How to Host Thanksgiving After a New Move:

The holiday season is both an exciting and super busy time of year. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, there are tons of parties, events, activities and more that is sure to keep you busy. Another way that this season can be even busier is if you have to move during this time. While it’s not an ideal time for a move, there are certain aspects of moving –whether due to a new job, or a recent home purchase, –where you don’t have a choice on the time of year for your move. If you happen to be moving right around the time of Thanksgiving, you’ll want to figure out your plan for this holiday before you actually move. If hosting Thanksgiving in your new home or apartment is important to you and your family, you’ll need to be organized, pack your items separately and figure out your plan for the dinner, even if it’s on a smaller scale than what your family is used to. Read on for some practical pre and post moving tips that can help you host Thanksgiving dinner after your new move.

#1 Pack what you will need:
If you know that you are going to be moving right around Thanksgiving, make sure that you pack all of your kitchen items together. This can include your plates, serving platters, gravy boat, sharp knives, forks, spoons, bowls, cups, wine glasses, table clothes, to name a few items. If you have kids, you might also want to have some small toys like cards, board games and books packed together for them, so that they have things to do during Thanksgiving and right after your move. You’ll also want to make sure that your fragile kitchen items are properly wrapped in packing paper and bubble wrap to avoid any breakage. Be sure to also clearly label and mark your boxes that states “items for Thanksgiving.” This will make it easy to clearly communicate to your movers that these items should be treated with care and where they should be placed in your new home or apartment during the unloading process.

#2 Make sure your table is put together:
Your movers will most likely disassemble and assemble all of your furniture. Double check, before they leave, that your kitchen or dining table is assembled and put together for your upcoming Thanksgiving meal.

#3 Unpack your kitchen items:
While you might be eager to unpack everything to get your kitchen in order, try to focus on only what you need for your Thanksgiving dinner. If this is too much of a hassle, you can opt to use paper items so that you tackle your unpacking after Thanksgiving.

#4 Figure out your menu:
You have a few options for your Thanksgiving meal after your move. You can  opt to cook yourself, have a potluck Thanksgiving dinner with family or friends, order from a local restaurant, or even go out to eat. The most important thing is to be realistic about what you can handle, which is largely dependent, on your move in date. You’ll also (likely) be very tired from your move, where making a full Thanksgiving dinner might be the last thing that you want to do. And that’s ok! Moving during this time means that you also have to be flexible as you adjust to life in your new home. If you have kids, they might be expecting certain traditions where opting for a potluck at your home or bringing food in can be a nice compromise as you enjoy the holiday together without making things too complicated. And if that feels too daunting, consider going out to dinner. Many restaurants serve a traditional Thanksgiving menu where you can enjoy the best of this holiday, without having to cook. If you know that you are going that route, make sure that you reserve a few weeks in advance.

#5 Enjoy the holiday:
Whatever you decide to do on Thanksgiving, it’s important to relax and settle in as much as possible. There will be so much to do after Thanksgiving where taking a few days ‘off’ before the unpacking, settling in and decorating is a welcome way to decompress, enjoy some great food and chill out with your family or friends.

Moving is hectic all on its own. Adding a move during the holidays into the mix adds a new level of planning and organizing that you have to deal with. If you think you would like to have Thanksgiving in your new home, you’ll also want to make sure that you have a plan in place before and after your move. We hope that these tips helps to make this time easier as you settle in and enjoy your first Thanksgiving in your new home!

Happy turkey day!