You did it! The moving truck has pulled away, the boxes are stacked, and you’re settled into your new home just in time for the busiest travel and dining holiday of the year. While the stress of unpacking a whole house is real, the joy of creating new holiday memories in your new space is unmatched.

At Premier Relocations, an agent for Mayflower, we believe the transition should be as smooth as possible. Here is our post-move survival guide for successfully hosting Thanksgiving in a kitchen that might still be missing a few things.

Survival Tip 1: The Essential Kitchen Box is Your Lifeline

Hopefully, you packed a clearly labeled “Open First” box with kitchen necessities. If not, stop unpacking other rooms and find these non-negotiables:
  • The Big Three: One excellent chef’s knife, one sturdy cutting board, and your favorite coffee maker.
  • Basic Cookware: One large stockpot (for boiling or heating), one roasting pan, and your most-used mixing bowl.
  • Disposable Allies: Don’t unpack all your dishes yet! Invest in quality, eco-friendly disposable plates, flatware, and napkins. This saves valuable time on both unpacking and cleanup.
  • Essential Spices: Locate salt, pepper, and the key Thanksgiving herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary).

Survival Tip 2: Embrace the Simplify-or-Delegate Rule

You are not required to produce a Martha Stewart spread on short notice. Lower your expectations and share the burden with your guests.

  • The Potluck Pivot: Change your hosting strategy this year. Ask every guest to sign up to bring a major component (appetizer, side dish, or dessert). This frees up your limited counter and oven space.
  • The Pre-Cut Prep: Buy your vegetables pre-chopped or pre-shredded. Skip the intricate stuffing recipe and opt for a simple stovetop preparation. Time is your most precious commodity right now.

Survival Tip 3: Go Gourmet Takeout (No Shame in Outsourcing)

Your oven might still be inaccessible under a mountain of plastic wrap, or you might not have found your meat thermometer yet. This is the year to call in the professionals.
  • Order the Turkey: Many local bakeries and grocery stores offer fully roasted turkeys for pickup. This frees up your oven for everything else.
  • Outsource Dessert: Skip the pie baking stress entirely. Order pies and rolls from a beloved local bakery. This supports a local business and guarantees a delicious, stress-free finish to the meal.
  • Try a New Tradition: Focus on one dish that you must make, and let catering cover the rest. This creates a special memory tied to the new kitchen without the madness.

Survival Tip 4: Focus on Atmosphere, Not Perfection

Guests don’t remember where the fork came from; they remember the warmth, the laughter, and the sense of togetherness.
  • Prioritize Seating: Make sure you have enough stable chairs and dining surface, even if it’s a folding table borrowed from a neighbor.
  • Lighting is Key: Unpack candles, string lights, or lamps immediately. Warm lighting can create an incredibly cozy, settled atmosphere that distracts from unpainted walls or unpacked boxes.
  • Designate a “No Zone”: Select one room or area to be the “box room.” Close the door and resolve that guests are not allowed in there. This forces you to focus your limited energy on making the rest of the house clean and welcoming.

The Goal: Making Memories, Not Meals

This year, your greatest contribution is the gift of a new gathering place. Your guests will understand that you just moved. Embrace the chaos, laugh off the missing serving spoons, and enjoy this incredible new chapter.

At Premier Relocations, we take care of the heavy lifting so you can get back to what matters most.

If you or someone you know is planning a move, let our experts handle the logistics. Contact us today for a no cost estimate and enjoy a stress-free holiday season!