This post Why A Moving Essentials Box Makes The Perfect Housewarming Gift appeared first on Life Storage Blog.
Moving to a new home, near or far, can be a stressful experience. With what seems like an infinitely long to-do list, it’s easy for people to forget must-have items that make the move simpler. If you know someone gearing up for a move, you can be the coolest friend ever with the perfect housewarming gift: a moving essentials box.
The mover will likely pack a few of their own moving items, but you can help them settle into their new home. From commonly missed items to things that will make the unpacking process a bit easier, you can assemble a thoughtful, personalized box with plenty of goods they will be grateful to have. Consider packing a moving essentials gift box in a sturdy wooden crate or fabric basket. That way, the person can repurpose it somewhere else in their home.
What is the Most Common Housewarming Gift?
The most common and traditional housewarming gift is a loaf of bread. Typically homemade, the bread signifies the blessing: may your house never grow hungry. Other traditional housewarming gifts include olive oil, honey, wine, or houseplants.
What is Proper Etiquette for a Housewarming Party?
It is generally appropriate to bring a gift to a housewarming party. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive and can be something practical for the home. While some housewarming invitations may signify that gifts aren’t necessary, it’s still a good idea to bring something small, such as a plant or bottle of wine, to wish the person congratulations.
The Need for Practical Items
People often forgo practical items for gifts because they’re seen as boring, but they’re often the most appreciated items. There are lots of moving day essentials homeowners need to concern themselves with, making it all too easy to forget a major list item. For example, some people will remember to have an overnight bag but completely forget cleaning supplies.
Consider choosing a practical gift theme as you build a DIY housewarming gift basket. Below are a few ideas:
- Basic Cleaning Supplies: Include an all-purpose cleaner, broom with dust pan, dust clothes or paper towels, trash bags, and hand soap.
- Tool Kit: Equipped with a hammer, screwdriver, and flashlight.
- Junk Drawer Staples: Odds and ends items such as chargers, post-it notes, and pen and paper.
- Fuel: Keep up their energy with bottled water and nutritious, filling snacks.
Try to find items that a homeowner would need regardless if they’re moving, such as paper towels or toilet paper. Even if they’ve prepared for it, you’ve given them a nice little stock to use as they navigate their first few weeks in their new home.
Help Out With Meal Planning
While moving, it’s often really difficult to cook for the first few days as people recover from a long day of unpacking and settling into their new home. Madison Wetherill from Joyfully Mad explains, “The move to a new place is far less stressful with the help of meals you can prep ahead of time or cook easily while all your stuff is in boxes.” Something easy to reheat in the oven or whip up quickly will help take a task off their plate.
If you aren’t into cooking, a restaurant or meal delivery gift card will go a long way. Many grocery stores have pre-made meal kits that you can buy on the way that are ready-made and require a simple heating up. You could also grab a bagged salad, a loaf of bread, and a rotisserie chicken from a grocery store to make a complete meal. No cooking skills are required!
Most people tend to eat through all of their pantry food before moving or simply decide to donate it rather than take it along to their new home. You can create a housewarming gift box that helps them restock their pantry. Include dry foods that can be used for quick meals, such as pasta, sauce, rice, and soup. Take-and-go snacks such as granola bars, nuts, pretzels, or dried fruit are also great options.
Moving Essentials For the Kitchen
Little touches for the kitchen make some of the best housewarming gifts. Items like wooden spoons, a new dish towel, or even a fun-scented hand soap will make their new house feel like home much quicker. Consider any items that might be deeply packed away but are essential to use in the kitchen. Small, less frequently used items such as a peeler or corkscrew could get lost in boxes and are easy to throw into a gift basket.
Personalize your kitchen gift by considering the recipient’s likes. If you know they love wine, grab a bottle and some new wine glasses for them. If they’re coffee lovers, pick up a new coffee mug and bag of ground coffee. They’ll certainly appreciate having a hot cup of coffee on their first morning in their new home.
If you have a close friend or family member you want to splurge on, a cookware set could be just the thing. Even when wrapped in bubble wrap, cookware can take a beating during a move, especially depending on the quality. A new cookware set can help the homeowner start fresh in their new house. You can even include a small gift basket with cooking essentials such as olive oil and seasonings.
Quintessential Housewarming Gifts for the Home
Homey touches such as a candle, small plant, sage, or new home decor can go a long way in a new space as they try to breathe life into their new home. With scattered moving boxes and less important items packed away, finding comfort in a new home can take time and effort. If you bring along a nice piece of style and decor, they can find tranquility sooner rather than later.
If you choose to shop for home decor, be sure you know the person and their taste well so you get something you know they will like. You want to avoid giving them something they need to get rid of, which could add an extra chore that defeats the purpose of the kind gesture. If they’ve mentioned wanting a houseplant or a letterboard, go for it. But if the gift is for someone whose style taste you’re unsure of, it’s better to go with something generic.
When shopping for a home decor gift, Karina Lameraner, creative stylist at Modsy, suggests, “The trick here is to leverage the easy options–and not to overthink things. Veer towards home décor pieces that are not only decorative but are also functional.”
Is it OK to Give a Gift Card as a Housewarming Gift?
Yes, giving a gift card as a housewarming gift is entirely acceptable. Gift cards are a great option if you aren’t sure what the homeowner needs.
For example, the homeowner could receive lots of meals and have a fridge full of food. In that case, opt for a restaurant or delivery gift card that could be used in the future. If you like the idea of a home decor gift but don’t know their style, a gift card to a home goods store allows them to buy exactly what they need.
Whatever you decide to fill a housewarming gift box with, the homeowner will appreciate your thoughtfulness in helping out. When you drop it off, ask how else you might be able to assist. You never know how else you could support someone during their move.
This post Why A Moving Essentials Box Makes The Perfect Housewarming Gift appeared first on Life Storage Blog.
