Moving During the Holidays: Christmas & New Year Tips
Why Move During the Holiday Season?
Moving during the holidays sounds counterintuitive — who wants to be lugging boxes when everyone else is sipping eggnog? But there are legitimate reasons to consider it. Real estate closings don't always align with convenient dates, lease transitions may require a December or January move, and some people simply want to start the new year in a new space.
The biggest perk is price. The holiday period — roughly December 20th through January 5th — is the absolute lowest demand period in Montreal's moving calendar. Companies that remain open offer their deepest discounts. You could save 30-40% compared to summer rates, and you'll have your pick of time slots and crew sizes.
Finding Movers During the Holiday Period
Not all moving companies operate during the holidays. Many give their crews time off between Christmas and New Year's, which narrows your options. Start calling companies in early December to find out who's available. The companies that do work during the holidays often require booking at least two weeks in advance.
Be prepared for limited crew sizes. Even companies that stay open may have reduced staff as movers take vacation. This could mean longer move times or the need to schedule across two days instead of one. Factor this into your planning and budget.
Holiday Moving Logistics
Coordinate with your building management well in advance. Condo buildings may have restricted elevator access or different hours during the holidays. Some buildings shut down their freight elevators entirely between December 24th and January 2nd. Check before you book.
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Street parking can be surprisingly easy during the holidays — many residents leave the city to visit family — but snow removal operations don't stop. Check the city's snow removal schedule for both your old and new addresses. A planned snow removal operation on your street means no-parking signs go up 12 hours in advance, and any vehicle in the zone gets towed.
Making a Holiday Move Work for You
If you're moving right before Christmas, prioritize setting up the kitchen and living area so you can host or at least enjoy a holiday meal in your new home. Keep decorations accessible for quick setup — a few strings of lights and a small tree can transform a box-filled apartment into a festive space.
For a New Year's move, use the symbolic timing to your advantage. There's something powerfully motivating about starting January 1st in a new home. Do a thorough declutter during packing — if you haven't used something all year, it doesn't deserve to come to the new place. A holiday move can be the ultimate fresh start.
