So you’re ready to move into your first home. That’s such a huge milestone in life. It’s one that takes a lot of time, money, and effort to achieve. All that saving up for a downpayment, time spent hunting for a home you’re satisfied with, and the logistics involved make it a decision that is definitely one worth celebrating. So what are some things you can do to mark the occasion?
Do you enjoy the creative process? Are you handy when it comes to tools and projects? If so, you might consider making some improvements to your new home to really make it feel like it’s yours. Unless your first home is a new custom home, there are bound to be things that you would like to see be even just a little different. Your projects can be as complicated or as simple as you’d like. If you choose to go the DIY route with your projects, it’s a good idea to make sure you know what you’re getting into first. There are plenty of DIY-friendly home improvement projects that you can take on if you want to have a true sense of ownership over the end result. Otherwise, there’s no shame in calling in the pros to make sure the job is done to your satisfaction in a timely manner.
Moving in and unpacking is quite the endeavor. Even if you don’t have very much in the way of possessions at the moment, there’s still something about moving that can be quite draining. Instead of mustering the energy to cook after all of that, consider going out to dinner. This can be a great way to treat yourself after all the hard work you’ve done. It also gives you a chance to get to know your new neighborhood and get out and about in the surrounding area.
Maybe a night in is more to your taste than going out. There’s nothing wrong with that. If you happen to have an awesome collection of games, consider hosting a game night. Invite friends, family, and maybe even some of your new neighbors. This can be a great way to start getting to know people and to expand your circle. There are a ton of great games for getting to know people that you can try out.
House parties are a great way to celebrate moving into a new home, whether it’s your first home or you’ve been around the real estate block a few times. Like game nights, this is an excellent opportunity to get together with friends, family, and neighbors. Pick a date, send out your invitations, and get to planning your event. Choose what sort of food and drinks you intend to serve and pick out your outfit. It doesn’t need to be anything very formal (unless you really want it to be). Denim skirts fit any occasion, and they make a great choice for a stylish party. Paired with a nice blouse, they can be an excellent option for the ladies. For the men, a nice button down shirt and a good pair of jeans can create a comfortable, yet pleasing appearance. Whatever you opt for, make sure it’s in good condition and fits nicely.
It’s pretty normal for a housewarming party to include a tour of the house. If you’ve made any home improvements since moving in, this is an excellent opportunity to show them off. You could even feature before and after pictures in the rooms where you’ve made visual improvements and modifications. Depending on how comfortable you are with your guests, you could take the entire group on a tour yourself, take smaller groups periodically as people show up, or allow them to go on a self-guided tour. If you opt for the latter, make sure you lock any doors you don’t want guests going into. Otherwise, expect them to go into every room of the house.
What if you want a more laid back celebration but you don’t have a game collection? Consider hosting a movie night instead. Planning the perfect movie night can be a great way to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor, especially if you have a sweet entertainment center or your home features a theater room. Make sure you have plenty of seating available. Options abound in this regard. Giant bean bags, couches, papasan chairs, or even theater chairs can be great seating options. Have some movie snacks on hand too. Popcorn is a classic, but there are lots of other great movie snack options you can explore as well.
In the heat of the summer, few things can feel quite so celebratory as ice cream. If you’re moving during warm months, or moving somewhere that is warm all year long, consider having an ice cream bar at your new home to celebrate. Provide the ice cream and invite your guests to bring their favorite ice cream topping for a sweet treat that everyone is sure to enjoy. Love ice cream but find yourself moving somewhere cold? Opt for an indoor ice cream bar instead and indulge in a delicious, cold experience anyway.
You only move into your first home once. It’s a big moment, and one worth documenting. There are sure to be some funny moments and hiccups along the way that make for a great story down the road. Take pictures and videos, write in a journal, or find some other way to document the experience. Create records of the home selection process, the move, unpacking, settling in, milestones in your new home, and whatever else you decide to do to celebrate. You’ll be glad you did when you have a chance to look back and reminisce.
Celebrations are often expected when moving into a home. When it’s your very first home, it’s an even greater cause to celebrate. There’s been a lot of work leading up to this moment. Give yourself a reward by doing something fun. There are a ton of great ways to celebrate, so pick something that will be memorable and meaningful to you.
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