The good news is we’re not giving you vague “maybe it’s a good idea” answers. This is your complete breakdown, where we will discuss whether you should move during the holidays or not. By the time we’re done, you’ll know exactly whether it’s a good idea or not.
The holiday moving season is a short but unique period for relocation. It usually runs from late November to early January, right when the year is winding down and most people are focused on holidays, school breaks, and travel.
This is also when many people start wondering, “Should you move during the holidays?”, because it can offer opportunities you don’t get at other times of the year.
During the holiday season, demand for moving services drops compared to the busy summer months. This lower demand gives you discounts on moving trucks and reduced storage fees.
Fewer people are booking movers, which means more scheduling flexibility for you.
However, the housing market can feel different:
Your experience depends heavily on where you live:
In some warm-weather cities like Miami and Orlando, over 26% of annual moves happen during the winter months. In contrast, northern cities see fewer moves, but that can work in your favor if you want less competition for movers and better rates.
The holiday season brings its own set of opportunities and challenges, and understanding them will help you plan better and avoid surprises.[/caption]
One of the biggest advantages of a holiday move is the potential for saving costs. Demand for moving services is usually lower, which means you might find:
However, keep in mind that in some areas, demand can spike near the holidays, such as Christmas or New Year’s Day, because people use their holiday time off to relocate.
Holiday moving weather challenges can make a big difference in how smoothly your move goes.
Even with lower demand, the holiday calendar can be tricky. Movers, real estate agents, and utility companies may have limited hours during late December. The flexibility of holidays when moving is a plus; you might be able to take time off from work without using as many vacation days.
During the holiday season:
The holidays are often filled with traditions, gatherings, and travel. A move during this time means balancing packing and logistics with holiday events. It can be a great way to start fresh in the New Year, but it can also feel rushed if you’re juggling too many commitments.
When someone wonders if moving during the holidays is a good idea, then let’s discuss the pros and cons of moving during the holidays.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Lower rates for movers, storage, and rentals (off-season savings) |
Weather risks like snow, ice, and delays |
|
Easier scheduling and availability |
Added holiday stress—shopping, parties, travel |
|
Possible discounts and landlord flexibility |
Disruption of holiday traditions and routines for families |
|
Friends and family are likely available to help (time off) |
School-year interruptions for kids |
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A fresh start into the New Year and lower competition in real estate |
Peak holiday travel leads to traffic and logistical challenges |
If you’ve decided that moving during the holidays is the right choice, you need a clear plan that fits both the moving process and the busy holiday season.
Your main focus here is booking and organizing.
This is the packing and confirming stage.
Now you’re setting yourself up for a smooth moving day.
Your goal here is to stay on schedule and safe.
Your move is getting comfortable fast.
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
The holiday season brings both potential savings and extra costs, and knowing where these come from can help you plan ahead.
While moving during holidays, cost savings can be possible, but some expenses can actually rise:
The good news is that the holiday season can also offer real savings.
You can stretch your budget further with these simple steps:
When you’re deciding to move during the holidays, one of the biggest choices you’ll make is whether to hire professional movers or do it yourself.[/caption]
Both options have their own benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your budget and comfort level with handling the move.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
If you are moving during the holidays, having a smart packing plan will help you stay organized while keeping the festive spirit alive. The holiday season adds extra considerations like weather, celebrations, and limited time, so packing strategically is important.
Begin packing 4–6 weeks before moving day. Go room by room and donate or sell what you don’t need—this reduces the number of boxes and can contribute to holiday cost savings.
Set aside a small box with holiday decorations, gifts, wrapping paper, and favorite seasonal items. This way, even if you’re surrounded by moving boxes, you can still enjoy the holidays in your new home.
Winter moves can mean snow, rain, or icy conditions. Use waterproof covers for furniture, plastic bins for sensitive items, and double tape on boxes to handle holiday moving weather challenges.
If you’re moving close to Christmas or New Year, keep winter clothing, baking supplies, and any last-minute gifts accessible until the final few days before the move.
Mark each box with the room it belongs to and its contents. A clear labeling system saves time when you’re unpacking and settling in.
Include essentials like bedding, toiletries, snacks, chargers, and basic kitchenware. Keep it with you so you can get comfortable right away in your new home.
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Moving Activity & Market Trends You might ask: What’s actually happening during this season? · In cities like Las Vegas, 27.3% of all moves happen during the holiday/winter months, nearly 11 percentage points above the national average. · Miami clocks in at 26.8%, New York at 26.4%, Orlando at 26.4%, and San Diego around 26.3%, all significantly busier than many northern cities. · Conversely, places like Minneapolis, Boston, and Chicago see 7–11% fewer moves than average during the holidays. · Also, housing seasonality matters: winter in many areas offers 5–10% savings on housing because inventory is low and buyers are rare. |
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Yes, moving in December is often cheaper than in peak summer months because demand for movers is lower. Many moving companies offer off-season discounts, especially during early December or early January.
Most moving companies do not operate on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, but some may work on surrounding days for an extra fee. Always confirm availability in advance.
Use waterproof covers, plastic bins for moisture-sensitive items, and seal boxes with heavy-duty tape. Keep fragile items insulated with blankets or bubble wrap to protect against cold temperatures.
Yes, inventory can be lower because fewer people list homes in winter. However, sellers who are on the market may be more motivated to negotiate.
If you want to avoid holiday scheduling conflicts, moving before mid-December can be easier. If budget is your priority, moving in early January can offer better rates and more availability.
