How to Organize a Memorable Moving Away Party

Full article 14 min read
Party Away

When it comes time to move away from a familiar place, it can often be difficult to say goodbye. Whether you’re starting a new job hundreds of miles away or heading off to college halfway across the country, leaving behind friends and family is never easy. Luckily, there are ways to make a move feel less stressful and more exciting. For example, you might consider throwing a moving away party to commemorate this important period in your life.

With a little planning, you can create a memorable event that your loved ones will enjoy, and that will make saying goodbye just a little bit easier. First, we will see if it is worth throwing a moving away party.

Reasons Why You Should Throw A Going Away Party

Yes, a going-away party is a great way to celebrate your new adventure while also spending time with your loved ones before you leave.

Here are some reasons why you should throw a moving-away party:

  • For one thing, it is a great way to say goodbye to your friends and family before you move to a new city or country.
  • A moving away party can help you reconnect with people from your past and even make some new connections. 
  • In addition, having a party allows you to truly celebrate this important milestone in your life. Whether you are moving across town or across the globe, this will always be an unforgettable experience that you can look back on with fondness for years to come. 
  • Additionally, throwing a moving away party can help alleviate some of the stress associated with leaving home behind: It helps you work through any lingering feelings of sadness or uncertainty about saying goodbye, thereby making it easier for you to feel ready for your next adventure.

Now you know that throwing a moving away party is a good idea, here are some tips on how to organize a moving away party:

Pick a Date and Time

The first step in planning a moving away party is to pick a date and time that works for you and your guests.

If possible, try to schedule the party for a weekend so that more people will be able to attend. However, if you are moving during the week, don’t let that stop you from having a going-away party – just be sure to spread the word and encourage people to take time off from work or school if necessary.

In terms of timing, try to plan your party for a few days or even weeks before you move. This will give everyone plenty of time to celebrate with you and say their goodbyes. 

See Also: Long Distance Moving with Pets – Planning Guide

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Decide a Venue

The first step in planning any party is to choose a venue. If you’re moving away from a big city, you might want to have your party at a local bar or restaurant. However, if you’re moving to a new town or city, you might want to consider having the party at your current home. This will give people a chance to see your place one last time and say goodbye to any memories of it. Plus, it can be more cost-effective to host a party at home rather than renting out a space.

No matter where you choose to have your party, make sure there is enough room for everyone who wants to attend. You might also want to consider the layout of the space, as you’ll want to make sure there is enough seating and tables for people to set down their drinks and food.

Prepare a Guest List

The next step is to make your guest list. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to invite only those you truly want to attend. Think about who has been there for you during your time in this place and who you would like to see one last time before moving. Invite people close to your heart; your friends and your family should be on this list.

You might also want to consider sending out invitations to your guests, as they can help give the party a more formal feel. You could choose to send digital invitations through an online service like Paperless Post or create and send physical invites in the mail.

Ask for RSVPs

Once you have your guest list, ask guests for their RSVPs. This will help you get a rough idea of how many people will be able to attend and can also help you plan out food and drinks accordingly.

Pick a Party Theme

While a moving away party doesn’t need to have any sort of theme, you may find it helpful to think about what your theme will be ahead of time. This can help give guests an idea of what to wear or bring and can make the party feel more cohesive overall. Some ideas for themes include:

  • Casual backyard barbecue: This is a great option if you’re moving away from a house or apartment with a backyard. You can set up some games, like cornhole or frisbee, and serve simple food like burgers and hot dogs.
  • Farewell to summer: If you’re moving at the end of summer, consider throwing a pool party or beach farewell party. This is a great way to say goodbye to the warm weather and spend time with your friends one last time.
  • Farewell to winter: If you’re moving during the colder months, you might want to consider throwing a farewell to a winter party. This could involve activities like sledding or making snowmen, as well as serving winter-themed food and drinks, like hot cocoa or apple cider.
  • Elegant Soiree: If you’re moving away from a big city, you might want to go out with a bang and have an elegant, black-tie party to say goodbye. This could involve things like fancy cocktails or hors d’oeuvres and live music or performances.
  • Old Memories: If you’re moving away from your childhood home or the place where you went to college, you might want to have a party that’s focused on old memories. This could involve things like slideshows or photo albums and food and drinks that are meaningful to you.

Whatever theme you choose, make sure it reflects your personal style and taste.

