Congratulations on finishing your relocation! It takes plenty of effort to move houses, so you deserve a pat on the back for taking on and completing the process.
Creating positive experiences in the new place you now call home allows you to feel a connection with it. It can also help you feel more settled, even if there are still a few boxes and luggage that need to be unpacked.
One way you can achieve all that is by hosting a move-in party. Aside from celebrating a job well done on your part, it is also the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with your new neighbours.
Not sure how to organise one? We’ve compiled four tips to help you plan the perfect move-in party for both international and domestic moving:
1. Date – Choose a Friday or Weekend
When choosing a date for your move-in party, keep in mind that the people you’re going to invite have their own lifestyles and schedules that may not allow them to attend. Plus, some of them will most likely be strangers, which means you won’t have a clue when they’re free.
That said, your options for the best possible date for your party are Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. If you choose a Friday, time it during the afternoon or later hours of the day. These days are ideal since most people would be home from work during these days.
Remember to select a date that is neither too advanced nor too close to the date you moved in. This will give people enough time to include your party in their schedules.
As a bonus, it will also give you more time to settle in, make the place look guest-worthy, and unpack your things without feeling pressured.
Of course, this would become easier if you hire a moving company that packs and unpacks as well.
2. Invitations – Know What to Include in the Invites
Whether you’re giving out cookies or muffins with the invites or just a piece of paper, make sure that you put a bit of effort into inviting your new neighbours. Make it short and sweet, and write the necessary details your guests would need, like:
- your name;
- home address;
- time and date of the event; and
- a brief explanation of what you’re celebrating.
This should be enough to help people get a good grasp of what to expect from the party.
Of course, don’t forget to invite any friends or relatives that live in the area.
Who knows? They might volunteer to assist you with the preparations and clean-up, especially if you live independently.
Take note: If your guest list is a mixed company, make sure that you specify “no gifts” in your invitation. This way, no one would feel uncomfortable showing up empty-handed only to find other people bearing gifts once they arrive at the gathering. This is also the reason why you should avoid using the term “housewarming” as it implies gifts should be brought.
3. Foods and Drinks – Keep it Simple
It’s not a good idea to start a move-in party with alcohol, even if it’s just a few beers. If people begin drinking too soon, your party will probably turn into a chore rather than an actual celebration.
Instead, bring out energy-boosting snacks and coffee to get even your movers and unpackers pumped up and ready for work to make sure that your new home is ready for the actual party.
Take note you don’t have to overthink what foods and drinks to serve your move-in party guests. Since you’ll be inviting some people that you barely know, it would be best to keep it simple.
Wine and cheese are great options that most people enjoy. And don’t forget the staples:
- Chips
- Vegetables
- Dip
Time your party around the hours when most people would have already eaten dinner. This way, you’ll be less likely to feed an army of hungry neighbours. Still, it would be best to overstock on food, just in case.
4. Notification – Let the Community Know
Informing your neighbourhood about your moving-in party also serves as a goodwill notification that some lively activities will be happening at your place. It doesn’t matter if you’re inviting everyone or not; it is only polite to inform them that a party will happen.
Doing so will help you make a good first impression on those you haven’t met and maintain good relations with everyone after the party is over.
If you’re moving somewhere managed by a landlord, be sure to talk about the idea of having a party with them first. You can also put up a flyer about the party on a bulletin board in your apartment complex if you have one.
Don’t forget that while you can ask for their understanding and apologise in advance, it would still be better to tone things down. Prevent the party from getting overly noisy. This will also reduce the chances that law enforcement will pay you a visit during the gathering.
Speaking of law enforcers, remember to inform the local police station near your home if you’re planning a bigger event. Be polite and ask for permission.
Celebrate Your Move
Move-in parties are great for celebrating the successful relocation and getting to know you’re your neighbourhood. Use the tips we presented here and ask for help when necessary.
Writer Relocations is all about helping you adjust to your new home.
Contact us if you need help with unpacking and getting settled.