Moving can be a stressful life event. So stressful in fact, it makes the American Institute of Stress’s Stress Inventory List.

Between coordinating logistics and nervously watching movers handle fragile and prized possessions, any mover deserves a little diversion at the end. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 most practical and considerate housewarming gifts!

1. New Doormat

Great for first-time homeowners, a new welcome mat is an easy gift to pick up. It’s almost a no brainer to have but you’d be surprised as to how many people overlook getting a new doormat after relocating to a new home especially after apartment life.

Get creative by adding a custom phrase that resonates with the personalities of the home’s occupants or keep it simple with a classic “Welcome”.

2. Wine Decanter with Glasses

A wine decanter is ideal for wine connoisseurs and friends who enjoy hosting parties and guests. After a handful of get-togethers, and especially after a move, it’s very likely that a wine glass or two needs to be replaced. You can never have enough glasses in the house so it’s a perfect gift idea to bring if you’re attending a housewarming party—break in the new house with a welcoming toast!

3. Plants or Flowers

An easy way to brighten up a new space and make it feel like home is by adding flowers or plants. A colorful and unimposing option (ideal if you are unsure of the new mover’s decor and esthetic), we recommend getting a nice flower arrangement.

If you want something that will last a bit longer and know your friends or family wouldn’t mind the added responsibility, then go with an indoor plant. Both plants and flowers can tie a room together and their mere presence can help alleviate stress.

4. Decorative Pillows or Blankets

There’s nothing like a soft blanket and comfy pillows. Help add warmth to the a new home by getting a soft throw blanket or a couple of couch or floor pillows. If you don’t know the color scheme yet, it’s wise to select a neutral color blanket. As always with gifts of personal taste, it’s courtious to include a gift receipt so your new mover can exchange your gift, if needed.

5. Robot Vacuum

If you’re working with a larger budget we suggest splurging for a robot vacuum. By letting the vacuum roam room-to-room, you’ll save your loved ones from an ongoing household chores and give them more time to do what they love. Take it from us, we’re experts in the realm of chore alleviation!

6. Knife & Cutting Board Set

We love this combination because it’s very likely something that no one else will bring, while also a helpful, and potentially beautiful gift. Because cutting boards are so easy to store, and extremely useful when hosting larger groups, it’s an item that’s okay to have multiple of. In terms of knives, if your loved ones already have a set there’s no harm and upgrading them to a sharper one. It’s also very practical for a housewarming party - easier to cut and prepare the snacks!
 

7. Aroma Diffuser

Help relieve post-moving stress with an aroma diffuser. An aroma diffuser uses essential oils and retains their therapeutic properties as opposed to diffusers or fragrance that burn them away. There are several options when it comes to color so you’ll be sure to find one that matches the interior decor.

8. Bluetooth Speaker

Bring the music to the housewarming party by getting your loved ones a Bluetooth speaker. Nowadays, you can pick one up for under $50 and even Amazon’s Alexa-compatible 3rd generation Echo is fairly affordable. With multiple uses, it’s one gift we can’t recommend enough.

These are just some of favorite housewarming gift ideas. All-in-all, it’s hard to go wrong with a gift for the heart. In the case of housewarming gifts, it really is the thought that counts.
 

Calculating Your Washing Machine's Capacity: The Magic Formula

Wondering how to obtain your washer's dimensions? Here is a simple formula you can use:

Volume in cubic feet = r * r * pi * d

Where:

• r = radius in feet = half of the diameter
• pi = ~3.1416
• d = depth of your machine in feet

To obtain the diameter, open your washing machine door and measure the distance from one side of the drum to the other, passing through the center. The radius is the diameter divided by two. The depth of your machine is the distance from the front of the drum to the back (or bottom, if you have a top load model).

How Many Clothes Is a Load of Laundry?

Before you have your clothing laundered, you might want to check if your load size is appropriate by weighing it. A household washing machine usually holds 7 or 8 lbs of laundry, but professional machines can handle larger loads.

The Weight Method

You can weigh your laundry by following these three simple steps:

1. Weigh yourself on a bathroom scale holding your laundry.
2. Weigh yourself on the same scale without your laundry.
3. Subtract the second weight from the first, and the total will be the weight of your laundry.

Alternatively, you can place your clothing in a laundry basket and weigh that on your scale. Remember to measure and subtract the weight of the empty basket afterward.

In addition, you can also approximate your laundry weight by adding up individual pieces. Here is a chart to help you get an idea:

The Items Method

Here's an infographic we put together to help our customers approximate what 15 lbs of laundry can include:

Depending on your wardrobe, your 15 lbs of laundry might include more or fewer items.

