Balancing a Move and Holiday Cheer

The holiday season is busy enough, but add a move to the time crunch, and you could quickly feel overwhelmed. Then comes the desire to host a holiday party. Can you do it following your move? Yes.

The best time to move is not during this time of the year, but often, you cannot choose when to move. A job change or the need to downsize comes, and you tell yourself, “You can do this!” And you can!

If your move is scheduled for November through December, then realize that you are not alone. Others move during this time of the year with great success.

The best thing you can do is always to make a plan. Buy a large fold-out calendar and write down all your appointments and “must-do’s.” You can also enter these on your calendar on your phone or computer but there is something about “writing it down” that works. Your phone may not always alert you to upcoming appointments.

Moving and then hosting a holiday party or simple “get-together” needs to be planned in advance so you can smoothly go through your move and then concentrate on your guests.

Don’t give up on hosting Thanksgiving just because you’ve moved.  Read on for some practical pre- and post-moving tips that can help you host a fantastic holiday dinner or gathering after your new move.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Every party requires advanced planning. Begin by prioritizing what you need to unpack, how to decorate and where, inviting your guests, and keeping track of the RSVPs. Make sure that you have the available space to accommodate everyone you want to invite. You want people to feel welcome and comfortable.

Consider Storage as a Solution If you have agreed to host a dinner party or even a holiday event but you know you will not have time to unpack everything and you don’t want boxes stacked around your house, consider storing those and any furniture that you feel is too large for your event. Many moving companies offer secure, climate-controlled short-term storage. Ask your relocation team to provide costs and details.

Pack Holiday Items Separately. You want to make sure that your holiday decorations can be easily found. This includes the dishes, cookware, supplies, decorations, and pantry items that you will need. Within your packed holiday boxes, include a list of items you need to purchase for your holiday gathering.

After You Move: Unpack the Kitchen First. People who you invited will understand that you have just moved. Some rooms in your house may not be perfectly “put together.” But you must make sure the kitchen is! Try to focus on only what you need for your holiday gathering. After you accomplish this, you can continue to unpack everything else.

Set Your Table Up: Your relocation team will most likely disassemble and assemble all of your furniture. Work closely with them and check, before they leave, that your kitchen or dining table is assembled and put together for your upcoming event.

Decorating Your New Home for the Holidays

Decorate! Time and your budget will determine how much you do. Be sure to ask your moving team to place your furniture where it makes the most sense for your party.

If you have your seasonal decorations ready, then you will quickly discern what else needs to be purchased or not. Sometimes, less makes a powerful statement.

For example, adding some pumpkins for Thanksgiving, along with a seasonal wreath and some fall harvest-themed décor, may be all you need. You can set the holiday mood with scented candles and by adding a seasonal doormat to welcome guests.

Create Your Dinner Menu This is the fun part because you get to see how far you want to go with your holiday event. A little advice up front: Don’t overextend yourself. You have many more years to host parties in your new home.

You have options! Certainly, you can opt to cook, or you can cook the main dish and ask others to bring a side dish. The goal during this time of the year is to be with family and friends. Ordering dinner from a local restaurant or even going out to eat is acceptable. The most important thing is to be realistic about what you can handle. This can be dependent on your move-in date.

You also can rent or borrow what you need for your party or even host the event at an alternative venue. These are not as warm and welcoming as being in your home, where people can sit and talk, but they work if you realize you feel too stretched.

Housewarming vs. Holiday Party: What Works for You?

Have a Housewarming Party Many people decide to forgo all the fuss of a “sit down” meal and have a housewarming event. You can invite new neighbors, friends, and family to join in the fun and excitement as you settle in your new home. Give tours and have fun telling all that you hope to do with your new home.

The Big Question: Do You Use Paper and Plastic or Unpack China? Be kind to yourself! Since you will still be unpacking, paper or plastic plates, napkins, knives, and forks will work, especially since there is so much to choose from in this area. Save your better plates and flatware for another time. Instead, enjoy what you have been given.

Entertainment? A simple acoustical guitar or piano adds a lot to the holiday atmosphere, but remember; there will always be guests who want to gather in other common areas to watch TV and just sit and talk. If children are involved, make sure you have a few games and or toys.

Relax and Enjoy the Holidays Post-Move

A Wise Word: Enjoy Your Holiday! Whatever you do during the holidays, you want to make sure you do one thing: enjoy this time. Try to relax and settle in as much as possible. There will be so much to do after this season has passed, and you can complete your unpacking. Settling in and decorating can be a great way to decompress. Doing some simple cooking is another way to be with your family or friends and loved ones.

Don’t try to do everything at once! Friends should not expect everything to be perfect, so lay your perfectionism aside. Do what you can and make this holiday season one of your best!

About Lambert Moving Systems — As your go-to provider for moving and storage solutions, Lambert Moving Systems offers a comprehensive range of services to meet all your needs.

In addition to our exceptional moving services, Lambert Moving Systems also provides secure storage solutions. If you find yourself in need of temporary or long-term storage, we offer safe and climate-controlled facilities to keep your belongings protected. Our storage units are monitored around the clock, ensuring the utmost security and peace of mind. Call or Schedule an Appointment to experience excellence.