How to move gifts and decorations without ruining Christmas
Moving is one of the most stressful events in life, and relocating during the holiday season can feel downright overwhelming. Between packing boxes, shopping for gifts, and attending festive events, it can be hard to juggle it all. But moving in December doesn’t have to mean canceling Christmas.
At Dream Moving, we’ve designed expert solutions to help you handle the logistics of relocating while preserving the joy of the season. With what we call the “Santa Sack” strategy, you can safely transport your ornaments, tree, and gifts to your new home without losing the holiday spirit. As the trusted Astoria moving service, we’ve seen it all, and we know exactly how to make your holiday move as seamless as possible.
Planning your holiday move
Any successful move starts with a solid plan, and moving during the holidays requires extra care. Budget planning is just as important during a December move, especially when choosing between pricing models like flat rate vs. hourly movers in New York.
Combining your moving timeline with your holiday calendar is essential. Set a realistic schedule that accounts for holiday parties, school events, and gift shopping. If you’re hiring professional movers, be sure to book early, as the end of the year is one of the busiest times for local moving services.
Before packing anything, take inventory. Divide your belongings into categories like “pack now,” “keep for decorations,” and “gifts.” Stock up on the right supplies, including bubble wrap, packing paper, and clear plastic bins for visibility and protection. Investing in quality packing materials will go a long way in protecting your holiday items.
Packing fragile ornaments
Christmas ornaments often hold sentimental value, and we understand how important it is to keep them safe. Treat ornaments like fine china by wrapping each piece individually in bubble wrap or acid-free tissue paper. For extra protection, use storage boxes designed for ornaments. If those aren’t available, create your own compartments with cardboard dividers or egg cartons.
To ensure your movers handle these boxes with care, label them clearly as “Fragile – Christmas Ornaments” and consider using red or green tape to make them stand out.
Moving wrapped gifts
One of the biggest challenges of a holiday move is transporting wrapped gifts without damaging them. No one wants to see their beautifully wrapped presents arrive crushed or torn. Here’s how we recommend keeping them pristine:
- Reinforce fragile gifts: Wrap any delicate items in bubble wrap before boxing them.
- Use sturdy containers: Avoid using garbage bags. Instead, place gifts in rigid plastic bins or heavy-duty cardboard boxes. Fill empty spaces with packing paper to prevent movement.
- Label and track: Keep an inventory of which gifts are in which box to avoid confusion during unpacking.
Transporting your Christmas tree
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decor, and whether it’s real or artificial, it needs special care during a move.
- Artificial trees: If you still have the original box, use it for storage. Otherwise, invest in a durable tree storage bag. Disassemble the tree carefully to avoid bending branches.
- Real trees: Wrap the tree in netting to protect branches and minimize mess. Place a plastic bag over the base to retain moisture and prevent leakage. If the tree is large, we can help you plan the logistics to ensure it’s transported safely.
Protecting other decorations
Your holiday decor likely includes more than just ornaments and trees. Here are some tips to protect other festive items:
- Lights: Prevent tangles by wrapping string lights around cardboard or empty rolls. Pack them in padded boxes to protect the bulbs.
- Wreaths and garlands: Store wreaths in rigid containers or hat boxes to maintain their shape. Coil garlands loosely in plastic bins.
- Sentimental items: Heirlooms like nativity scenes or menorahs should be packed separately. Clearly label these boxes and keep them with you during the move if possible.
Staying organized during the move
Organization is crucial when moving during the holidays. Use a color-coded system, red and green for holiday items, to identify boxes quickly. Create a “holiday essentials box” with scissors, tape, a few decorations, and festive mugs for a cozy treat on your first night in your new home.
At Dream Moving, we recommend unpacking holiday items first to make your new space feel festive right away. You don’t need to unpack the entire house; just setting up the tree and hanging a few stockings can make a big difference.
Partnering with Dream Moving
When it comes to moving during the holidays, our goal is to take the stress out of the process so you can focus on celebrating. As top-rated Astoria movers, we have the experience and expertise to handle even the most delicate holiday items. From narrow stairwells to busy NYC streets, we know how to navigate every challenge.
Our packing services save you time and ensure your belongings are handled with care. As one of our satisfied clients, Daniel R., shared, “The team at Dream Moving made my move so easy, even during the holiday rush. Everything arrived in perfect condition.”
When you trust us with your move, you can rest assured your holiday cheer will arrive intact.
So…what is the secret strategy?
Although moving during the holidays can feel overwhelming, it’s entirely manageable with the right strategy. With careful planning, thoughtful packing, and expert movers like Dream Moving, you can protect your gifts, decorations, and holiday spirit. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on creating new memories in your new home. Contact us today to learn how we can make your holiday move a breeze.