Moving House at Christmas? Here's How to Make It Work

December isn't exactly the month most people choose for moving house. But it happens more often than you might think.

Sometimes it's a completion date that can't be moved. Sometimes a tenancy is coming to an end, or a landlord needs the property back before January. And sometimes people simply want to get settled before Christmas rather than spend the first few weeks of the new year living out of boxes.

We've helped people move through all sorts of December conditions across West London. And while there's nothing particularly complicated about a winter move, there are a few things that are worth thinking about before the day arrives.

The biggest difference is that there's less room for things to go wrong. Shorter daylight hours, busy roads, limited availability over the holidays and the possibility of completion delays all make preparation particularly important.

Here's what we'd recommend if you're planning a move this Christmas.

First, get your dates straight

Christmas falls on a Friday in 2026, which makes the calendar particularly important if you're planning to move between the holidays.

These are the key dates to keep in mind:

• Friday 25 December – Christmas Day
• Saturday 26 December – Boxing Day
• Monday 28 December – substitute bank holiday
• Friday 1 January 2027 – New Year's Day

That leaves Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 December as the main working days between Christmas and New Year.

There is one thing we'd be particularly careful about: completion.

If you're buying or selling, your move depends on more than the availability of a removals company. Solicitors, lenders, estate agents and conveyancers all need to be working, and the money needs to clear before keys can be released.

We've seen how quickly a carefully planned moving day can become uncertain when completion takes longer than expected. Before committing to a date, speak to your solicitor and make sure everyone involved is comfortable with the proposed timetable.

If you're renting, things are usually more straightforward, but it's still worth confirming exactly when you can collect the keys and when you need to hand over your old property.

Is moving at Christmas a good idea?

It can be. But it depends on your circumstances.

One advantage is having time off work. You may have a few days available to pack, organise the new property and get everything in order without trying to fit it around a normal working week.

There's also something quite nice about starting January in a new home. Rather than spending the first few weeks of the year surrounded by boxes, you can get the move out of the way and enjoy the fresh start.

On the other hand, the run-up to Christmas is busy. People want to complete before the holidays, which means demand for removals can increase. Roads and shopping areas can also be particularly congested, especially around Westfield London, Ealing Broadway and other busy retail destinations.

Our advice is simple: don't leave the booking until the last minute. Once you have a reasonably firm idea of your moving date, get a quote and discuss availability. If your completion date isn't guaranteed, tell us. It's much easier to discuss alternative arrangements in advance than to work everything out when you're already waiting for the keys.

Planning your move: a realistic timeline

If you're reading this in November, there's still time to plan a December move properly, but not much to spare. You don't need to spend every evening between now and moving day packing boxes. A little organisation, spread over the next few weeks, makes a considerable difference.

Here's how we'd approach it. If you're moving in the first week or so of December, try to get through the first two stages in the next few days.

Now: book your move and start clearing out

Start by getting a removals quote.

December dates can fill up quickly, particularly in the week before Christmas. Getting in touch now gives you more choice over dates and enough time to arrange any additional services you might need.

It's also a good opportunity to think about what you're actually taking with you. Most households accumulate things they haven't used in years. There's little point paying to move them, unpacking them and finding somewhere to store them in the new property.

Start clearing out cupboards, the loft and spare rooms. Donate what you can, dispose of anything you no longer need and separate items you want to sell.

If you're buying or selling, speak to your solicitor about their Christmas opening arrangements. You don't want to discover that the office is closed just when you need an answer about completion.

Late November: packing supplies, early packing and parking

This is a good time to get your packing supplies sorted and start packing things you won't need before moving day.

Spare bedding, books and clothes you won't be wearing can all go into boxes now. If you'd rather not source everything yourself, you can order packing supplies through our packing supplies service.

Give some thought to parking, too.

This is particularly important in West London. Many streets in areas such as Ealing, Hammersmith and Chiswick have Controlled Parking Zones, and some properties have very limited access for larger vehicles.

A removals van parked directly outside your property makes a considerable difference. If the crew has to carry furniture down the street or around parked cars, the job takes longer and becomes more difficult.

Depending on the location, you may need a parking suspension from the local council. Each borough has its own application process and notice requirements, and with the Christmas closures there's less time to play with than usual, so check these now rather than later.

If you'd prefer not to deal with the council paperwork yourself, we can help arrange parking suspensions.

Two weeks before moving

By now, most of the things you don't regularly use should be packed.

Work through the remaining rooms, leaving only everyday essentials out. Make sure boxes are labelled clearly, ideally with both the room they're going into and a brief description of the contents.

