Does a going away party sound absolutely ridiculous to you? I’m sure it does when every minute of every day is spent decluttering, organizing, and planning for that big day to move abroad. There is so much to do to hit the finish line, that the idea of taking time off for fun sounds like an utter joke. Not only does it seem impossible, it might even make you feel a bit nauseous. But here’s the deal. A going away party needs to be part of the moving plan.
I didn’t realize that until I went through a big move myself. And although I was against it at first because I didn’t think we had the time for fun, I couldn’t be happier that we did. Here are 4 simple reasons why you need a going away party before a big move.
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4 Reasons Why A Going Away Party Is A Must
If your friends or partner can’t convince you, consider these 4 reasons why it’s okay to stop packing and have some fun with friends and family before moving.
1 – Saying Goodbye
The first reason is quite simple; everyone wants to say goodbye to you. You can have one-offs with everyone but let’s be honest, that just makes it harder, is time-consuming, and eventually tiresome. Or you might be that person who Houdini’s everything and your friends and family have gotten used to that, but in this case, it doesn’t seem appropriate.
A going away party solves all 3 scenarios:
- seeing the ones you know will be hurt if you left without saying goodbye,
- still being able to leave when you’re ready because after all, you fulfilled the party mission and friends will be grateful for the time you gave them; and lastly,
- saying goodbye all in one shot vs. running around to visit with everyone. After all, you really don’t have time for that.
Goodbye going away party gift on Etsy
2 – No Regrets
The second reason why you need a going away party before a big move is to have no regrets.
You’ve spent years building a home and local friendships, that it simply wouldn’t be right to leave without taking the time to pause and honor that. You can work yourself silly to make sure everything is perfect for the move, but when you get to the other side of that big move, you’ll want to reconnect with “back home”.
Time will be on your hands while you wait for your shipment and the first 6 months of a move are the hardest. It’ll be those friendships that will get you through the tough days ahead.
So don’t leave with regrets. Give yourself the grace to have some fun and enjoy those friendships in person.
Moving away party gift on Etsy
3 – Leave On A High
The third reason why you need a going away party before a big move is because you need a happy last memory!
Let’s face it. We all know moving can be the pits. No matter how much help you have or how far away the move is, moving can be utterly draining.
Do you really want to leave on that low?
Having your last memories consist of moving boxes, packing tape, sharpies, fast food 3 times per day, and taking a shower only every couple of days aren’t exactly the ones to get you through the next part of the moving journey when you need to dig deep to keep going. But a going away party with all your besties will. 💕
If someone offers to throw you a going away party, because you know they will, say, “Yes”.
Don’t hesitate. Don’t think about it. Just say, “Yes”.
Give the host dates that will work for you and let them do the rest. I repeat. Let them do this for you. If not for you, then for your family. Your kids need this, too.
4 – The Picture
The fourth reason why you need a going away party before a big move is because you need the picture. That going away party group picture with friends and family will be the one to make you smile every time you see it. A reminder of a great evening with great friends and not all the chaos that swirled around you for months leading up to the big move.
Take that picture, print it, frame it, and put it somewhere in the new place you call home to be reminded that they are still right there with you. When you need them, you can see them. When you need a reminder, it’ll be there. Or perhaps just to smile to remember the best going away party and moving gift ever.
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It’s hard to explain but that picture will comfort you in times when you feel alone or a bit homesick.
Our group picture from our moving abroad party is on our entryway console so it can be seen every day. I wanted a reminder that I don’t have to be in Texas to feel at home. That home really is what you make of it, and that picture helps remind me of that. 🏡
If still not convinced about a going away party…
Adding a going away party to your schedule when you barely have time for a shower seems like a lot. I know. I fought it. I couldn’t imagine adding more to my plate. But it’s the one thing that I’m so glad we did that wasn’t on our moving abroad to-do list.
We needed that time to have fun. To not pack. To not stress over what we had to do next. To not worry about anything but having a good time. And we did.
And on top of that, we completed everything we needed to move abroad, proving that it is perfectly fine to take a break.
So let go, have some fun and put that list aside for a night. Because you absolutely deserve a going away party before a big move, too!
Looking for more moving resources? Try these.
- Second Thoughts About Moving Abroad?
- 17 Going Away Gifts For Friend Moving Overseas
- Moving to the UK? Use my ultimate MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST
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