When You’re Not Home For the Holidays

I hope you never have to temporarily relocate during the holidays. Sometimes it’s necessary though, and when clients come to me for advice about moving into temporary housing due to remodel or as part of a move, I’ve got a few caveats I’ve learned from the moving experts:

1. Stay as close as you can.
Once you know you’re going to need temporary housing, it’s time to decide where you will live for that period of time. You might be tempted to stay close to your current home in order to spend the holidays in familiar surroundings, but unless you are remodeling, it’s better to relocate as close to your new permanent home as soon as possible. Investigate rental properties or apartments that are close to your final destination. That way, you will be able to use the time in “limbo” to get acquainted with what will become your new surroundings – churches, shopping, traffic patterns, and amenities.

2. Examine and compare lease/rental contracts.
Make sure you fully understand details regarding your lease or rental agreement for your temporary housing. You don’t want to get hit with unexpected costs during an already expensive time of year. Should your new home or remodel be finished sooner than expected, find out the penalty for getting out of the lease. Ask if the lease can be extended on a month-to-month basis if your new home isn’t ready by the time it expires. Some apartments and rental homes offer month-to-month options for an increased rental fee. The more you plan for the unexpected, the less stressful it will be when or if it happens.

3. Take only what you need.
In most cases, your temporary housing will be smaller than your home, so treat the packing like you would for a long vacation. That being said, do bring along some of the things that make the holiday season special for you. If you always hang stockings, make sure those are readily available. Holiday CDs, candles, special cookie platters and door wreaths don’t take up that much room and can help bring a festive mood into your temporary surroundings.

4. Relax and enjoy.
If you usually cook a large holiday meal, this might be the year to think about dining out at someplace special. However, if you’re set on celebrating at home, simplify your meal preparations or purchase pre-made dishes to-go, versus making everything from scratch in a smaller kitchen without your usual cookware or pantry of ingredients.

5. Establish a “Necessities Box”
This box will be your lifeline, especially during December holidays.
closed and people are on vacation. It might be convenient to purchase a portable file box. It should contain:

• important papers about your move and closing;
• medical papers, insurance cards and prescription information
• documents for your children such as school records and immunizations
• banking and investment information
• addresses and phone numbers for friends and family – especially your holiday card list
• vehicle and license information
• Pet medical information and veterinarian contact information.

6. Prepare for the final moving day
Unlike moving into temporary housing, once, you’re in, you’ve got the easier end of the move ahead of you. Use this time to get the rest of your move organized. Contact utility companies to get your services turned on at your permanent home. Make appointments to meet the staff at your children’s new school. If you’ve moved to a new state, get your car license changed and your driver’s license renewed. Make change of address cards for friends and family. Write thank-you notes to people who gave you holiday or going-away gifts, or to friends who have helped you with childcare, pet sitting, etc. Make arrangements to have your items in storage delivered to your new home.