Moving House at Christmas Time

yellowcrocus

Hello

My family (me, DH and 2 children age 9 and 2) are currently waiting to exchange contracts on a house we're buying and it looks like we are likely to move house in December. With a bit of luck it will be early December but we could easily end up moving 2 or even 1 week before Christmas. We need to do some decorating as soon as we get in too just to add to the chaos!

Christmas is always a big deal in my house, I usually go crazy with the decorations, baking, crafting etc. I don't know how this is going to be possible with everything else going on. Normally by now my planning would be in full swing but I haven't had time to think about it this year. So I'm looking for any clever tips and quick cheats to keep the magic of Christmas alive in the middle of moving house. Any ideas gratefully received! :xmastree:

SailorSam

Oh isn't that a terrible time to have to move. If it does need decorating i'd only be giving it the bare minimum, do the lounge where people will see, forget bedrooms, maybe a quick coat of paint on the walls and forget ceilings. Then after New Year go back and do things properly. When you have the deces up nobody will notice the smudgy walls.

Spendless

What about doing some activities outside of the home if you have time? When she was 4 my DD was given a book that details all the things that a child does with her family during the run-up to Christmas. For years we have replicated them or as close to possible. So for example something we do from the book is 'eat sausage rolls hot from the oven, buy crackers in town and ride home on the bus when it's dark and the lights are shining' I've cheated by buying the sausage rolls from Greggs and then done the rest before now.

Attend a carol service, either at your old place or your new one?

Take the kids on a walk to see the decorated houses?

Introduce a Christmas Eve hamper if you don't already do this?

Luckystar

You've probably already thought of this but have a box(es) labelled Xmas for your decs and stuff and then when you do move its all organised ready to put up. You could rope some family or friends in to help with the painting and decorating and have mince pies and Xmas food for them to keep the Xmas spirit going whilst they all work. It will be stressful to move in December but I bet in years to come you'll have nice memories of moving into your new home close to Xmas. Hope it all works out for you

jackomdj

Why not postpone decorating, but get some tester pots and paint Christmas things on the walls!

You could ask the 9 year old to decorate your tree, this would give them a job to do to keep them busy when you are doing things.

Wrap your presents and box them up to move early.

Buy any non perishable Christmas food and box it up early.

Write your cards early.

The above 3 mean you have less to worry about when you move.

SailorSam

jackomdj wrote: »

Why not postpone decorating, but get some tester pots and paint Christmas things on the walls!

I like that idea, big festive murals that make Christmas bright don't cost a fortune and are easily painted over. There must be templates around the Internet that you could copy.

MoneyMate

Don't' forget to tell Santa your new address, ( for the kids sake ) :santa2:

sillyvixen

about 8 years ago, my mum had new nieghbours move in about 4 days before christmas - they had 2 young children who were kept busy helping dad decorate an artificial tree while mum unloaded pre-wrapped pressies from the car to the garage - all while the removals people were unloading the furniture. it can be done with a bit of planning.

Crowdpleaser

Snap. We move next week to, lets be honest a house with a lot of work to do! Was getting really excited this year but have decided am just gonna put up old decs as the house decor is sooooo bad then next year I will buy some lovely new stuff. Oh I am buying a new tree x

yellowcrocus

Some great ideas, thanks

I don't think we can postpone decorating, but you are right Sailor Sam I don't think we need to do the ceilings.

Doing more Christmas things outside is a great idea Spendless, it will give us all a break from the madness.

I love the idea of mince pies to help the decorators, Luckystar, maybe some mulled wine too. :beer:

And I think you are right sillyvixen and jackomdj I need to start planning and gathering supplies while I have the chance!

Crowdpleaser, good luck with your move!

Moneymate Santa is already on my list of people to update, in between the gas company and the doctors.

poppett

We moved into our new home on the 15th December 4 years ago. It was very chaotic but I made sure out of all the rooms I had sorted my living room first and I got the tree up virtually straight away. Next was the kitchen so at least we could find everything to cook the Christmas dinner. The rest of the house could be sorted as and when after the big day. Hope everything goes well for you and good luck in your new home. x