Welcome to the Neighborhood

Moving. We have all experienced arriving at a new destination and trying to figure out what to unpack first, while at the same time pushing off hunger or thirst and possibly dealing with our kids and pets. Who can't empathize with the experience of being overwhelmed and exhausted when we see new neighbors arrive with the moving truck and carting boxes into the house. It is often good to let the dust settle the first night before heading over for a meet and greet, but we have identified some of the best housewarming gifts sure to endear you to your new neighbors.

Without knowing what your new neighbors like, their hobbies, or sense of style don’t run the risk of picking out decor they feel obliged to keep. Keep to items that they can use and will not create additional work for them. Here are our top 5 housewarming gifts:

Packed Dishes

The Dishes are Still in Boxes

Labeling boxes helps, but it doesn’t get them unpacked. One of my favorite, “Welcome to the Neighborhood,” gift baskets included paper plates, disposable cups, plastic cutlery and napkins. My neighbors included a few energy bars, bottles of water, over-the-counter pain relievers, and a few menus for the places that delivered. We used the plates and cups until we found our everyday china and ran it through the dishwasher. The takeout menus were a big hit too, as we were too tired to even consider cooking the first few nights in the house. The shopping list for this basket of goodies includes: 

  • Paper plates
  • Disposable cups
  • Plastic cutlery
  • Paper napkins
  • Energy bars
  • Apples
  • Bottled water
  • Pain relievers
  • Takeout menus

Cleaning the House

Cleaning up the New Place

 Unpacking can create quite the mess or perhaps the your old neighbors left one behind. In either instance it is nice to not have to make an immediate splurge on cleaning   supplies or certain household necessities. You won’t know their preferred brand or know if environmental impact is a driver in their household. Make sure to include the address of a place to donate the items in case they aren’t needed and no feelings will be hurt. The shopping list might include: 

  • Paper towels
  • Toilet paper (splurge on this item)
  • Trash bags
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Hand sanitizer

 

Local List

Just moved to the Area

Being new in town can mean you have to learn where all the essentials are located. Getting new neighbors caught up to speed can really help them feel a bit more settled. When first moving to the Triangle area a friend-of-a-friend put together some helpful resources in a welcome guide that included a list and location of grocery stores, Post Office, urgent care, coffee shops, DMV, and restaurants off the beaten path. This was helpful since it was in a quick reference guide and we didn’t have to look everything up on our phone. There are also some nuances that might be unfamiliar, like plate and vehicle registration are at separate offices from the driver’s license. The list for those moving to the area might include:

  • Grocery stores (don’t forget your local co-ops!)
  • DMV
  • USPS
  • Urgent cares
  • Recycling centers (for those cardboard boxes)
  • Veterinarians
  • Favorite local restaurants

Native Nature

Native Nature in a Box

One of the great things we love about living in the Triangle is the natural beauty of the area. Most local grocery stores and nurseries carry bird houses and feed that will bring native birds to your window. There are quite a few birds you would enjoy like the American Goldfinch, Carolina Chickadee, and Red Bellied Woodpecker. Keeping to the native North Carolina theme, you can bring an easy to care for plant that grows well in a pot or planted in the ground. There are quite a few options, but one of our favorites is the Eastern Bluestar. Once it is established it can handle drought tolerant days and full sun. Include the accessories to make plant care easier, such as a watering can, and gardening gloves. Stop by your local nursery to get advice on plants or shrubs that fit the needs. The list for this housewarming gift might include:

  • Bird house
  • Bird seed
  • Book on North Carolina birds
  • Potted plant
  • Gardening gloves
  • Gardening shovel
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray

 Local NC Treats

North Carolina Treats

There are some delicious North Carolinian foods that will delight your new neighbors. Southern Season can help you get started with custom gift baskets that are curated especially for you and wrapped beautifully. You can include some sweet treats from local donut and biscuit shops or savory brisket from your favorite BBQ restaurant. There are many delicious foods to choose from that represent the richness of North Carolina, but also showcase the thriving foodie scene and entrepreneurial spirit. Identify the best farmers’ markets that your neighbor might enjoy on a Saturday morning. The list for this housewarming gift might include:

  • Cheese straws
  • Salt and pepper peanuts
  • Moravian cookies
  • Biscuits from Rise Bakery
  • Gift cards to your favorite BBQ
  • List of the closest farmers’ market and most notable ones

We hope you make a great first impression and we are certain that your generosity will be remembered and appreciated. My NC Homes knows the area very well and we are happy to make recommendations if you are seeking out something unique.

Co-authored by 3 Bossy Bees

Posted by Larry Tollen on

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