It's also worth getting the administrative jobs out of the way:

• Arrange your post redirection.
• Update your bank and other financial providers.
• Notify your GP and other relevant services.
• Arrange council tax and utility accounts at the new address.
• Confirm internet installation or transfer dates.

One thing people sometimes forget is that the new property may not have everything ready on arrival. Check that the electricity, heating and water are working before moving day, particularly if the property has been empty.

The week before moving

This is when the practical details matter most.

Confirm the moving date, arrival time, addresses and access arrangements with your removals company. Let them know about anything that might affect the job: narrow staircases, restricted entrances, lifts, particularly heavy furniture or items that need special handling.

If anything has changed since the original quote, mention it now. An accurate understanding of the job helps everyone prepare properly.

Start running down the freezer and avoid doing a large food shop. Prepare an essentials box and keep important documents, medication and valuables somewhere separate from the items being loaded onto the van.

And keep your solicitor's contact details handy. If completion is delayed on the day, you'll want to be able to get an update quickly.

Moving day

Start early.

In December, daylight in London is limited, with the sun setting at around 4pm. If loading takes longer than expected, unloading can easily end up happening in the dark.

Make sure pathways are clear, parking is available and someone is on hand to deal with keys and access at both properties.

A good removals team will take care of protecting furniture and managing the loading process, but there are a few things you can do to help: keep children and pets out of the working areas, make sure the heating and lighting are available at the new property, and keep your essentials box separate from everything else.

And yes, make sure the kettle is accessible. You'll probably want it.

Packing for a Christmas move

Packing for December has a few extra considerations, particularly if you've already decorated your home for the holidays.

Don't let the Christmas decorations get damaged

Glass baubles, ornaments and decorative pieces are often more fragile than people realise.

Wrap individual items in tissue paper or bubble wrap and use smaller, sturdy boxes. Avoid putting too many heavy decorations together, as they can shift during transport.

For fairy lights, wrap them around a piece of cardboard rather than throwing them into a box. It takes a few extra minutes but saves a lot of untangling next year.

Clearly label fragile boxes on several sides. It helps the people handling them identify what's inside, even when boxes are stacked.

What about the Christmas tree?

If you've already put up a real tree, moving it takes a little preparation.

Remove the decorations, empty the water from the stand and wrap the tree in netting or an old sheet. When carrying it, take it out trunk-first so the branches fold back naturally.

If you're moving in early December, it may be easier to wait until you've settled into the new property before buying a tree.

For artificial trees, use the original storage box if you still have it. Otherwise, dismantle the sections carefully and keep the lights and accessories together.

Pack a first-night box

This is one of the simplest things you can do to make moving day easier.

Keep this box with you, in your own car if you're driving, rather than loading it onto the removals van. You want to be able to find everything without searching through dozens of boxes.

We'd suggest including:

• Phone chargers and an extension lead.
• Kettle, mugs, tea and coffee.
• Toilet paper and hand soap.
• Bin bags and cleaning supplies.
• A torch and basic screwdriver.
• Medication and important paperwork.
• A change of clothes and basic toiletries.
• Food that doesn't require much preparation.
• Any Christmas presents you want to keep close.

If you're moving just before Christmas, add a few decorations and perhaps some fairy lights. You don't need to unpack the whole house to make the new place feel like home.

Protect your floors from the weather

Rain is a fairly regular feature of a London December.

Moving furniture in wet weather means people walking in and out with damp shoes, and that can quickly become a problem on carpets, wooden floors and freshly cleaned surfaces.

Put a large doormat by the entrance and keep old towels or runners available for the hallways.

We also recommend asking your removals company what floor protection they use. Our crews take care to protect the working areas, but a little preparation at both properties makes the process easier.

The same applies to staircases and communal entrances, particularly in flats. Wet steps can become slippery, so keeping these areas clear and safe is important.

Moving with children and pets

Moving house is disruptive enough for adults. For children, particularly younger ones, it can be difficult to understand why everything suddenly seems to be disappearing into boxes.

Give them a small box of their own to pack. Let them choose a few favourite toys, books or belongings that will be easy to find at the new house.

If possible, involve them in deciding where certain things will go. Even something as simple as choosing where the Christmas tree will stand can help them feel involved.

Pets need a little more consideration.

With doors opening and closing, unfamiliar people moving around and furniture being carried through the house, moving day can be stressful for animals. It's usually best to keep them somewhere quiet and secure, away from the main activity.

A friend or family member looking after them for the day can be a good option. Otherwise, set aside a quiet room with their bed, water and toys, and make sure everyone involved knows not to leave the door open.

Keep their food, bowls and familiar bedding accessible for the first night.

When storage can save the day

One of the more frustrating situations during a house move is when the dates don't line up.

