Moving on January 1st can be a cold and chaotic experience, but it also offers military families a unique chance for a total fresh start. This guide covers everything from surviving a Chicago winter move to helping your kids adjust to a new school mid-year. We have also included a first-week checklist to help you turn your new house into a home quickly.

Leaving for holiday travel during winter requires more preparation than most people expect. Simple steps like securing your home, preventing frozen pipes, managing energy usage, and arranging for snow removal can make a big difference. These checks help protect your home and give you peace of mind while you are away.

Winter is a great time to complete indoor home projects that improve comfort and increase value. Simple upgrades in key rooms, storage, lighting, and efficiency help your home show better when the spring market picks up. These improvements create a strong impression for buyers and support a smoother listing process.