Clean and thoroughly prepare the new house
After construction or renovation is completed, a new house often still contains fine dust, lingering construction odors, and residual humidity. Homeowners should thoroughly clean the floors, walls, and ceilings; wipe down floor tiles, wall tiles, grout lines, and sealants; flush the entire water system; and open windows to allow proper ventilation.
Cleaning the house before moving in not only ensures a fresh and comfortable living environment but also helps maintain the durability of finishing materials.
Fumigate the house to remove odors and purify the air
Burning agarwood, cinnamon bark, or natural herbs is a traditional and simple way to remove chemical smells, paint odors, and other residues left after construction.
In addition to purifying the air, house fumigation creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, helping the space feel more comfortable and ready for everyday living. This step is usually performed before the housewarming ritual.
Perform the housewarming ritual
Once cleaning and fumigation are complete, homeowners typically select an auspicious day and time to perform the housewarming ritual.
The offering tray can be simple, including fruits, wine, meat, rice, and salt, placed in the center of the home or in front of the family altar. This ceremony symbolizes informing the Household Deities and Earth Spirits, while praying for peace, luck, and prosperity in the new home.
Bring symbolic items of prosperity into the house
When entering the house for the first time, homeowners often personally carry items that symbolize abundance and warmth, such as a stove, rice, clean water, or a sleeping mat.
Although symbolic, this step is widely practiced as a wish for a stable, prosperous, and long-lasting life in the new home.
Keep the lights on and boil water during the first few days
After the housewarming ritual, keeping the lights on and boiling water during the first three days is believed to help activate positive energy in the home.
This practice keeps the house bright, warm, and lively, helping the space feel more comfortable and harmonious during the initial period of living there.
In Vietnamese culture, people often say “a good beginning leads to a smooth journey.” Catalan believes that carefully completing these steps before moving in helps activate positive energy from the start, ensuring the living space remains clean, warm, and ready for long-term living.
