You might normally expect to spend the week after Christmas on the sofa, eating leftovers. And few could blame you.
But contrary to popular belief, the property market doesn’t shut down over the festive season. In fact, Boxing Day is traditionally the busiest day of the year on Rightmove, as house-hunters search for their dream home.
For tens of thousands of people, the period between Christmas and New Year is far from quiet. Instead, it’s spent packing boxes, loading vans and unloading furniture as they prepare to kick off 2026 in a new property.
There’s no magic fairy dust I can sprinkle to make moving easier. But if you’re relocating over the next couple of weeks, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Follow these tips, and you’ll give yourself a much better chance of a smooth move.
‘The property market doesn’t shut down over the festive season’
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Weather
Unpredictable British weather can be one of the biggest challenges of a winter move, whether it’s snow, ice, heavy rain or strong winds.
Where possible, book removal vans and key collections as early in the day as you can to make the most of limited daylight hours. Pack extra layers, blankets, torches and even grit in case of icy conditions.
Use waterproof covers, heavy-duty cardboard boxes and pack electronics carefully to minimise exposure to the elements.
Travel
While the run-up to Christmas often brings traffic chaos, the roads are usually much quieter in the week afterwards.
Even so, vehicles should be serviced and fully prepared for tougher winter driving conditions. It may feel like a low priority, but knowing your transport is reliable gives peace of mind and removes one more potential problem on moving day.
Time off
Most school terms finish before Christmas, meaning children won’t miss lessons, and the move causes less disruption. The end of December also often means you won’t need to book additional annual leave.
Having consecutive time off gives you more opportunity to settle into your new home in one go. Make the most of extra childcare support too, as family members are often more available over the festive period.
Limited services
While you may be off work, many service providers operate reduced hours or close altogether over Christmas and bank holidays. This includes removal companies, solicitors and estate agents.
Book services well in advance, check for holiday surcharges and always get written confirmation, particularly around key collection times. Save out-of-hours contact numbers just in case.
Don’t forget the wider essentials: arrange parking permits with your local council, update your address with your GP and bank, and notify utility companies promptly. This avoids paying for a home you’ve left, or arriving to find no heating or water.
Rubbish collection dates also vary, so check recycling centre hours and consider booking waste removal early.
Packing
Packing becomes far easier if you declutter first. Many charities welcome extra donations in the run-up to Christmas, making it a good time to pass on unwanted clothes, furniture and books.
Professional packing can be a worthwhile investment during an already hectic period. If you’re decorating before Christmas, consider scaling back to ease the post-festive workload.
Many people spend the period between Christmas and New Year’s packing boxes and loading vans
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Always pack a “first night essentials” box. And if you usually host Christmas, consider celebrating elsewhere, giving yourself more time to pack ahead of the move.
Jonathan Rolande is a property expert and the founder of House Buy Fast. For more information visit www.housebuyfast.co.uk