People all over the world believe that rituals of transition can help you settle into a new living space. What housewarming traditions do you practice when you move? If you've only moved a few times, you may not have decided on any yet.
Here are a few housewarming and moving rituals you might consider.
Cleaning and decluttering is an efficient housewarming tradition that can make it easier and more pleasant to move in. Block out some time to scour the place and clean the nooks and crannies. Some popular moving rituals suggest buying new home items like shower curtains, drawer liners and houseplants.
Others recommend spraying scented room sprays throughout the house and opening all the windows to air the place out. Wipe down light fixtures, mirrors and window treatments. One tradition claims that sweeping clockwise through a room will freshen up the energy. (At the very least, the floors will be clean!)
Do whatever it takes to get your new life off to a clean and uncluttered start. If you hate to clean and can afford to hire help, arrange for a cleaning service to deep clean before you move in.
When you move to a new place, it's an ideal time to develop some new cleaning habits. Buying new cleaning tools and supplies may make it easier to stay motivated to keep your new place clean. Buy some new versions of basic cleaning products. Here's a list of cleaning supplies that every home should have:
Some say that stale and negative energy can linger in a new home even after you've made it spic and span. If this strikes you the right way, a wise next step might be to rid your rooms of any bad vibes.
One popular Native American tradition is to walk through the living space carrying a burning sage smudge stick. These are easy to find at herb and health food stores. If you can't find a sage stick, you can leave a small bowl of sea salt in each room for 24 hours. The salt will catch any bad energy, and then you can dispose of both!
A house blessing, such as a special prayer, can also make you feel safe in your new home. There are countless apartment cleansing rituals that will help you with the transition to a new space. Pick your favorite and give it a go.
Live plants or flowers freshen a space and breathe new life to your home. Don't worry if you don't have a green thumb. There are some plants that just about anyone can keep alive and require very little attention.
A few good choices include a parlor palm, spider plant or pothos. Do some online research to learn about plants you might enjoy, or go to your local garden center and ask an expert to help you choose plants. Faux plants and flowers are also popular today and are a great way to add some color to your décor. Get creative and mix varieties for some extra flare.
Once you've cleaned your new space and scattered any bad mojo, focus on the entrance to your home. It's fun to prepare your front door for future guests, maybe even a housewarming party. Simple touches like hanging a wreath or placing a welcome mat are great housewarming rituals.
Jewish tradition includes the practice of hanging a mezuzah in your doorway. This ornamental case holds a scroll of Hebrew inscriptions that bless your home. Many cultures have unique door decoration rituals that are believed to protect you in your new residence. You might choose the one that suits your style.
When you move to a new place, it takes a while to feel at home. Take regular walks around your neighborhood, and you'll get to know the area and meet some of your new neighbors. Be friendly and introduce yourself and you may make some unexpected friendships. Before you know it, you'll begin to feel like a local.
You don't have to plan a huge jamboree, but a warm gathering of friends and family to celebrate your new place will help you feel at home. Don't wait too long after you move in or feel like you need to be fully decorated before you invite people over.
You can throw a great housewarming party without spending a ton of money. Keep it casual or even make it a potluck dinner, a cocktail hour or a dessert party. Set the mood with fun decorations or by lighting candles, playing lively music or baking fresh bread or cookies.
To some, rituals like these might seem quirky or even silly. When housewarming traditions make the moving transition easier or more meaningful, however, their value becomes clear. Make your home your own with any traditions that make sense to you.