You Can Sell Your Home During the Holidays Without Hassle

Normally the annual traditions and celebrations observed during the holidays are an anchor for the soul. Despite the hustle and bustle of organizing, buying, wrapping, posting and partying, much of the joy and spirit of the season comes in knowing what to expect.

Except when you’re moving!

It seems ludicrous that anyone would intentionally inject more stress into this hectic period than to schedule a relocation right in the middle of yuletide festivities. Yet many do by necessity.

They have planned or paid time off from work off to complete the sorting, packing and cleaning, loading, travel and unloading arrangements. Kids are out of school so it doesn’t disrupt their academic schedule as much. Family and friends home for the holidays can help manage the process.

Frequently the angst associated with routine relocation activities, however, causes everyone to overlook the obvious. A little pre-planning can help reduce not only seasonal anxiety but the normal fear that comes with making a life transition during a period that’s usually filled with pleasant memories.

•                Separate the things you need for your holidays festivities. – Don’t pack all the wrapping paper, ornaments, gifts, cards, clothes or medications until you’re sure they won’t be needed. You don’t want to arrive at Grandma’s house only to realize all the presents are secured in a box at home, traveling in a moving truck, or sitting in storage somewhere.

•                Plan for delays. – Especially is you’re using a mover. Many local and long distance drivers schedule time at home with their own families between Thanksgiving and New Years. It might take longer than you’d normally expect to pick-up and deliver your household goods. Frequently moving, storage and utility companies, equipment rental outfits, and third party labor and appliance services operate on reduced hours or with smaller crews during the holiday season.

•                Make sure everyone involved knows your timetable and how to communicate with you. – Share your holiday schedule and any available contact phone numbers or digital media addresses with everyone involved in your relocation plans, including your family, friends, moving and utility companies, loading/unloading labor crews, landlord, moving van driver etc.

•                Confirm in advance that each address is accessible. – A five mile long parade, or restricted access thoroughfare because of other holiday festivities can quickly throw a monkey wrench into the best thought-out plans.

If you know someone involved in a move during this difficult time of year, you can help most by trying to understand the immense pressure they’re under and offering your assistance – in whatever manner is needed.

If you’d normally exchange traditional gifts, plan something personal instead. Select an item that doesn’t require a lot of additional handling such as a small memento, card, picture, handmade ornament or family heirloom. Whatever your contribution, it will be remembered and appreciated long after everything is unpacked and put away.