Life is complicated. We move through various stages throughout our lifetimes and they are each messy and significant and exciting and taxing. Moving is one of these times. I remember my very first move as a real adult (not the move out of my parents’ house, but the one right after that); it was emotional. In fact, I was torn-up about leaving my first little place, even though it was too small and the shower never really worked well. There was so much to do on my own since I couldn’t lean on my parents as much (they live about three hours away from my then-home in Brampton, ON). But, my mom gave me the best advice, and I want to share it with you. She told me, “if you want this part to be a bit less painful, include saying goodbye to friends in a special way—the way we did when you left here.”

I cried. She was so right. My parents sent me off the right way. We spent time together and laughed and shared sadness before I went off on my own. So, I moved forward with plans to close this chapter in my life the right way. Here’s what I did:

I hosted dinner
I’m not a big cook, but I can follow a recipe. Before the craze of packing began, I invited my favorite neighbors and friends to have dinner around my table with me. And, everyone offered to pitch in, so it became a potluck! The night was full of laughter and neighborhood gossip, shared recipes and heartfelt farewells. To be honest, it was overwhelming—but in that wonderful, cup-overflowing kind of way.

I threw a “packing” party
I enlisted the professional assistance from ABS Movers & Storage—but I wanted to pack my own things (I no longer feel this sentimental desire and have since used their amazing packing services in other moves!). So, I invited my two best friends who lived just around the corners and a close coworker, popped a couple bottles of wine, set out a cheese and vegetable tray with tons of crackers, and made a night of it. They helped me choose what to donate, what to sell, what to pack, and what they would “take off my hands!” As it turned out, I had far too many dishes and flatware; the packing party paid off for my friends, too.

I created a photo album
There were nearly 1,000 pictures in my phone from my year-long adventures in my first apartment, the farewell dinner, and packing party. I had them printed off and spent an evening alone arranging them in a beautiful photo album my mom gifted to me. This was a cathartic evening.

I made sincere plans to meet soon
My mom also told me, “saying goodbye is so much easier when you have plans to see each other soon.” I set a restaurant date with the neighbors two months out and a Skype date with my best friends for the very next weekend. Much, much less crying this way!

If you’re moving out of town, do as I did and make the goodbyes easier. And, give ABS Movers & Storage a call—they’re forever my trusted moving company in Brampton, Ontario!