6 Reasons You Should Be Planning Your New Year Move Early

6 Reasons You Should Be Planning Your New Year Move Early

Planning your New Year move?

There’s something about the turn of the year that makes people crave change, a new routine, a new setting, or simply a fresh start in a home that feels more “you.”

But while New Year motivation is great, January and February are famously hectic months for anyone planning a relocation.

Removal companies get busy quickly, the weather can be unpredictable, leading to cancellations and delays, and last-minute planning never leads to a smooth move.

If you’re considering a New Year relocation, getting organised now is the smartest step you can take.

Today, we’ll look at why early planning matters and how Moray Firth Moving & Storage can help you start the year feeling calm, prepared, and fully in control.

1. Why New Year Moves Fill Up Fast in the Highlands & Beyond

1. Why New Year Moves Fill Up Fast in the Highlands & Beyond
Beat the rush. January is a peak time for Scottish relocations, so booking early secures your preferred date and protects you from price hikes.

The first few weeks of the year are among the busiest periods for relocations in Scotland.

Families review their living situations over Christmas; job relocations often kick in at the start of January; and property chains resume after the December slowdown.

All of this means one thing: the diary of every removal company, including Moray Firth Removers, fills rapidly.

Booking early gives you:

  • A choice of your ideal moving date
  • Better availability of vehicle size and crew
  • Time for the company to organise surveys, consider packing options, and specialist requirements.
  • Protection from price increases during peak periods

Waiting too long can leave you accepting whatever date is left, which is never ideal when coordinating solicitors, landlords, cleaners, or key-handovers.

👉 Explore Moray Firth Removers’ services by visiting our website.

2. Turning Your Ideas into a Practical Move Plan

2. Turning Your Ideas into a Practical Move Plan
Structure is key. Early preparation gives you time to gather quotes, arrange a pre-move survey, and set a realistic budget.

Knowing you want to move “sometime in the New Year” is a start, but a workable plan needs more structure. Early preparation allows you to map out the steps long before the pressure builds.

Start by narrowing down your likely timeframe. Once that’s in place, you can begin:

  • Gathering quotations
  • Setting a realistic moving budget
  • Notifying your utility providers & re-directing your mail
  • Checking parking or access arrangements at both properties
  • Lining up childcare or pet care for move day.
  • Planning what to pack first and what can wait.

Moray Firth Removers offer pre-move surveys so you can understand exactly what your move will involve — making budgeting and planning far easier.

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3. Decluttering Ahead of Time, A Gift to Your Future Self

3. Decluttering Ahead of Time, A Gift to Your Future Self
Lighten the load. Sorting through your loft and cupboards in winter saves money on van space and reduces packing stress.

The simplest way to reduce stress (and cost) is to lighten your load, literally!

When you start early, you can declutter sensibly rather than frantically, or worse, move things you know you don’t need but don’t have time to deal with.

Winter is also a great time to sort through the no longer needed items we all accumulate.

Plus, we spend more time indoors, which means there’s no escaping the items we’ve outgrown or forgotten about.

Proper places to start:

  • Wardrobes full of “maybe one day” clothes
  • Kitchen cupboards hiding duplicate gadgets.
  • Loft boxes untouched since your last move.
  • Sports equipment out of season
  • Old paperwork you no longer need.

Donate, sell, recycle, whatever fits your style. The fewer items you take, the faster your move will be, and the less you’ll pay for van space and loading time.

And if you’re unsure about letting go, you can always store items short-term while you settle in.

Why not make use of Moray Firth’s storage options and see just how easy it is to simply access safe, secure storage options.

4. Packaging, Prep & Winter Readiness

4. Packaging, Prep & Winter Readiness
Prepare for Highland winters. Starting your packing early ensures you are ready for short daylight hours and unpredictable weather delays.

Packing is one of those tasks that creeps up on people. One minute you think you’ve got weeks left; the next, you’re wrestling with tape guns at midnight. Starting early is the antidote.

Well in advance of your move, implement a gentle, steady packing plan by:

  • Tackling infrequently used rooms first.
  • Using sturdy boxes and proper wrapping
  • Labelling every box with room + contents
  • Setting aside essential documents
  • Creating a “day-one” bag with toiletries, chargers, basic utensils, nightwear, and kettle supplies

With Highland winters known for snow, rain, and early darkness, having your packing under control also helps the movers work safely and efficiently.

👉 Check out our handy blog Moving House in Moray 11 Professional Tips for a Successful Move

5. Confirming the Logistics, Never Leave It Too Late

5. Confirming the Logistics, Never Leave It Too Late
Avoid last-minute headaches. Early booking allows us to plan for narrow rural tracks, parking permits, and specific vehicle requirements.

As your moving date approaches, early communication becomes incredibly helpful for you and your mover.

Removal firms need a heads-up on anything that might affect access or timings, such as narrow roads, parking permits, stairways, rural track conditions, tight corners, or unusually heavy items.

Your early booking allows time to organise:

  • Correct vehicle size
  • Extra hands if needed.
  • Protective coverings for winter weather
  • Schedule flexibility
  • Route planning around local conditions

An early conversation can prevent a larger problem later.

6. Smooth Move-Day: Set Yourself Up for Success

Moving day doesn’t have to feel frantic. A few simple habits keep the process calm and controlled:

  • Clear walkways for the crew
  • Keep pets and children safe and out of the busiest areas, or ask friends or relatives to help.
  • Before leaving, double-check cupboards, sheds, loft spaces, and under-stairs storage.
  • Record meter readings before you leave (important)
  • Take photos of the property’s condition when you leave and of anything you are not happy with at the new home (always useful!)
  • Keep your essentials box separate from the main load, you don’t want the removal crew to pack it.

By the time the van doors close, you should feel confident knowing your preparation has paid off and that the Moray Firth team will take care of the heavy lifting.

Planning Your New Year Move? Why Moray Firth Removers Are the Perfect Partners

Trusted Experts in Moving – Meet Moray Firth Removals & Storage

Early planning gives you breathing space, yes, but choosing the right movers gives you peace of mind.

Moray Firth Removers brings local expertise, experienced teams, and dependable service to every job.

Whether you’re moving within the Highlands, across Scotland, or further afield, we offer professional packing, storage, and transport solutions tailored to your needs.

Our friendly team prides itself on reliability, clear communication, and making relocation feel surprisingly straightforward.

When you book early, you are guaranteed secure availability, support, and the confidence that everything is in hand long before the January pressures hit.

Start the New Year the right way; calm, organised, and supported by a trusted removals company.

Get in touch today and see just how easy we can make your new year’s move.