Moving House: Tips and Tricks for Witches and Spiritualists

This week I am moving from living alone in an apartment with my son, into a house with my partner and his dog. Having moved over a dozen times in my adult life, I thought what better way to kick off this new chapter than to offer some tips as my first post.

1. Out with the Old

   We consistently accumulate clutter, and often underestimate the energetic and spiritual benefits of de-cluttering our home. Oftentimes, as years pass, we shove things in corners, closets, boxes and bags and tuck them away to deal with later. If we're lucky, we get to them eventually. But more often than not, they end up being moved from one hiding hole to another. In the mundane, we simply end up with too much stuff. In the magickal, this can bog down the energetic flow of the home and create dense, stagnant energy. I recommend starting to throw things away as soon as you realize you may be moving in the future- not only does it give you less to pack up, but it allows you to truly take stock in what you have, what you need for the new place and what no longer fits who you are. We cling to many things because they were expensive, or gifts (even if they never really matched who we are) or despite having changed since we acquired the items. If they don't bring you joy, if you haven't looked at them in a year or if you no longer find them useful- get rid of them!!!

2. Cleansing the New Space (Ideally before moving in)

   In my opinion, it's much easier to go to the new place and clean and cleanse before moving day. Sometimes that's not possible, but doing what we can before we're surrounded by piles of boxes and scattered furniture is key for setting the tone to the new place. That was not possible for me this time, so instead I spent a few days cleaning the room that would be my bedroom by sweeping, dusting and hanging up my own decor on the walls before the boxes and furniture arrived. This allowed me to get acquainted with the space and slowly make it mine. I hung sacred art and tapestries on the walls and periodically sprayed perfumes and room sprays from my favorite botanica to let the house know I was coming in, and make acquaintance with the spirit of the home. If I'd had more time, I would have washed the walls, windows and floors with Florida Water and smudged with corresponding herbs and incense. I'm having to do that after moving day- and that's okay!

3. Introduce yourself to the House Spirits (in your new place)

   While I recognize not every spiritual tradition emphasizes or even acknowledges the importance of the Hearth (or the spirit of the home), I stand by it. The land on which your home sits has history. The walls themselves have most likely had previous owners. People carry energy and leave it behind, and spirits come and go with them. The best way to give a nod to those spirits is to leave out a glass of water or a clear alcohol of your choosing (vodka, rum, tequila- whatever you choose) and let the house know it is for them. In my experience, this gets you started on the right foot and can be a crucial step to setting the intention of your home to be calm, welcoming and for the transition to go more smoothly. Some people believe in fae or "little people" who may be living there- and prefer an offering of milk and honey to appease them. Whatever your heritage, if you look for it, you'll probably find some belief of something that occupies the dwelling which should be acknowledged for a peaceful home.

4. Bedrooms First

   Setting up your bedroom should be your first goal, not just putting the bed together for a place to crash. Having your sacred space for rest and relaxation creates an oasis from the chaos which may take weeks to unpack and organize in the rest of the home. It gives you a sense of normalcy and creates an anchor of your energy for when tensions are high- because moving is STRESSFUL. Having a shelf or surface in your bedroom to act as an altar is helpful. You may not feel comfortable having an altar for spell work in your bedroom and that's understandable- but having a space for candles, incense and imagery that promotes tranquility and reminds you of your spiritual principles- which you see when you wake and before you sleep, does a great deal to help the psyche and uplift the spirit.

5. Leaving the Last Place

   When closing up the home you are leaving, it's important to also do a mop and floor wash before locking up one last time. Not only is a clean place usually required by the landlord or appreciated by new homeowners- it also protects your energy. This ensures that your energetic fingerprint, your spirit team and ancestors are cleansed from that dwelling and nothing is left behind in the transition. Grief, divorce, new births, children, pets and all the life we have lived while in that home should be cleared so as not to clash or disrupt the new inhabitants or create a build up of energy. This will also discourage anything funky you may have encountered living there from following you to the next place.