If Santa arrived early with a new key to put under your tree, then there's not much time to get your house in order before you move into your new home. Our real estate agents know the holiday to-do lists seem to grow longer and more challenging when moving is added to the list. The following suggestions will help make your move (and your holidays!) a lot smoother and a little bit merrier.

• Plan the moving date
  Some homeowners want to move between Thanksgiving and Christmas, while others prefer to move into Atlanta homes for sale between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Choose a date that fits into your work schedule, new job start date, and if applicable, your children's school calendar.
  
  
• Trim back the holiday plans
  It's best to trim back your holiday plans so that they don't overwhelm you. Simplifying the travel, gifts, and feasts will help free energy and resources to focus on the move. 
  
  
• Donate and divest your unwanted possessions
  If it is in your closet, cabinet, or garage, and you never wear it, never use it, or never seem to get around to fixing it, then it's time to sell it, donate it, or trash it. Getting rid of unused items and items that won't fit into your new home's size or decor means fewer things to pack and move.
  
  
• Pack in stages
  Pack up and label seasonal items you don't need, photo albums, files, appliances/cookware, books, linens, clothing, decorations, furniture, artwork, and other items you won't use or miss during the holidays. Stack these items in an extra bedroom, garage, or another out-of-the-way area. Taking 15 minutes here, 15 there, etc. will build momentum and make packing less daunting. 
  
  
• Hire a professional mover
  If you don't feel like packing, then hiring a reputable moving company lets you sit back and relax while the moving company does all the hard work and heavy lifting. It's an investment that can make moving during the holidays a lot easier and less stressful. Further, many professional moving companies will also help take care of many of the logistics, including utility setup, mail forwarding, and other details.
  
  
• Create a checklist
  Have you forwarded the mail? Secured the children's school transcripts? Set up utilities in the new home? Create and prioritize a checklist that includes all the critical tasks you need to complete before and after your move. Go through the list step by step until everything is done and you are settled into your new home. 
  
  
• Santa delivers furniture (and everything else!)
  You are going to want new furniture, window coverings, and plenty of other items for your new home. While you may want to go shopping for everything you need and want when you arrive, it is always easier to order items online before your move and schedule post-holiday delivery right to your front door. And, if you love a bargain, you will find plenty of post-holiday sales and year-end closeouts that can make it well worth the wait.
  
  
• Factor in the weather
  Winters in Georgia are rather mild, but if you're moving into Atlanta from up north or out west, then snow, ice, etc., can enter the forecast and add complexity to your move. Building a little flexibility into your moving date and the planned route can help you arrive at your new home safely and with all of your possessions intact.      

Are you ready to make your move into a new home in Atlanta? Contact us to speak with our team about the fabulous listings available this holiday season!