How to Tell People You Are Moving

Telling people that you are moving can be a difficult and emotional experience, especially if you have close relationships with them. And even more so if your upcoming move is unexpected or unwelcome. But it’s important to tell people you are moving when the time is right for you is important. Some folks like announcing their upcoming move as soon as possible so they can spend as much time with their friends and family before leaving.

Others like to keep the move private until closer to the moving date. There have been times when we knew we would be moving ahead of time for a new job, so we publicly talked about it. But there have been times that we kept it private until closer to our move date, until details were solidified. I often told those closest to me right away. When it came to telling my bosses or colleagues, I often waited until I had another job lined up in my new city.

 Here are some tips for how to tell people you are moving:

Choose the right time

Choose a time when you can speak to the person one-on-one and when they are not too busy or stressed. This will help ensure that they can give you their full attention and respond appropriately, which can be important to you if this move is emotional.

Be honest

Be honest with the person about why you are moving and how you feel about it. If you are excited, let them know. If you are sad, share your feelings. Having a listening ear to sort out your thoughts about the move can help you process the big change that is coming up.

When moving with my now-husband for his job, I wasn’t upfront with my boss at the time about moving. I kept saying I would probably stay back and we would do long distances. A part of me was afraid of retaliation from the corporation I worked for. But in the end, it was stressful, not being honest. I do not recommend doing this.

Share your plans

Share your plans with the person, such as where you are moving, when you are leaving, and how they can stay in touch with you. By talking about our plans, I’ve been able to work out logistics with others, get recommendations for moving assistance, and make a plan to see folks before leaving.

When we drove across the country for one move, we took two weeks and traveled through Canada and then visited numerous national parks. Some of our plans were made through recommendations from friends.

Ask for support

Ask others for their support during the transition, whether it’s emotional support or help with the move itself. Sometimes a good vent about the moving process can be really helpful. There is bound to be a hiccup or two along the way, and getting a chance to talk it out with someone can be very helpful.

Also, if you need help with physically moving, ask for help. And be specific. Do you need help packing boxes, loading boxes onto a moving truck, unpacking? Moving is a physically demanding process and having an extra set of hands go a long way to alleviate some of the stress.

Express gratitude

Let others know how much they mean to you by expressing your gratitude for their friendship and support. I look back at places we’ve lived and wish I had one more opportunity to say thank you to our friends. Thank you for their friendship, their support, and even helping us with the moving process.

I always feel like I don’t acknowledge my friends and family enough. I am so thankful for them and wish I had expressed more how grateful I truly am for them.

Be understanding

Be understanding if the person is upset or emotional about your move. Give them space to process their feelings, and let them know that you are there for them if they need support. Those closest to you may have the most difficult time processing the upcoming change.

Give them the opportunity to grieve the loss of your move. Living in a different area and maintaining a long-distance relationship can be intimidating and difficult. But allowing time to process and plan for the change can make a big difference.

Stay in touch

Finally, make a plan to stay in touch after you move. Whether it’s through regular phone calls, video chats, or visits, staying connected can help maintain your relationship despite the distance. Talk about your plans to keep in touch before actually moving. 

It’s not always easy to keep in touch. I’ve made a point to send a text message to a friend every Friday to catch up. Each week it’s a different friend. Some of my long-distance friendships have been stronger than ever since I started my weekly texts.

Thoughtful ways to tell people you are moving

When it comes to delivery of announcing your upcoming move. Here are eight ideas to let others know about your big life change:

1. Personalized Notes: Craft individualized notes or cards for close friends and family members. Express your feelings, share memories, and express your enthusiasm for the new adventure.
2. Virtual Gathering: Host a virtual get-together via video call with friends and family. Use the opportunity to reveal your plans, answer questions, and create a sense of togetherness despite the distance.
3. Customized Gifts: Create personalized gifts or care packages that include items related to your new location. This could be local delicacies, souvenirs, or items that hold sentimental value.
4. Social Media Announcements: Share your news on social media platforms with a well-crafted post. Consider sharing a photo of the new place or a creative visual that symbolizes the move.
5. Moving Announcements: Design and send out moving announcements, similar to birth or wedding announcements. Include a photo of your new home or a map highlighting the location.
6. Scavenger Hunt: Turn the announcement into an interactive experience by organizing a scavenger hunt for your friends and family. The final clue could lead to the reveal of your impending move.
7. Family Video Message: Gather your family members for a heartfelt video message where each person shares their thoughts and well wishes. Compile the clips into a touching video to share.
8. Dinner Party: Host a farewell dinner party, either in-person or virtually, to celebrate your time together and share your news in a warm and intimate setting.

By following these tips, you can tell people you are moving respectfully and conservatively while also maintaining your relationships and connections with them. Moving is hard for everyone involved, but maintaining an open line of communication about the move will make a world of difference in your relationships.

If you’re looking for help staying organized during your move, check out the Move Mama Move Relocation Planners with all the checklists, tips, trackers, and logs to keep you on top of it all during this major transition.