Making the Move to a New City

Saying Goodbye

By far the hardest part of your move will be saying goodbye to loved ones. In order to make a healthy and positive transition, take the time to create special moments with family and friends before you leave—whether it is Saturday morning coffee, going to a concert or a celebration dinner. Don’t avoid talking about the move. Sharing all your apprehension, reservations, excitement and enthusiasm will lighten the load.

“Feel whatever you are feeling. Don’t try to bottle up any anxiety or stress or put on a brave face when you’re around friends and family. Be real with your emotions. If you know you will miss certain things, say that or find time to do them with people,” says Ramos. “Running away from emotions is a temporary solution. They’ll catch up with you in your new place and then you may find yourself with few shoulders to cry on.”

You may want to have a packing party with friends and families before you go. Getting them involved in your move may help make the goodbye that much easier.

“After living in Chicago for 12 years I was definitely ready for a warmer existence, but some of my best memories were from a big snow storm the week before I left,” says Melissa Morrison. “My friends knew I still had a lot to do and they changed their schedules for my move countdown. We had so much fun trekking through the snow to get boxes or ducking into coffee shops for breaks and hot chocolate.”

Though you may feel some intense sadness when you’re saying goodbye, know in your gut that this is the right decision for you. After all—a move isn’t necessarily permanent. You’re saying goodbye for now, but you’ll definitely see these people again.