Do you want to start over and disappear in another state?
Starting fresh in a new state is like turning the page to a new chapter in your life, an exciting adventure filled with endless possibilities. While the journey can be both exhilarating and a bit daunting, taking the proper steps can make all the difference in creating a smooth and successful transition. Here’s a detailed guide to help you embrace this new beginning confidently!
10 Thoughtful Gifts for Your Best Friend Moving Away (That Won’t Make You Cry… Too Much)
Finding the perfect gifts for people going away can be tricky, but with some creativity, you can give them something significant that makes their departure easier to bear. They say friends are the family we choose. But they don’t say that sometimes, those friends up and move away – leaving you to fend for yourself at brunch, carry on all your inside jokes with yourself, and try to survive a world where your best friend isn’t just down the street. Dramatic? Maybe. Accurate? Completely.
Whether your best friend is leaving for a new job, love, or a “fresh start,” parting ways is emotional. But instead of moping around and sending them passive-aggressive texts about how their new city will never be as fun as this one (tempting as it is), why not send them off with a personal gift
Choosing the perfect moving gift can turn a bittersweet goodbye into a heartfelt reminder that they’ll always have a piece of home with them no matter where life takes them. Here are ten unique and personal gifts to show your bestie how much they mean to you—because a farewell as important as this deserves a little more than just a tacky keychain or a sad wave goodbye at the airport.
A Map of Your Best Moments
Let’s be honest: nobody needs another scented candle or framed inspirational quote. But a custom map of all the places where your friendship grew? That is something special. Have a map made of your favorite spots together – your regular pub, the park where you once laughed until you cried, even that dodgy takeaway joint that always gave you food poisoning but you still ordered from anyway. It’s like giving them a pocket-sized version of home.
‘Open When’ Letters for Every Emotion
Life is chaotic, and moving away can be challenging. But sometimes, all you need is a letter from your best friend telling you everything will be OK. Create a stack of ‘Open When’ letters for them to open during specific moments: when they’re lonely, miss home, or need a laugh. Make each letter as thoughtful (or ridiculous) as you want—add bad puns, your worst dating advice, or even stick in some confetti to give them a proper mess when they least expect it.
A Playlist for Their New Chapter
Music brings people together and keeps them sane when life is falling apart. Curate a playlist of all the songs that define your friendship – those you screamed out of the car windows at 2 a.m. after too many drinks and those that always made you cry into your wine. Name it something ridiculous like “Songs for When You Inevitably Miss Me Too Much” and send it their way. It’ll be the soundtrack to their next adventure and a little reminder of you.
A Friendship Plant (That Won’t Die in a Week)
Moving is stressful. Do you know what’s not? A plant that doesn’t need much watering or attention. Get them a cute little succulent or cactus to survive even the most plant-neglecting human. Attach a note like, “Water this, just like you’ll water our friendship.” Bonus points if you name it after something inside-jokey like “Cact-Us” or “Leaf Me Alone.”
Digital Memory Box
In the age of social media, a tangible photo album can feel outdated. Why not create a digital memory box? Fill it with videos, voice notes, GIFs, and all those embarrassing photos you’ve saved of them over the years. They can add to it whenever they want, and it’ll be a living, breathing testament to your friendship. Plus, it’s way harder to lose than that old box of printed pictures hiding under their bed.
Your Friendship in a Recipe Box
There’s something so comforting about cooking a familiar meal, especially when you’re in a new place. Put together a box of recipes that remind you of your takeout nights and others that represent your favorite meals. You can even add notes to each recipe like “For when you’re missing home, but also want to feel a bit fancy,” or “Best made after two glasses of wine.”
A Moving Day Survival Kit
No one likes moving day. It’s usually sweaty and a bit chaotic. Help ease the pain by creating a “moving day survival kit.” Fill it with essentials like snacks for moving, a power bank (for those inevitable dead phone moments), a bottle of their favorite drink, and a playlist of upbeat songs. You could even throw in something fun like a guide to their new city or a book you know they’ll love for their first night in.
A Handwritten Goodbye, but Make It Chic
Sure, texts are great, and Instagram DMs are cute. But a handwritten letter? That’s forever. Write them a proper goodbye letter – not just a quick “I’ll miss you!” but a letter that encapsulates everything your friendship has been, from the silly stories to the serious stuff. Don’t hold back. Go deep. And if you want to make it extra fancy, write it on personalized stationery or turn it into a piece of framed art. This is the kind of goodbye that belongs on their wall.
