Going away parties are emotion-heavy transitions for loved ones moving from one home to another. To throw a memorable and helpful soiree, look through my tips for throwing a going-away party.
Plan it for the Right Time
It’s vital that you pick the perfect date for the party. The moving process is laborious and emotional for everyone. I always tried to have a party close to moving day to give my friends closure before they headed out. Another plus is they can get the hard work of packing done beforehand. Get your invitations out weeks ahead of time; I’d suggest sticking to at least two weeks before the party. It would be a shame if their lovely old lady neighbor couldn’t make it because she had a grooming appointment for her cat that day.
Pick an Appropriate Gift
You can also prepare them for their upcoming move by giving them a useful gift for their new home. When looking to buy the best housewarming gift for your loved ones, consider gift cards to get them on their feet or furniture that fills out their new home. Make sure to not be a pain with furniture, though; have it shipped to their new home instead of passing it off before they move. No one wants to add a new piano to their moving truck.
Set Up Smartly
Assuming you’re holding the party at their old home, you need to have a setup and decorations you’re proud of. Double-check their chairs are either not packed or you bring others to accommodate everyone. Also, consider using disposable or easily torn-down decorations so they don’t have to worry about cleaning up too much party mess before they move. Be thoughtful as you decorate, too. I loved putting up photos to celebrate them and their time in their house. And I for sure messed with them by plastering their awkward selfies all over the walls!
Have Activities Prepared
Our last tip for throwing a going-away party is to have activities ready that are sentimental and celebrate their future in a new place. I have a friend who put out a memory jar for guests to write down their favorite times spent with their friend. She still has it displayed on her shelf at her new house. Make a game that is themed after their new home, too. One option is a crafting game where people have to match the shape of the state they’re moving to. That should get some interesting submissions—unless they’re moving to Colorado! To finish things off, a party isn’t complete without publicly saying how you feel about your loved ones with a round of toasts. Telling memorable stories about their time in the area is the perfect way to end the party and send people on their way (after cleaning, of course).
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