Lifestyle and Leisure
Removals: What to put in the Christmas box
Moving home can be quite stressful at the best of times, but if you find yourself moving around Christmas, you could be left in more of a muddle than last year’s fairy lights!
According to removal company Robinsons International, Christmas is a popular time of year for moving home, with some people trying to fit the move into the school holidays, while others are looking for a fresh start in the New Year.
But, whatever the reason, festive homemovers run the risk of accidentally gift wrapping the kettle, or packing away Christmas presents never to be found again, without some proper planning ahead.
First of all, don't panic! With careful organisation on your part and help from a reliable removal company - choose one which is registered with the British Association of Removers (BAR) - you'll be in your new home, sipping mulled wine, singing carols and watching the annual Christmas repeats on TV before you know it!
To help you along, Robinsons International has put together the following tips for a smooth Christmas move:
1. Buy your Christmas presents as early as September if needs be – you'll miss the Christmas shopping rush and you can send or deliver them as soon as you like before you move
2. Write your Christmas cards in October and enclose your change of address card – that way you'll have a pile of cards of your new doormat when you arrive
3. Untangle the Christmas lights and tinsel and sort out your decorations, wrapping delicate baubles in bubble wrap or newspaper before storing in a clearly marked box
4. If you have children, make a Christmas moving advent calendar which can be a countdown to your move as well as a countdown to Christmas
5. Make an early New Year's Resolution to de-clutter by following the 2 year rule – if you haven't used something for 2 years – throw it out!
6. Make your Christmas food list early, buying non-perishable food, drink and treats well in advance, storing them in a cool place, in a box marked 'Christmas'
7. Invest in an artificial Christmas tree – even if it's only for this year, it will make life easier and leave less mess in your new home
8. Organise all your Christmas party clothes, down to the Father Christmas outfit and antler headband, and when you pack them, make sure they will be first out of the boxes when you arrive at your new home
9. Find contact details for the local butcher near to your new home and order the turkey and trimmings to be delivered on Christmas Eve. Also find out where your local greengrocer or supermarket is and get fresh vegetables delivered
10. Start spreading the Yuletide cheer by taking a Christmas card and festive bottle of wine around to your new neighbours
11. Don't put yourself under unnecessary pressure and invite everyone for Christmas dinner – promise them an invite as soon as you have settled in, or ask them over for drinks and mince pieces instead
12. Finally, remember that 'Christmas comes but once a year', and if you leave some boxes unpacked until after the festivities, it really doesn't matter
For more tips on moving home visit Robinsons.
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