If moving AND the holidays aren't stressful enough by themselves, moving DURING the holidays can be just downright overwhelming for some people.
People do it, they get through it! Your most serious buyers and sellers are out shopping for a new home during the holidays. There are deals to be found, made and had! But moving during the holidays can be very stressful if you are not prepared, especially if you have children at home.
Consider packing a duffel bag for your child (or children). Put some of your child's favorite items in the bag, pictures of your family, their favorite toys, and a special holiday gift from you for their new bedroom that they can't open until you're in your new home. That will add excitement to their move and something to take their mind off of the scary thought of sleeping in a new place.
Keep it Real! Don't overwhelm yourself by forcing yourself to do things you typically do during the holidays. Mailing out holiday cards, baking homemade cookies, etc. can all be put on the back burner to save your sanity. Store bought cookie dough can be just as fun and less time-consuming for parents who are busy trying to pack up a house.
Prioritize and Label your boxes. All boxes labeled #1 (obviously) should be opened first; fill those boxes with your most needed items to get you through the season.
Don't go crazy forcing yourself to decorate your new home immediately, but do put up some items that remind your family of their favorite holiday things. You can always National Lampoon your new home next year and Valentine's Day is right around the corner, go crazy then to make up for it!
Invite friends and family over. No - don't cook for them, have a pot luck party! It's less you have to do and just think of the left overs you will have in the fridge so you don't have to cook dinner for a few days giving yourself more time to unpack.
Walk around your new neighborhood (or drive if you moved to the sticks) - check out all of the holiday lights and seasonal activities in your new area, make yourself at home!
Don't forget Fido and Fluffy, they are lost too. Show them special attention during the adjustment. Don't just let them out in their new yard, go out with them, toss them a ball and have some fun. Remember, they don't know where they are, they may have accidents because they don't know where the door is to their new yard, make sure to walk them to the door when you see signs they have to go do their business and don't get too mad at them if they do make a mistake. They are almost human, too!
Start a NEW tradition, something easy ... maybe a family Christmas eve portrait each year or snuggling up with your family for some pizza and movie (may I suggest Polar Express?) to celebrate the Winter Solstice on December 21st.
Lastly, play music and watch movies that remind you of your favorite holiday times. Relax and enjoy your new home. God willing, you will have plenty of years to enjoy each holiday in your new space! Yes! You can do this!
Kim Schreiner, ePRO, SFR, Realtor
2011 Philadelphia Magazine 5 Star Real Estate Professional
Office: 215.992.1726
Cell: 215.510.2149