Moving during Thanksgiving is, let’s just say, less than ideal- from relocating your holiday dinner to finding a moving company that will take care of all the details, it’s a lot to consider. Here are a few tips to not only manage your Thanksgiving moving stress but to keep the holiday mood alive and joyful along the way.
Give thanks for your movers
For the time that you’re together, the moving team is a part of the holiday cheer. Show them how much you appreciate their effort and consideration for your home by sharing the holiday kindness with hot tea or cider, cookies, or some other sort of refreshment. Take time to say thank you to each individual, and if you’re wondering how much to tip the movers — 15% of the total price of the move divided between movers is customary, or more if they really worked hard to navigate tricky stairs or tight doorways.
Bring the Thanksgiving spirit with you
Have the kids decorate the moving boxes with Thanksgiving hand-stencil turkeys. Chances are they could use a little distraction while you put those last few things into place, so set them up with some art supplies and an assignment to decorate. It will make moving during the holidays feel more exciting, and unpacking all the more festive, too.
Make dinner arrangements ahead of time
Do you have family or friends in your new city? They might be more than happy to host you for a celebratory Thanksgiving dinner to welcome you into the fold. Or instead, pack a picnic dinner: set aside the basics you’ll need and keep them with you while your movers take care of the rest. Then at your new home, you can set up a cozy picnic with all the fixings once the moving part of the day is complete. It might just be the most memorable Thanksgiving yet.
Keep the football handy
Just because you’re moving during the holidays doesn’t mean you need to miss out on this great American tradition. Tossing around a football during pauses in the moving action can be a great way to break up the day, and you can always keep the game on the radio so you don’t miss a beat. If you really plan ahead? Schedule in time for brunch somewhere local so you can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade between 9:00 am and noon in all time zones. Who doesn’t love seeing giant Snoopy Santa?
At the end of the day, take time to give thanks
Gather everyone together and give thanks for your day. Invite everyone to offer up something they’re feeling grateful for, even if it’s “I’m grateful this move is over and went well!” or “I’m thankful we hired a moving company!” Amidst all of the chaos of holiday moving, there’s still a lot to be thankful for. So take a family moment, or a pause for just the two of you, to pause and give thanks.
So here’s to your smooth and successful move this holiday. If you want to make sure it goes extra well, consider hiring a full-service moving company. They’ll make everything as easy for you as possible.
