Saying Goodbye to Friends and Family

What to say when someone is moving away

There’s something bittersweet about saying goodbye to friends and family. Whether it’s you or a loved one relocating to another state, leaving people behind is often the most difficult part of the moving process. You might worry that living far away from each other will change the relationship you’ve shared. 

Fortunately, we live in a world where keeping connections is easier than ever. Let’s explore some of the best ways to say farewell and stay close (from a distance) until you and your loved ones can be together again.

How to say goodbye to a friend or family member

A heartfelt hug on moving day is a wonderful sentiment, but there are other ways to say goodbye ahead of time and make some special memories.

Host a party

A party can please a crowd whether you’re saying “see you later” to friends, family, coworkers or a college student leaving home.  

From traditional to extraordinary, plan a going away party that suits the guest of honor for a celebration everyone will remember. 

Have lunch or dinner together

Sometimes, a more intimate setting is best for goodbyes. Share a meal at a favorite restaurant and reminisce about old times while planning how to stay in touch after the move. 

At a loss for words? Try some of these famous goodbye quotes for some inspiration.  

Go on a day trip

Hit the ground running with a day out on the town. Spend time together exploring favorite places or attractions you’ve never visited.  

From hiking to shopping to town tours, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Need some tunes for the day? Check out our goodbye songs playlist, or create one with music that makes you smile. 

Give handwritten letters

Even in a world full of technology, an old-school approach can be just the ticket for touching someone’s heart. Grab some pretty stationery and write letters to special people to tell them farewell.  

Share memories and hopes for the future using your best penmanship. Encourage loved ones to keep the letters to reread on days they miss you the most.  

Create a memory book

Make a scrapbook by hand or order a photo book online to compile memories with your friends and family. The books will be a keepsake loved ones can enjoy for years. Include a handwritten inscription on the inside cover for an added personal touch. 

Photos can help children cope with moving by providing a visual reminder of people and places they miss.   

Keeping in touch with loved ones 

Planning to stay in touch after the move is a big part of making goodbyes easier. Try one or more of these ideas to keep up with each other. 

Schedule regular calls

Pick a time that works for everyone to have a traditional or video call to catch up. It can be a weekly 15-minute chat or an hour-long conversation every two weeks — just do what feels right. Put the call on your calendar as a standing appointment.  

Continue rituals and traditions

Moving to another state doesn’t mean you have to give up fun things with friends — just modify the events for long-distance enjoyment. 

• Weekly streaming binge at someone’s house? Start a virtual watch party and chat during or after the show. 

• Enjoyed a chat while on the treadmills at the gym? Talk on the phone instead through your headphones. Have a contest to see who gets winded first! 

• Book club? Host it virtually to keep everyone included from a distance. 

Plan visits

Don’t start the journey to your new home before setting up a visit with loved ones. Whether it’s for a holiday or just because, having a visit date in mind will help fight off some of those “I’ll miss you so much” feelings.

Still planning the move?

If you’ve already weighed the pros and cons of relocating and know it’s the best choice, don’t cause extra stress by choosing the wrong moving company. U-Pack® is here to help!  

We’re a long-distance self-moving service. You take care of packing, loading and unloading, and we handle transporting your things. Get a free, no-obligation quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. 

How did you tell your family and friends about a move? Let us know in the comments!