Carl Brahe
What do you give a person who has bought a house? It’s a safe bet that most material things will be viewed as just another thing to move. Some exceptions to this might be: boxes, packing material and trash bags. These things can become precious during a move if you don’t have enough.
Another exception might be to replace the incandescent light bulbs in the new house for more efficient compact florescent bulbs. Adding dimmers to fixtures that do not use compact florescent bulbs is a nice touch. CF bulbs don’t work with dimmers. These upgrades can be a great money saver that cost little. The richer, softer light will also be appreciated on a daily basis.
Thermostats can be as easily replaced as light switches. An automatic set back thermostat can usually be installed using only a screwdriver. These units are available for as low as $29 at your local hardware or home improvement store. In some cases, they will pay for themselves in a single month in energy savings and comfort is increased. If you choose to give these gifts it is important that you install them, otherwise they become just another thing to move and another task to do. Moving can take all a person’s energy and time. Anything that uses these precious commodities is a diminished gift.
Gift cards from stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s can be appreciated during a move.There’s always a need for things these stores supply when moving in or out.
Food is a good choice during a move.If possessions are actively being moved from one house to another food that can be eaten on site will usually be welcome.
If the major move is completed or not yet begun, and packing or unpacking is under way, going out for a meal might be a good way to release stress and recover energy. Helping with the actual move is usually a welcome gift, but be sure to set boundaries. If your friends/family expects you to be there for every minute of the move and all you have is a couple hours one day to help, bad feelings can result from simply trying to help. It’s okay, and desirable, to set limits on this kind of help. People can be very disappointed when they get less than they are expecting. If they know what to expect there is less chance for hurt feelings.
Moving is such a stressful time that many people become unreasonable and cranky at some time during the move. The most appreciated gifts might be those aimed at relieving stress. If there are children involved, offer to take them away from the move. Sometimes a family member is unable to cope with moving and everyone involved would benefit if he/she were kept entertained away from the move.
Some gifts that relieve stress are those that perform tasks. Running errands, cleaning, packing or repairing can help your gifted maintain energy relieving stress in this way. One of the most memorable gifts I ever received was during a move. I came home from getting boxes to find an acquaintance washing and packing dishes. It would probably amaze him that this was so appreciated even twenty years later.
Another way of providing stress relief is through professional escape and release. Massages can go a long way toward helping rejuvenate a stressed out, frustrated, exhausted person. Some people may find similar relief in spa treatments, manicures, pedicures, facials etc.
Moving during the holidays raises stress levels even more. If someone close to you is moving, especially this time of year, treat him or her gently. Small slights can become huge burdens or injuries. Small kindnesses can last a lifetime.