Moving to a new home is top of mind for me these days. We bought a new-to-us house on Lake Oconee in Georgia, USA about 2.5 hours away from where we currently live. Making this move is both exciting and disruptive.
According to realtors and movers, more US households move in June than any other month of the year. Chances are, someone in your circle of family and friends is moving into a new home in the next few weeks. Chances are, you’ve gone through this experience yourself and know how stressful it can be. Perhaps you’re wondering what you can do to help ease the moving process for family, friends or new neighbors. Here’s a suggestion that might just be the answer.
The Open Me First move in package is filled with useful everyday items people need when moving. I’ve put together and gifted dozens of these move in packages over the years. The recipients have always been very appreciative. On the other hand if you’re moving yourself, you may find some helpful suggestions of things to have on hand at your new home.
Deciding what to include in the move in package is easy. Just think about your own experience of moving into a new home.
- Wondering what to do with those new keys so you won’t lose them? Include a key ring.
- Tempted to rip packing tape with your bare hands because all sharp objects are packed? Include utility knives.
- Need to start a list of Things To Do? Include a pen and notebook.
- Stumbling around unfamiliar hallways after dark? Include a night light.
- Discover there’s no toilet paper at a crucial moment? Include a few rolls of toilet paper!
You can include band-aids, light bulbs, hand soap, cleaning essentials, and lots of other useful items.
You could invest a significant amount in this gift but I’ve found that’s not necessary. The move in package I’m sharing with you today cost approximately $50.00 USD. Keep in mind, you’re buying point-in-time supplies and tools. I bought most of these items at the local dollar/ discount store.
Even though you’re not buying high end products, it only takes a few minutes to dress up this gift and make it special. I like to use a 16” square packing box for the container. Adding a printed banner around the package (aka a gift box “belly band”) along with some colorful tulle ribbon really dresses it up. For an added touch, I like to add a nice card and tie a couple of paper skeleton keys to the bow. See More Info below for further details.
In addition to being packed with thoughtful items and looking pretty, the Open Me First move in package relies on good timing for maximum effectiveness. It’s best to have it waiting for the recipients when they first arrive at their new home.
It’s also useful to provide the recipients with a list of what’s inside the move in package. This allows them to scan the list and get a general idea of what’s included. I’ve created a simple printed list (see More Info below) that can easily be updated to reflect the actual contents you include.
Here’s a look at the list I typically include in an Open Me First move in package.
One final fun detail is the below Home Sweet Home sign. I simply print this on the printer, trim it and insert into an inexpensive magnetic picture frame.
More Info
I’ve prepared a complimentary download for your convenience. Click the link below to receive the following documents along with some simple instructions:
- Open Me First and Welcome Home belly band.
- Open Me First contents folder – list and cover.
- Home Sweet Home sign.
- Skeleton keys.
Open Me First Move In Package – Complimentary Download – Jun 2018
It’s not necessary to identify yourself to receive this download but it would be ideal if you would sign up for the FanningSparks list. Thank you!
Today’s Takeaways
I hope today’s post triggers some ideas…
- Personalizing a gift to the recipient’s specific situation isn’t always easy but is very thoughtful.
- Gifts need not be expensive to be appreciated.
- Dressing up the package makes a gift special.
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