You're going to need some salt, sage and an orange tree, pronto.
There's no denying moving is stressful and hard work. What's even worse is the fear of bad luck, evil spirits or negative energy lurking in your new home. Try one of these techniques superstitious people use to protect themselves — then tell us if it works!
An old Irish tradition says you should always exit through the same door you entered, or else you'll have bad luck. But don't worry: After that first time you can use the door that's most convenient.
Here's a worthwhile way to use your change: Scatter coins in the living room on the first day you move in and prosperity will reign while you live in your new home — at least, according to Philippine tradition.
In south America, people believe spirits can't cross water, so they paint their porches blue in an attempt to trick ghosts into thinking the front of the house is water. It's also quite stylish, if you ask us.
No, this isn't to set a romantic ambiance (although that's a perk). In many religions, people believe lighting a candle will help ward off evil spirits and cast out darkness, so take out the matches on your first night to protect your home.
In Chinese the words for orange and luck sound very similar, which is why it's considered good luck to bring an orange or tangerine tree into your new home when you move.
Some people believe sprinkling a pinch of salt on the floors in every room and at your front door will ward off evil spirits. Then, after 24 hours, just vacuum or sweep the salt (and spirits!) away.
If the weather says it's supposed to rain, or even worse, thunder storm on moving day, you might want to reschedule. Some people believe it's bad luck to move on a rainy day — and on Fridays or Saturdays.
Just like throwing rice at a wedding is supposed to bring prosperity to the newlyweds, the same goes for your new home. This helps explain why pagan superstition says bringing uncooked rice will make sure no one will go hungry under your new roof.
During the building process, feng shui tradition says you should incorporate windows that face east and therefore the sunrise. A lack of windows in this direction is believed to be bad luck.
Even if you're not done hanging your gallery wall, tradition says you should put down your hammer and nails after sunset or else you could risk waking up the tree gods (oh no!).
Even though fennel is most commonly found in salads, this plant is also part of a moving tradition intended to ward off witches. Stuff it in your keyhole or hang it over your front door for protection.
In Russian Jewish tradition, people believe bread and salt represent hospitality and should be the first items brought into a home so the new owners never experience hunger and have a life full of flavour.
Burning sage is a technique from Native American tradition that's supposed to remove bad energy. After 'smudging' your home, visualise your intentions for your space as the smoke fills every crevice.
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