Choosing housewarming wording helps guests know you'd prefer practical contributions over random household items. Based on hundreds of Australian housewarming celebrations using PocketWell, here are 20 wording examples for first homes, renovations, and moves.
Why Housewarming Wishing Wells Work
Modern Australian homeowners prefer cash contributions toward specific home needs over duplicate gifts. Housewarming wishing wells let guests contribute toward:
- Essential appliances and furniture
- Garden setup and outdoor areas
- Home renovation projects
- Decorating and personalizing spaces
- Tools and maintenance equipment
According to PocketWell data, housewarming wishing wells receive an average of $500-$2,000 across 15-40 contributors, with most guests giving $30-$100 depending on their relationship to the homeowners.
20 Housewarming Gift Wording Examples
First Home Purchases (5 Examples)
Example 1: First Home Excitement "We bought our first home! If you'd like to celebrate with a gift, contributions toward furnishing our new space would help more than anything. We're turning a house into our home and your support means everything."
Example 2: Young Homeowners "After years of renting, we finally have keys to our own place! If you're thinking of a housewarming gift, cash toward essential furniture and appliances would be incredibly helpful as we set up our first home."
Example 3: Milestone Purchase "Big news – we're homeowners! If you wish to mark this exciting milestone, contributions toward making our house feel like home would be warmly appreciated. Can't wait to show you around!"
Example 4: First Home Journey "We did it – bought our first home in [SUBURB]! If you'd like to give a housewarming gift, contributions toward furniture, appliances, and all the things houses apparently need would be amazing. Drinks and house tour on Saturday!"
Example 5: New Homeowner Reality "We're officially homeowners (and broke!). If you're thinking of a housewarming gift, cash toward furnishing and fixing would help way more than another decorative item. Looking forward to celebrating our new space with you!"
Renovation & Upgrading (5 Examples)
Example 6: Major Renovation "We're renovating our new home before moving in! If you'd like to contribute toward the renovation fund, every bit helps turn our fixer-upper into the home of our dreams. Celebrate with us once it's livable!"
Example 7: Kitchen Renovation "Ripping out our 1970s kitchen! If you're thinking of a housewarming gift, contributions toward our kitchen renovation would be incredible. Once it's done, we'll host a proper dinner party to christen it!"
Example 8: Bathroom Upgrade "Our new place needs bathroom renovations (pink tiles have to go!). If you wish to give a housewarming gift, contributions toward modernizing would help create a space we actually want to spend time in."
Example 9: Home Improvements "Bought a house that needs some love! If you'd like to contribute toward our renovation projects, we're tackling everything from painting to landscaping. Your gift helps make our vision reality."
Example 10: Fixer-Upper Fund "We bought a fixer-upper and have ambitious plans! If you're thinking of a housewarming gift, contributions toward renovations would fuel the transformation. We promise before-and-after photos once we're done!"
Garden & Outdoor Setup (3 Examples)
Example 11: Garden Dreams "Creating our dream garden from scratch! If you'd like to give a housewarming gift, contributions toward plants, landscaping, and outdoor furniture would help us build the backyard we've always wanted."
Example 12: Outdoor Entertaining "Setting up our outdoor area for Aussie entertaining! If you're thinking of a gift, contributions toward BBQ, outdoor furniture, and garden setup would help create the perfect space for hosting friends and family."
Example 13: Backyard Paradise "Transforming our backyard into a retreat! If you wish to contribute, housewarming gifts toward landscaping, garden beds, and outdoor living would help make our outdoor space as special as inside."
Moving & Settling (4 Examples)
Example 14: Big Move "We're moving to [CITY/SUBURB]! If you'd like to give a housewarming gift, contributions toward furniture and setting up our new place would be incredibly helpful. Looking forward to hosting you in our new home!"
Example 15: Downsizing Move "Downsizing to a more manageable home! If you're thinking of a housewarming gift, contributions toward furniture that actually fits our new space would be greatly appreciated. Smaller home, better lifestyle!"
Example 16: Regional Move "City to country! We're moving to [REGIONAL AREA] and starting fresh. If you wish to give a housewarming gift, contributions toward setting up our regional home would help enormously. Come visit once we're settled!"
Example 17: Interstate Relocation "Moving interstate to [STATE]! Starting over means we need practically everything. If you're thinking of a housewarming gift, cash toward furnishing our new place would be amazing. Virtual house tour coming soon!"
Practical & Direct (3 Examples)
Example 18: Straightforward Request "Just bought a house! If you're thinking of a housewarming gift, cash toward furniture and appliances would help way more than guessing what we need. House party once we're unpacked!"
Example 19: Honest Homeowners "New house = endless expenses! If you'd like to give a housewarming gift, contributions toward making it livable would be incredibly helpful. Your company at our housewarming is the real gift though!"
Example 20: Simple & Clear "We're homeowners! If you want to give a housewarming gift, cash toward furniture and home essentials would be perfect. Looking forward to showing you around our new place!"
How to Share Your Housewarming Wording
1. Housewarming Invitations Include wording at the bottom of digital or printed invitations, keeping it warm and gracious.
2. Social Media Post Share your exciting news with wording and wishing well link in a Facebook or Instagram post.
3. Text/WhatsApp Send personal messages with your wording and link to close friends and family.
4. Email Announcement Send a moving announcement email with wording and direct link to your wishing well.
5. At the Housewarming Display a small sign with QR code near the entrance for guests who want to contribute in person.
Setting Up Your Housewarming Wishing Well
PocketWell makes it simple:
- Create your housewarming event (2 minutes, free)
- Add your chosen wording and home details
- Upload photos of your new place
- Share link or QR code with guests
- Receive contributions directly to your account
You receive 100% of gift amounts – guests pay a small service fee (3-3.5%) plus standard payment processing costs.
Housewarming Wishing Well Best Practices
Wording Tone:
- First home buyers: Excited and grateful
- Renovators: Practical and project-focused
- Movers: Clear about needing items for new space
- Established homeowners: Specific about upgrade goals
What to Mention:
- General category (furniture, appliances, renovation)
- Avoid itemized lists that feel like demands
- Keep focus on making house into home
- Express gratitude for support
Common Housewarming Wishing Well Questions
Q: Is it rude to ask for money for housewarming? Not in 2026 Australia. Most guests prefer contributing toward what you actually need over guessing home preferences.
Q: How much do Australian guests give for housewarming? Most give $30-$100 depending on closeness. Close friends/family: $80-$150, friends: $50-$80, coworkers/acquaintances: $30-$50.
Q: Should I be specific about what I'm buying with contributions? General categories like "furniture" or "kitchen renovation" work well. Avoid specific price tags or itemized shopping lists.
Q: Can I have a housewarming wishing well if I'm renovating, not moving in yet? Absolutely! Many people renovate before moving. Just mention you'll host a proper housewarming once renovations are complete.
Q: What if I'm moving but already have most furnishings? Focus wording on specific upgrade needs (outdoor setup, new appliances) or renovation projects rather than general furnishing.
Q: Should housewarming wording be different for first home vs move? First home wording emphasizes starting from scratch and milestone excitement. Moving wording focuses on specific needs for the new space.
Q: When should I send housewarming invitations? Send 2-3 weeks before your housewarming party, or announce your move immediately with wishing well details for those who can't attend the party.
Next Steps
Ready to set up your housewarming wishing well?
- Choose your favorite wording example (or customize!)
- Create your free housewarming wishing well
- Add photos of your new home
- Share with friends and family
Your housewarming wording helps guests contribute meaningfully to your new space rather than adding clutter. Keep it genuine, make it specific to your needs, and celebrate your new home!
For more housewarming guidance, explore: