Moving Day: Coping with Moving

We have all had friends or family move away.  It seems in the last year, we personally have had several close friends and family members move.  Ironically, before that we probably couldn't name any close friends or family who had moved away while we have been married.  With the downturn in the economy, many people are relocating due to job losses or new opportunities.  While it is a chance to make a fresh start, there is also a lot of uncertainty moving so far from your support system of family and friends.

What can you do as a friend to help those moving?

• Promise to keep in touch 

With social media such as Facebook and Twitter, it is easier to stay in touch with family and friends.  Letters and photos in the mail are always an unexpected surprise to.

• Stay positive 

While you may miss your friends, telling them how much you hate them moving away repeatedly may make it harder for them.  It is important to tell them how much they mean you but while you may miss them, think how much harder it is on them.

• Offer help

Offer help packing and loading up the moving truck.  Babysitting so they can have some alone time amidst moving preparations can help them tremendously. 

• Throw them a going away party

If you have a lot of mutual friends, throw them a party-a chance to get everyone together one last time.

•  Lend an ear

Listen if your friend needs someone to talk to.

How to cope with moving away from family and friends:

• Bonding time 

This is a chance to become closer with your husband and children.  Don't forget to talk with your children about moving and how they are feeling.  It is going to be a new experience  for everyone. Look at your family as the explorers of your new neighborhood.       

• Eat, drink, and sleep

With so many new changes, staying healthy is important.  Eat right, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. You don't want to add being sick to your list of things to deal with in a new place.

• Go out  

Meet your neighbors.  Ask them for recommendations for pediatricians and things to do.  They are also knowledgeable about local babysitters (they may even have children who babysit).  Check out Meetup.com for mom's groups or other groups that meet in the area that may interest you (scrapbooking, photography, etc.).  Join a local church, gym, or visit a local community center to meet new people to add to your network of friends.        

• Stay in touch with your family and old friends 

Phone calls, emails, visits home, and a chance for your friends to come visit you on vacation are all  things you can look forward to. Your old friends and your family are still there for you even if they are no longer right around the corner.  Technology is an amazing thing for staying in touch.  Webcams are a relatively inexpensive option so you can still "see" everyone when you are talking to them.        

• Stay positive 

While you may not be happy moving, it is important that your children see that you are on board with your move.  It will help make them feel more secure.  This is a chance to reinvent who you are and to let go of any past mistakes that you may have made.  Make this a fresh start for your family.

• Be realistic 

It is going to take time to adjust and feeling lonely and out of sorts is normal.  Don't expect to feel settled overnight.  It will take time to make new friends and build up the support system you had where you used to live.      
         
 Keep in mind that you are never alone.  Your family and old friends are just a phone call away.