Moving during the December–January period can be chaotic. December is the busiest time for moving. Roads are busier, movers book out fast, and the heat can make a move exhausting. The most important thing to do if you’re moving at this time is to plan ahead.
The earlier you organise your move, the easier it will be to avoid holiday shutdowns, secure the high-demand services, and keep costs under control.
Here’s how to plan a smooth move during the holidays in 2025, step by step.
1. Secure your removalist early
December is one of the most popular times to move, but many removalist teams operate at reduced hours. To secure the date you want (and avoid higher holiday rates), it’s a good idea to book your Sydney movers ideally before the end of November.
This is important, as you’ll be competing with:
- families moving before the new school year
- people moving out before leases end on 31 December
- removalists working reduced hours
- public holiday shutdowns.
Booking early helps you lock in a reliable moving company and keep clear of the holiday rush.
If you’re moving interstate, book your removalists in Sydney even earlier. Long-distance transport schedules might have tighter cut off dates over the holiday period.
2. Check holiday shutdown dates
Of course, it’s not just removalists getting booked out in the holidays. A lot of essential services will also run on reduced hours around Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.
This can affect:
- cleaners
- carpet steamers
- rubbish removal
- professional packers
- electricians, plumbers and handymen
- storage facilities
- utility providers.
To avoid delays, ask these companies for their holiday operating hours and book every service at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
3. Pick the best moving day
After you’ve figured out when your services will be available, it’s time to choose a moving day! The cheapest and quietest days in December/January period are usually:
- Weekdays (avoid Fridays and Saturdays)
- Early December (before the 15th)
- Mid January (the week after schools go back)
Try to move before Christmas if possible. Late-December shutdowns can delay everything from carpet cleaners to utility providers.
4. Create a holiday-proof packing schedule
Packing is always overwhelming, but during the holidays can be even worse. Instead of trying to pack everything in one go, break tasks down into clear stages:
Early November: Declutter, book removalists, order packing suppliesLate November: Pack seasonal items, spare rooms, books and décor, disassemble furniture you don’t use oftenEarly December: Pack non-essentials and donate or sell unused items Week before move: Pack essentials only
Using sturdy, high-quality packing boxes and materials will make the process faster and safer.
5. Use a storage space in Sydney
If you’re short on time or trying to avoid even more mess during the holidays, think about storing items you won’t need until after your move.
This will lessen your packing workload and help you avoid rushing last-minute decisions.
Holloway’s secure, flexible Sydney storage facilities make it easy to store furniture, seasonal items, or entire rooms until you’re ready for them.
6. Update utilities and services early
During December, processing times can be a lot slower. You don’t want to be left in your new home without power or internet, so organise all your utilities 2–3 weeks before moving day.
This incudes:
- transferring electricity and gas
- booking internet installation
- redirecting mail
- updating insurance policies
- notifying your council
- updating car rego (if needed).
Many providers shut down or experience delays between 24 December and 2 January, so get it done early.
7. Prepare for extreme heat
The holiday season usually brings high temperatures, so take extra care to protect your belongings (and yourself!). Here are some suggestions:
- Plan an early morning move
- Wrap candles, cosmetics or food items securely
- Make sure you and your movers are hydrated
- Check weather forecasts 48 hours before moving
What’s the best time to move houses? Early morning is the safest and most efficient time. Although in December, mornings usually book out quickly for movers and packers in Sydney, so you may need to move later in the day.
8. Keep your holiday plans realistic
Your holiday calendar is going to fill fast. You’ll have plenty of lunches, travel plans and end-of-year events to prepare for. To keep your moving schedule on track without stretching yourself thin:
- block events out in your moving schedule
- avoid booking your move right before or after these days
- let friends and family know you may be less available.
The takeaway
Planning a smooth move during the holidays in 2025 is absolutely possible with smart planning. By booking removalists in Sydney in advance, avoiding service shutdowns, and keeping realistic expectations, you’ll enter the new year feeling settled and ready for a fresh start.