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Arrange for Food and Beverages

No party is complete without food and drinks! When it comes to refreshments, you’ll want to make sure there is something for everyone. If you’re hosting the party at a bar or restaurant, you can ask the staff what they recommend. However, if you’re having the party at home, you’ll need to take care of the catering yourself.

Consider hiring a caterer or ordering food from a local restaurant. This can take some of the pressure off of you and will ensure that there is enough food for everyone. You should also make sure to have non-alcoholic beverages available, as not everyone drinks alcohol.

If you’re on a budget, you can ask guests to bring their own food or drinks to the party, or you could opt for a potluck-style setup where guests contribute appetizers, desserts, or other small dishes.

Also, refreshments should be in such a manner that they should resemble your theme.

Ask for Useful Gifts

If you think that people will bring you presents when you move or decorate your new house, make a request about anything. As you’re getting ready to move away, don’t be afraid to ask your friends and loved ones for helpful gifts. Some ideas might include:

  • Packing materials 
  • Gift cards to stores where you’ll need to buy new furniture or appliances
  • Rolls of quarters for the tolls

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Give a Toast

Near the end of the party, it’s customary to give a toast. This is your opportunity to say goodbye to your friends and family and to thank them for their support. You could also use this time to reflect on your time in this place and share your future excitement.

Toasts don’t have to be long or overly sentimental – just a few words to express your gratitude and well wishes will do.

Going-Away Party Games

While not required, you may also want to include some games or entertainment at your party. This can help guests get to know each other, especially if they haven’t met before. Some ideas for games and entertainment include:

  • Trivia games
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Music
  • Board games or card games
  • Karaoke
  • Pool
  • Puzzles
  • Balloon Darts
  • Human bingo
  • Twister
  • Charades

Again, the goal here is to reflect your personal style and taste. Choose games and entertainment that you think your guests will enjoy and that will help make your party memorable.

For a non-themed party, you could also consider hiring a live band or DJ to help get the party started or ask guests to bring their instruments and create a fun singalong atmosphere.

Send Your Guests Home with a Going-Away Gift

Finally, you’ll want to send your guests home with a going-away gift. This doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive; it can be something as simple as a party favor or a small token of appreciation. You could also include a personal note thanking them for coming to your party. Some ideas for gifts to give at a moving away party include:

  • Personalized mug
  • Home-baked goods
  • A plant
  • Customized keychain
  • Photo albums
  • Writing card

Whatever you choose, make sure it reflects your personal style and taste.

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Have a Sign-In Book or Guestbook

Another nice touch is to have a sign-in book or guestbook for guests to write in. This can be a fun way for everyone to leave their good wishes and thoughts as you embark on this new adventure.

You could also use the book or guestbook as an opportunity to collect addresses so that you can stay in touch with your friends and family once you move.

See Also: How to Pack Books for Moving

Conclusion

Organizing a going away party may seem daunting, but it can be a fun and memorable event with a little planning and creativity. Be sure to involve your friends and family in the planning process, choose a theme that reflects your personal style, and include games and entertainment that everyone will enjoy. And don’t forget to send your guests home with a thoughtful going-away gift. With these tips and ideas, you can be sure that your moving away party will be an event to remember.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do you call a moving away party?

A send-off, Goodbye celebration, and Farewell party are held to bid someone farewell when they leave.

What is a going-away party?

A going-away celebration is a wonderful technique to make a lasting impression on the individual leaving your organization or region, and it’s an excellent method to demonstrate your appreciation for their work.

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How can I choose a theme for my moving away party?

You could choose a specific type of party (e.g., beach party, pool party, picnic, etc.), or you could choose a more general theme (e.g., formal party, traditional party, etc.). Whatever you choose, make sure it is something you and your guests will enjoy.

What kinds of games and entertainment can I include at my moving away party?

Some ideas for games and entertainment include karaoke, pool, puzzles, balloon darts, human bingo, Twister, charades, etc. 

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What should I say in a toast at my moving away party?

When you say goodbye to your guest, express your gratitude for attending the party and wish them well in the future. You may also share some of your past experiences or anecdotes with them. If you’re feeling inventive, you might write a poem or song to commemorate your friendship. Whatever you choose to say, be sure it is heartfelt and substantial. Promise to stay in touch with your friend and let them know about your travels.

Written by


Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.