A Self-Care Package (Because Moving Is Exhausting)
Help your bestie unwind with a self-care package. Fill it with their favorite face masks, bath bombs, candles, or even a bottle of wine. Add a note like, “For when the stress of unpacking makes you question your entire existence.” Trust me, after all that lifting and organizing, they’ll thank you.
A Weekend Getaway Fund
Sometimes, the best gift is a promise that even though your best friend is moving away, you’ll still see each other soon. Set up a weekend getaway fund – whether for them to visit you or for you both to meet somewhere new. It could be as simple as setting aside $50 monthly for a future holiday together. It’s a gift that says: This isn’t goodbye, it’s just ‘see you soon.’
Creating a card for a friend moving away
In today’s world of quick texts and fleeting messages, sending a farewell card is a small but powerful way to show just how much their presence in your life has meant. It’s a chance to put all those feelings you might not say out loud into something real, something they can hold onto and reread whenever they need a little reminder of home (and of you).
Dear [Friend’s Name],
So, you’re off to chase new adventures, explore new places, and make new memories. But let’s be honest: no one will understand your weird snack habits or laugh at your terrible puns like I do. Don’t worry—I’m not mad, just dramatically disappointed that I have to find someone to share late-night ramblings with and listen to me overanalyze everything.
But seriously, I’m so proud of you. You’re about to start a fantastic new chapter, and I know you’ll make it epic—just like you always do. This isn’t a goodbye; it’s a see you soon, and I can’t wait to hear all the ridiculous stories you’ll collect along the way.
Until we meet again, I’ll be here, missing you and supporting your new life… while secretly planning my visit to crash your new digs.
Stay fabulous (but not too fabulous without me),
[Your Name]
Gifts For Your Sister Moving Away (That She'll Treasure Forever)
Often, sisters are our best friends. So, naturally, I had to write a particular segment dedicated to them. When your sister moves away, it’s not just a logistical change—it’s like losing your live-in therapist, closet thief, and stand-up comedian all in one go. But instead of sending her off with just a teary wave, why not give her something that screams, “I’ll miss you, but also don’t forget me, ever!” Here are a few ideas that’ll make sure she thinks of you, even when she’s far away, pretending to have her life together in her shiny new city:
A Memory Jar of Inside Jokes
Fill a jar with little notes of all your shared inside jokes, funny memories, or things that only the two of you understand. That way, when she’s feeling lonely, she can pull out a slip and laugh at something that no one else in her new city will ever get. It’s like sending her a bit of home, one giggle at a time.
A “Sister Pact” Journal
Buy a cute journal and start it with a few entries yourself—write about your favorite moments together or how proud you are of her next big step. Then, send it with her, and every time she visits, she can bring it back, and you’ll both add new entries. Over the years, it’ll become a shared scrapbook of sisterhood, even if you’re miles apart.
Custom Coordinates Bracelet
Get a bracelet engraved with the coordinates of home—so whenever she looks at it, she’ll be reminded of exactly where you are (even if she’s halfway across the world pretending she doesn’t miss you that much). It’s subtle, chic, and just sentimental enough.
A Book of Unsolicited Sisterly Advice
Buy a blank book and fill it with your most sarcastic, ridiculous, and strangely wise advice on everything—from dealing with weird roommates to where to get the best takeout when she’s too tired to cook. Make it as hilarious or heartfelt as you want. Think of it as the gift that keeps giving whenever she’s stuck in a life crisis.
A Playlist of Podcasts
You know what she loves to listen to—whether it’s a true crime, self-help, or some niche comedy series. Curate a playlist of podcast episodes that’ll get her through long road trips, lonely evenings, or when she needs to feel like you’re chatting alongside her.
Distance Means Nothing to True Friendship
Finding the ideal moving away gift can turn a moment of goodbye into a lasting memory that reminds your friend they’re always loved, no matter the miles between you.
Let’s be real – no gift completely removes the sting of saying goodbye to your best friend. But these gifts can remind them that you’re still their person no matter where they go. Friendships like yours don’t fade because of a few extra miles. If anything, they get stronger. And hey, when it’s time for that next reunion (or spontaneous FaceTime chat), Zip Moving and Storage will be right there to help get you packed and on the road.
So don’t cry because they’re leaving. Laugh because you’re already planning your next trip together!