Perhaps you've sold your property but the new one isn't ready. Maybe your completion has been pushed into January, or you're downsizing and don't have enough room for everything immediately.

This is where short-term storage can be particularly useful.

Rather than trying to find somewhere to leave your belongings or arranging two separate van hires, you can have your furniture and boxes collected, stored securely and delivered when you're ready.

At Best Rate Removals, we offer secure storage in West London, with 24/7 CCTV and flexible terms.

We can collect your belongings directly from your property, take care of the storage and arrange delivery when your new home is ready. It means you don't have to organise transport and storage separately.

Storage starts from £13 per week, making it a practical option if you need some breathing room between properties.

You can book storage online or ask us to include it as part of your removals quote.

Why local removals experience matters in West London

A house move isn't simply a matter of loading a van and driving to another address.

In West London, the logistics can make a significant difference to how smoothly the day goes.

Some streets have tight access, others have parking restrictions that make it difficult to position a van close to the property. There are Red Routes where stopping isn't permitted, narrow mews, controlled parking zones and busy roads that can add considerable time to a journey.

These are things you want your removals company to think about before moving day, not discover when the van arrives.

We've been carrying out removals across Ealing and the wider London area since 2011, operating from our base in Perivale. Our teams regularly work in places such as Acton, Hammersmith, Chiswick, Hounslow and Harrow, so we're familiar with the practical challenges that come with moving around these areas.

Just as importantly, we understand that customers aren't simply handing over furniture. They're trusting us with their homes and personal belongings.

That's why we put emphasis on planning the job properly, communicating clearly and making sure customers know what to expect.

A few things you should know about Best Rate Removals:

• Established local experience: We've been helping people move in Ealing and across London since 2011.
• Professional standards: We're members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and fully insured.
• Clear pricing: We provide fixed-price quotes, so you know what the agreed move will cost before the day.
• Customer feedback: We're rated 4.8 out of 5 from more than 860 Google reviews.
• Trusted by organisations: Our clients include Ealing Council, Brent Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
• Additional services: Alongside removals, we can help with packing supplies, parking suspensions and secure storage.

Whether you're moving a small flat or a larger family home, the aim is the same: to make the process as straightforward as possible, without leaving you to organise every detail yourself.

Moves start from £75 per hour. For a better idea of what your particular move might cost, take a look at our guide to house removals costs in London for 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to move house in December?

Not necessarily. The weeks leading up to Christmas can be particularly busy, as many people want to complete their move before the holidays.

Prices depend on the date, property size, distance and services required. The best way to get an accurate figure is to request a quote based on your actual moving requirements.

Can I move between Christmas and New Year?

Yes, provided the necessary arrangements are in place.

The main consideration for buyers and sellers is completion. Solicitors, lenders and conveyancers may have reduced opening hours or be closed over the holidays, so confirm that your completion can go ahead before booking your removals date.

We can also discuss our availability for the remaining working days between Christmas and New Year.

How far in advance should I book a Christmas move?

Ideally around six weeks before your planned moving date, which for a Christmas move means now. If you're reading this in November, get in touch as soon as you have a likely date, particularly if you're hoping to move in the week before Christmas.

You don't necessarily need to have exchanged contracts before requesting a quote. In fact, discussing the job early gives you more time to plan and understand the options available.

What happens if my completion is delayed?

Let your removals company know as soon as you become aware of a delay.

The options will depend on the circumstances and the availability of the team, but short-term storage can be a useful solution if you need to move your belongings out before you can access the new property.

This is another reason we recommend discussing a backup plan before moving day.

Will bad weather stop my removal?

Rain and cold weather don't usually prevent a move, although they can make the process slower.

The important things are safe access, suitable floor protection and taking extra care with steps, ramps and outdoor pathways if they're wet or icy.

Your removals team should be prepared to work in typical winter conditions while taking the necessary precautions to protect your belongings and both properties.

Can you arrange parking suspensions for my move?

Yes. If parking restrictions make it difficult to position a removals van outside your property, we can help arrange a parking suspension.

The process and notice period depend on the local council, so it's best to discuss this with us as early as possible.

Planning a move before Christmas?

If you're moving in December, the earlier you start organising things, the easier the experience is likely to be.

You don't need to have every box packed or every detail finalised before speaking to us. We can discuss your property, access arrangements, moving date and any additional services you might need, then provide a fixed-price quote based on your requirements.

At Best Rate Removals, we've been helping people move across West London since 2011. Whether you need a straightforward house removal, help with packing or somewhere secure to store your belongings between properties, we're happy to talk through the options.

Call us on 0208 991 1277, email office@bestrateremovals.co.uk, or request your free removals quote online.

We'd be happy to help you get settled before Christmas.