How to Throw a Going-Away Party ... For You!

Moving away can have you feeling overwhelmed and a little down in the mouth. It doesn't have to be all work and no play. In fact, it's necessary to break up the monotony of organizing and packing with a little fun. Why not throw yourself a party and get your friends to help? You might be asking yourself why you should throw a party for yourself, but there are a few good reasons.


Why You Should Throw Your Own Going-Away Party
Even if you are not a type A personality you might want to control some of the variables during your busy moving preparations. It you throw your own party, you can:

• Determine when, what time and where you want to hold it. Moving is a challenging process that takes lots of time. For this reason you determining the logistics can alleviate some of the stress that comes with the territory.
• Decide who you want to attend and even combine groups of friends. Because time is a precious commodity grouping everyone together for one party, rather than attending two or more, can free up extra time seriously needed right now.
• Be emotionally prepared. Parting is such sweet sorrow, as Will Shakespeare once wrote, and when you plan your own party, you have your emotions under control, to some extent: at least more than when you're surprised by 40 friends jumping out from behind sofas and doors!

The Details of the Event
There is one part of the event that you want everyone in on, and that is the food and drinks. You have so much going on with packing and planning your move that the last thing you want to do is cook for a few dozen people or incur the cost of catering. Ask your friends to contribute by either making it potluck or having everyone chip in the same amount for a caterer, take out food or for eating in a restaurant with a set menu.

The entertainment for the evening can be music, dancing and conversation, but for something fun, why not ask all your friends to contribute their comments about you. Give yourself a "Roast" which can be a great send-off to your new place. This is one way to avoid having the evening get too emotional. Also be sure to take lots of pictures and post them on a Facebook page set up for the occasion. This will not be a going-away party your friends will soon forget!

Nationwide Relocation Services testimonials are contributed by real customers who have had the experience of moving with our company and want to share with future customers.

Blog written by Deborah Desser-Herchan, Nationwide Relocation Services correspondent.