Today it’s easier to stay in touch remotely than ever before, which is great news for anyone that’s moving soon. One of the hardest parts about making a move is leaving loved ones behind. The physical distance can have a real emotional and mental impact that could make adjusting to your new home and city more difficult.
The trick is to make the most of the time you have together and put a plan in place that will help you keep in touch.
Before the Move
Make Time with Friends and Family a Part of Your Moving Schedule
It’s important to take breaks from your moving duties, which is the perfect opportunity to pencil in time with friends and family. Since you may be short on time, really make these opportunities count by doing something special, going to one of your favorite spots in the city and choosing activities where it’s easy to talk.
Get Friends and Family Involved in the Move
We’re not suggesting that you put your loved ones to work (of course, if they want to help out that’s great), but when you’re getting ready to make a move a lot of your time will be spent preparing. Instead of making it a solitary activity, invite people over to hang out while you get things packed up. Most of the time friends and family are more than willing to take on the easy or fun tasks like helping you create your moving list or labeling boxes.
Figure Out the Best Way to Communicate After the Move
Before moving ask friends and family when and how they want to communicate. Some people respond quicker to texts while other prefer a phone call. Tech-savvy individuals may want to use the opportunity to try out the latest chat apps or video calling service. Options to consider include:
- Phone Calls – Thanks to cell phones just about everyone is easy to get a hold of anytime you need to talk. Group chats using three-way calling are always a good option for keeping in touch with multiple people at once. You can also utilize features on smartphones like FaceTime to see each other while you talk.
- Skype – It’s the leader in audio and video calling through your computer, tablet or smart phone.
- Chat Apps – Today’s chat apps make it easier than ever to talk, text and send pictures. FireChat, an app for iPhones, is making waves because it can connect with other phones even when you don’t have cell reception.
- Texts – This is a favorite for smartphone users and can be an efficient way of sending a quick message to a group of people. With the latest phones you can even send audio messages.
- Email – Great for sending large pictures, documents or longer written correspondence.
- Instant Messaging – Instant messaging can be done on your phone or computer. Computer-based instant message apps bring texts online, which is perfect if you want to communicate while one or both people are at work. If you and your friends or family all use Gmail then you can use the Chat messenger. Windows Live Messenger is also a popular option.
- Written letters/cards – Sometimes it’s nice to see something personal like a friend’s handwriting, especially if it’s a special occasion.
It’s also a good idea to ask about people’s schedules if you’re unsure about work schedules or other extra curricular activities when friends and family are unavailable.
Consider Getting Your Kids a Communication Device
Kids are particularly affected by leaving friends and family behind, and can feel frustrated since it isn’t their decision to move. You can make the transition a little easier by giving them the means to communicate with loved ones. If they are old enough and don’t already have a phone, consider getting them one. If they already have a tablet or laptop allow them to set up programs that make it easy to communicate online. Encourage them to also create their own communication plan with friends.
Make Sure Social Accounts Are Up-to-Date
Social media gives us an entirely new way to keep people up-to-speed with what we’re doing. Update your social accounts and/or consider adding new accounts and share your user information with loved ones.
After the Move
Keep Communication Consistent
If you plan to talk around the same time each day, week, month, etc. it makes communication much easier. Each person knows to anticipate the call and doing so consistently will help make it a habit.
Use Email and Text for the Little Stuff
Constant contact through text and email is convenient and will keep you better connected. However, it can’t replace hearing the other person’s voice. So reserve these text communications for the small stuff rather than big occasions like a birthday.
Keep a Calendar with Important Dates
Speaking of birthdays, when you’re apart from loved ones it can be easier to forget important milestones. Avoid missing a big event by keeping a calendar that’s specifically for noting important dates like anniversaries, graduations, etc. Once the date is in place, set an alert on your phone or computer to remind you to reach out.
If you’re making a move in Central Texas let Square Cow Movers help! We can take care of the moving details so you can spend more time with your friends and family. Give us a call or fill out our convenient online form for an instant moving quote.
Original Source: https://squarecowmovers.com/ways-to-keep-friendships-strong-before-and-after-a-move/