6 things to know about moving on a holiday weekend

PLAN AHEAD!! is the #1 rule of all household moves, and it is especially important if you are moving on a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Thanksgiving. Here are some moving tips and extra challenges to consider when planning a move during a holiday weekend.

1. Friends and Family may be busy

If you’re looking for help on moving day over a holiday weekend, you may want to ask friends and/or family well in advance. Many will already have plans that do not involve hauling heavy objects, especially during warm weather holidays. One of the most important moving tips is to ask early, before people make plans. If you do recruit friends and family to help you move, you may want to consider ordering food and hosting a combined holiday/thank you party once you’ve completed the move.

2. Movers may be unavailable, booked or busy

Especially during the early spring and summer months, the demand for professional moving companies is VERY high, and many are booked on holidays. Since the spring/summer season is also a period of high demand and low availability, you will want to check with your moving provider and schedule far in advance for a move during any holiday.

3. Many stores are closed on holidays

Moving day often brings the need for last-minute supplies. If moving yourself, stock up on items for every possible scenario including extra tape,boxes, snacks, bottled water, garbage bags, packing paper and furniture pads.  Professional moving companies will have all of this on move day.

4. Roads may be closed

Plan your route accordingly in anticipation of road closures for parades, festivals and other events. Roads in some states may have travel restrictions for heavy loads. Check with your moving company, they will be able to share these kinds of traffic-related moving tips with you in advance.

5. Watch out for drunk drivers

It’s a sad reality, but with holiday weekends, come added chances for incidents involving drunk driving and the risk of accidents goes up every holiday. Plan to get your move done earlier in the day if possible.

6. Hotels may be booked

If you had planned on staying in a hotel on the night before your move, book your room well in advance.

If you have any choice in planning your moving date, there is a strong case for not moving on a holiday weekend. If the only time that works falls on such a date, planning ahead can help avoid pitfalls and minimize the inconvenience.

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Weekend!