How to Load Your Washing Machine

Top Load Washer

Making sure your clothes are distributed evenly is crucial to ensure a thorough and efficient wash. Here are some tips to achieve that:

• Do not overload: Your clothes need to move freely during the wash cycle to be properly cleaned.
• Sort by similar weight: Group items by weight and fabric type. Where possible, wash heavier items such as jeans and towels together and delicates separately. This reduces the risk of fabric damage and allows for an even distribution of weight.
• Large items on the bottom: Sheets and towels should go at the bottom of the load, to create a stable base.
• Bulky items spread out: Blankets or comforters should be folded loosely and spread evenly around the drum. Avoid having them rolled up and on one side of the drum.
• Smaller items: Add smaller items on top of larger ones, avoid tangled straps or cords, and consider using a mesh laundry bag for delicates.

Front Load Washer

We also have you covered if your washing machine is front-loaded. All of the tips from top load washers apply, but take extra care to fill your load with one piece at a time to avoid tangles.

Why Is It Important Not To Overfill Your Washing Machine

In addition to preventing an optimal wash, running an overloaded machine strains the washer's motor suspension system and other internal components. This risks permanent damage and a reduced lifespan to your appliance. It can also lead to improper water drainage and airflow, allowing for mold or mildew growth. This can bring unpleasant odors to both your machine and your laundry. The wash itself will take longer, feature excessive vibration and noise, and inefficient use of energy, water, and detergent.

Forget About the Weight and Let Rinse Handle It!

If you don't have time to do your own laundry, you can turn to a professional to take care of your clothes.

Some cleaners have a 15 lbs minimum policy, so you'll need to make sure your laundry meets their requirements.

Alternatively, you could try Rinse and not worry about weight! Did you know that Rinse offers Wash & Fold service in addition to our Dry Cleaning service? Our Rinse Repeat subscriptions do not have a minimum pound requirement! Sign up and get your Wash & Fold picked up, expertly cleaned, and delivered straight to your door, 7 days a week.

Have laundry or dry cleaning to do?

Rinse picks up, cleans, and delivers 7 days a week. Amazingly awesome. Ridiculously simple.

Try Rinse

Series D Announcement

San Francisco, CA – February 20, 2025 – Rinse, the leading tech-enabled laundry service, announced it raised a $23 million Series D funding round, led by LG Electronics. This investment marks a pivotal moment in Rinse’s mission to make laundry more convenient, efficient, and accessible for consumers and businesses alike.

With a decade of experience revolutionizing the $40 billion laundry industry, Rinse has built a seamless, tech-driven service that eliminates the hassle of laundry for customers across major U.S. metro areas. This latest funding will propel Rinse into its next stage of growth, expanding its reach, investing in innovation, and strengthening its leadership position in laundry services outside the home.

A Growing Demand for Tech-Enabled Laundry Solutions

As consumer behavior continues to shift toward convenience-first, tech-powered services, Rinse is uniquely positioned to meet the demand for a modern, frictionless laundry experience. Just as food delivery, ride-sharing, and e-commerce have redefined their industries, Rinse is bringing the same level of innovation and convenience to laundry.

“The way people manage everyday tasks is evolving—consumers are seeking seamless, tech-enabled solutions that make life easier,” said Ajay Prakash, Co-Founder and CEO of Rinse. “Rinse was built to modernize an essential but traditionally inconvenient chore. With this latest investment, we’re well on our way to becoming a household name and the leader in all laundry outside the home.”

Fueling Growth, Expansion, and Innovation

Rinse’s Series D funding will support key initiatives, including:

• Expanding market reach – Scaling Rinse’s footprint in existing and new cities to serve more customers.

• Exploring omnichannel growth – Rinse plans to acquire laundromats, establish a physical presence, and expand its fast-growing B2B services.

• Investing in technology and operations – Enhancing platform capabilities to further streamline logistics and improve customer experience.

A Decade of Leadership and Strategic Growth

Founded in 2013 by Ajay Prakash and James Joun, Rinse started as a simple idea: make laundry effortless. What began as a small operation serving friends in San Francisco has grown into a nationwide laundry powerhouse, handling over 100 million garments and serving thousands of customers across 10 major metro areas.

Throughout its journey, Rinse has outlasted competitors and adapted to shifting market dynamics, focusing on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and superior service quality. Today, Rinse operates with a team of over 100 corporate employees and 600 valets, all W2 employees, ensuring a reliable, high-quality customer experience.

The Future of Laundry, Powered by Rinse

With LG Electronics doubling down on its investment, Rinse is entering its most exciting phase yet. The company is not only scaling its consumer and business services but also eyeing global expansion, with Toronto set to launch later this year.

“This is more than just a funding milestone—it’s a validation of our vision,” said Prakash. “We don’t just want to clean clothes. We want to power laundry everywhere, making it effortless for individuals, families, and businesses.”

Read more about our exciting fundraise here:

Laundry Delivery Startup Rinse Raises $23 Million Funding Round from Appliance-Maker LG.

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