Moving House at Christmas in Ireland: A Survival Guide

Book your removals early – really early

December diaries fill up fast, for removals companies as much as everyone else. Lots of people want to be in before Christmas, and the window is short once you take out the bank holidays. As soon as you have a likely closing date:

• Book a home survey so your move can be planned and quoted properly – you can book a survey online
• Pencil in a provisional date and keep your removals team updated if closing slips
• Have a back-up plan in case the sale is delayed – more on storage below

Know the 2026 Christmas bank holidays

[Image suggestion: a simple calendar graphic with 25, 28 Dec and 1 Jan circled.]

This year’s calendar has a twist. Christmas Day is on a Friday, and because St Stephen’s Day falls on a Saturday, the bank holiday is observed on Monday 28 December. New Year’s Day 2027 is also a Friday.

• Banks, solicitors and many offices close or run reduced hours over this period – so don’t plan a closing for the last days before Christmas if you can avoid it
• Utility providers and broadband companies may be slower to book in new connections
• Aim to move by mid-December if you want to be settled in for Christmas, or consider a January move instead

Plan around the short days

Around the shortest day, Dublin gets roughly seven and a half hours of daylight – sunrise is close to 8.40am and it’s dark again soon after 4pm. That changes how moving day works:

• Start early so the heavy lifting happens in daylight
• Get the electricity on at the new place before moving day – you’ll want lights in every room by mid-afternoon
• Pack a torch (or two) in your essentials box
• Light the path – an outside light or a few battery lanterns make carrying boxes much safer after dark

Be ready for Irish winter weather

Rain, wind and the odd icy morning are all part of an Irish December. A good removals team works in all weathers, but you can help:

• Check the Met Éireann forecast in the days before your move
• Put down old towels or floor protectors at both front doors
• Keep salt or grit handy for icy steps and paths
• Wrap furniture and mattresses well – our boxes and packing supplies include covers that keep things clean and dry
• Keep the heating on low in the new home so it’s warm when you arrive

What to do with the Christmas decorations

[Image suggestion: a box labelled “CHRISTMAS – OPEN FIRST” with fairy lights spilling out.]

Here’s the big question: put the tree up in the old house, or wait? Our advice:

• Moving before mid-December? Hold off decorating and pack everything in a clearly labelled “Christmas” box that goes on the van last and comes off first
• Moving in January? Enjoy Christmas, then take decorations down a few days before packing starts
• Wrap baubles individually and coil fairy lights around a piece of cardboard so they don’t tangle
• Presents: label them clearly (or hide them in a box marked something boring!) so little eyes don’t find them, and keep valuable gifts with you in the car

Your festive moving checklist

• Book removals and a survey as soon as you have a likely date
• Arrange An Post mail redirection – apply at least five working days before your move (handy with all the Christmas cards!)
• Tell your bank, employer, Revenue, GP and schools your new address
• Book electricity, gas and broadband for the new home early
• Do your Christmas food shop for the new address, or book a delivery slot there
• Pack an “open first” box: kettle, mugs, phone chargers, torch, bedding, medication and the kids’ favourite toys

Find more ideas in our useful hints and tips.

Dates not lining up? Use storage

Closing dates slip – especially in December. If you have to leave your old home before the new one is ready, secure storage takes the pressure off. Just Move offers warehouse storage in Dublin, plus container storage in Co. Carlow, so your belongings can stay safe over Christmas while you stay with family. When the keys come through, we deliver everything to your new home.

Why use a professional mover at Christmas?

You’ve enough on your plate in December. Using a professional team means:

• Experienced crews who know how to protect your furniture in wet weather
• Packing services if you’re short on time
• Storage options if your dates change
• One less thing to worry about, so you can actually enjoy the season

From our base in Dublin 15, Just Move handles home removals across Dublin and the surrounding counties, as well as office moves and international removals.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a good idea to move house at Christmas?

It can be. Many people like starting the new year in a new home. The keys are booking early, avoiding the bank holidays, and having a storage back-up in case your closing date slips.

When are the bank holidays over Christmas 2026?

Christmas Day is Friday 25 December. St Stephen’s Day falls on a Saturday, so the bank holiday is observed on Monday 28 December. New Year’s Day 2027 is Friday 1 January.

How far in advance should I set up mail redirection?

An Post asks for at least five working days’ notice, so apply well before your moving day – especially with the Christmas post rush.

Get your free Christmas removals quote

Moving before or after Christmas? Get in touch with the Just Move team for a free, no-obligation quote. Call us on +353 1 8017550 or visit www.justmove.ie – and let us do the heavy lifting while you get ready for the festive season.