Yes, you can move house in Melbourne over Christmas and New Year, but availability is tight. Mid-December to early January is one of the busiest and most limited periods of the year. Public holidays, school holidays, and end-of-lease dates all land at once. Book as early as you can, stay flexible on dates, and confirm holiday availability directly with your removalist before you lock anything in.
Why the Christmas and New Year Period Is So Busy
Plenty of Melburnians use the quiet weeks at the end of the year to relocate. Many people finish work, the kids are out of school, and leases and settlements often fall in December or early January. So everyone wants the same dates.
That demand meets reduced capacity. Trucks, crews and storage partners are all stretched, and some businesses scale back around the public holidays. The result is that the best dates go first.
Which Days Are Public Holidays in Victoria?
The key dates to plan around are:
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December 2026, with a substitute public holiday following
- New Year’s Day: Friday 1 January 2027
Many removalists, building managers and suppliers work limited hours or close on these days. Check the current Victorian public holiday calendar when you pick your date.
What’s Open and What’s Booked Out?
Usually booked out first:
- Fridays and Saturdays in the two weeks before Christmas
- The last weekend of December
- Weekends in the first week of January
- Any end-of-month date, which is already busy in a normal month
Usually easier to secure:
- Weekday mornings in the first half of December
- Mid-week dates between Christmas and New Year, subject to team availability
- Mid-January weekdays, once the holiday rush settles
What to confirm before booking:
- Whether your removalist is working on or around the public holidays
- Whether holiday-period surcharges or minimum hours apply
- Whether your building manager, lift booking or council parking permit is available on your chosen date
Move On Removals’ regular office hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, closed Sundays. For holiday-period availability, call the team before you plan around a specific date.
How Far Ahead Should You Book?
Normally, two to four weeks ahead is a sensible window for most moves. Over Christmas and New Year, aim for as early as possible. Locking in your date in November gives you the best choice of days and crews. Last-minute moves can still work, but you’ll have fewer options.
Choosing the Right Removalists Melbourne Over the Holidays
Holiday moves put extra pressure on a crew, so it pays to ask the right questions:
- Are the movers company-employed, or are jobs passed to subcontractors?
- Is the move covered by public liability and transit insurance?
- Will you get a fixed quote based on access, stairs, parking, and volume?
- Can they handle packing, furniture dismantling, and reassembly if needed?
Move On Removals is a Melbourne-based team that has completed over 45,000 moves since 2012, using directly employed, professionally trained crews, and every move is fully insured. A reliable team matters even more when dates are tight.
Why Packing Early Matters at This Time of Year
Packing is the most time-consuming part of any move, and December is already full of work functions, family plans, and travel. Leaving it to the last minute is the easiest way to end up stressed on moving day.
Professional Packing Services Melbourne households rely on can take that load off you. Whether you want a full pack, help with fragile items like glassware and artwork, or just quality boxes, tape and wrapping delivered to your door, getting packing sorted a week or two ahead keeps moving day smooth. You can also use Move On Removals’ packing and unpacking service and packaging materials to cover as much or as little as you need.
A Simple Holiday Moving Timeline
- 6 to 8 weeks before: Choose your date range, request a free quote, and ask about holiday availability.
- 4 to 6 weeks before: Confirm your booking, organise lift or loading dock bookings, and check parking permits.
- 2 to 3 weeks before: Order packing materials, start packing non-essentials, and notify your utilities and internet provider.
- 1 week before: Finish packing, label boxes by room, and set aside an essentials box for the first night.
- Moving day: Keep walkways clear, confirm access at both addresses, and keep valuables and documents with you.
For a full list, see the house moving checklist.
Tips for a Smoother Holiday Move
- Be flexible on dates. A weekday or a date just outside the peak window can make booking much easier.
- Check access at both ends. Stairs, lifts, narrow streets, and parking rules all affect timing and cost.
- Protect your furniture. Ask your crew about moving blankets, shrink wrap, and protective packaging.
- Plan for utilities and deliveries. Many providers slow down around the holidays, so arrange connections early.
- Keep essentials separate. Pack medications, chargers, documents, and a few basics for the first night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move house over Christmas and New Year in Melbourne?
Yes. Many people do. Availability is limited, so book early and confirm that your removalist is working on your chosen dates.
Which days are hardest to book for a holiday move?
Fridays, Saturdays, the last weekend of December, and the first weekend of January usually fill up first, along with end-of-month dates.
How far in advance should I book removalists for December or January?
As early as you can, ideally 6 to 8 weeks ahead for the holiday period. For a normal move, two to four weeks is usually enough.
Will removalists charge more on public holidays?
Some companies apply holiday rates or minimum hours. Always ask for a fixed quote based on your move, and confirm what’s included.
Are Move On Removals open on public holidays?
Standard office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. For public holiday availability, call the team on (03) 9636 3299 before you plan around a date.
Can you help with packing if I’m short on time?
Yes. Packing and unpacking services and packaging materials are available, so you can hand over as much of the packing as you like.
Are my belongings insured during a holiday move?
At Move On Removals, every move is covered by public liability and transit insurance, and all movers are company-employed rather than subcontracted.
Can I store my belongings if my new place isn’t ready?
Yes. Secure short- or long-term storage can be arranged through trusted storage partners across Melbourne, with the team moving your items in and out for you.
Conclusion
Moving over Christmas and New Year in Melbourne takes a bit more planning, but it’s very doable. Book early, stay flexible on dates, confirm public holiday availability, and get your packing organised ahead of time. A reliable, insured Moving Company Melbourne locals trust can keep the whole process calm, even during the busiest weeks of the year.
Contact Move On Removals on (03) 9636 3299 or get a free quote today.
