A person wrapping a gift with a black ribbon overlay

Creative Gift Ideas for Someone Moving Out of State

Posted in Moving Tips & Tricks on January 20, 2023

Leaving the state is a big life change for both the ones who are leaving and those who are staying. Whether you are helping someone who is relocating or honoring a friend, there are plenty of gift ideas for someone moving out of state that will make the transition easier and remind them of home.

Finding the perfect gift to commemorate the move for your buddies is definitely something to consider. Not only because relocations could be quite overwhelming, but also because you want to be supportive of the big step your friends are making, right? Whether you’re looking for something special to give as a goodbye present or just to remind them of your relationship, these creative ideas are sure to do the trick!

Why Goodbye Gifts for Friends Moving Away Is Something You Should Do?

When your friends decide where they should move, you’ll probably feel a real roller coaster of feelings. On the one hand, you’re super excited and want to help them decide where to live and pick professional cross-country moving services. But on the other hand, you surely feel a bit sad since your loved ones are starting over somewhere else.

Besides helping them with, for example, making a relocation binder and finding the best packing services, surely you want to show your appreciation and support, right? But, what to get someone moving away? Showing your love and support can go a long way in helping them transition.

Ready to move with us? Get A Free Quote

Goodbye gifts can also serve as a reminder of the friendship that you shared together. It’s an act of kindness that can be cherished and remembered long after they’ve moved away. This gesture doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Even a small token of your friendship can go a long way in helping your friend feel loved and supported.

Happy, smiling friends in the restaurant after using cross-country moving services
Giving giving can remind us of all the great moments we shared with the person

Check Out Some Reasons Why You Might Consider Giving a Goodbye Gift

Relocating to a new home can be an exciting and daunting experience, often filled with a mix of emotions and challenges. Some of the emotions and challenges associated with relocation include excitement, stress, nostalgia, homesickness, or even anxiety about relocating. Considering all this, it’s completely normal to wonder why people move in the first place. There are numerous reasons for relocating, and all you can do is be supportive.

That’s when inspiring gifts come in. Despite the challenges, relocating to another place can also be a rewarding and transformative experience. They will grow and evolve as a person and build new relationships and memories in their new home. So, check out some reasons why you might consider giving a goodbye gift:

To express gratitude

A goodbye gift is a way to express your gratitude for the time you spent together and the memories you made.

To show that you care

By giving a goodbye gift, you are demonstrating to your friend that you care about them and are thinking of them even as they leave.

To commemorate the friendship

A goodbye gift can serve as a lasting reminder of the friendship and the time you spent together, even as your friend moves away.

To make the transition easier

Relocating can be stressful, and a goodbye gift can help ease the transition by providing comfort and support.

To keep in touch

A goodbye gift can serve as a symbol of your commitment to staying in touch and maintaining the friendship, even as your friend moves away.

In summary, giving a goodbye gift to a friend who is changing homes is a meaningful and thoughtful way to express your appreciation and support. A goodbye gift is a wonderful way to commemorate your friendship and ensure that your connection remains strong, even as your friend moves on to a new chapter in their life.

Three friends carrying boxes
Although it can be though, showing support when a friend is relocating is a must

One of the Gift Ideas for Someone Moving Out of State Is the Gift of Memories

For those who want to add some sentimentality to the gift, consider something that reminds them of home. This could include items like framed photos from memorable times together or a piece of art from their hometown. If your recipient loves music, you could also make them an old-fashioned mixtape with songs from their favorite local bands and artists. Who knows, maybe your gift makes the whole process stress-free, even though your friends have help from professional long-distance movers.

Make the Gift Even More Personal and Memorable

For something more personal, why not create a scrapbook full of photos and memories? This type of gift allows you to show your recipient how much you care about them during this major life transition. Luckily, there are plenty of options, and here are a few ways you can surprise your friend:

  • Photo album – Put together a photo album of pictures from your time together, along with notes and memories.
  • Scrapbook – Create a scrapbook filled with ticket stubs, postcards, and other mementos from your adventures together.
  • Personalized map – Give a personalized map of the city or state they are relocating to, with important landmarks and special places marked.
  • Customized memory box – Create a customized memory box filled with items representing your friendship, such as friendship bracelets, keychains, or other sentimental items.
  • Video montage – Put together a video montage of your favorite memories together, along with special messages and wishes for the future.

In each of these examples, the goal is to help your friend or loved one hold onto the memories of your time together and to remind them of the special bond you share, even as they move away. Whether it’s a tangible item or a digital keepsake, the gift of memories is a wonderful way to help your friend or loved one feel connected to their past, even as they start a new chapter in their life.

 A couple reading a book
Make long-distance moving memorable for your buddies

Make the Transition to a New State More Comfortable With the Gift of Comfort

From hiring reputable cross-country movers to ensuring all the things people tend to forget are on your to-do list, the entire process of organizing a move isn’t as easy as you might think. The good news is that you can help make the transition to a new state smoother and more enjoyable with only one thoughtful gesture – the gift of comfort.

One of the most effective things you can do to make the transition more comfortable is to include items that will help the person feel at home in their new place. A housewarming gift basket filled with local food specialties, crafted items from the area, or even a welcome sign made by a local artisan is a great way to give a warm welcome.

If you’re not relocating with the person, consider bringing items that have special sentimental value to them. For example, a framed photo of their family or friends from back home can be a great way to remind them of their roots and help ease their transition into a new environment.

If you’re into doing some DIY projects, you might want to check the following video on how to create a picture frame. Free your creativity and be crafty for a unique present.

Encourage the Folks Who Are Relocating to Explore the New Place With Your Gift of Adventure

When someone you love is relocating, it’s the perfect time to show your appreciation for them. Give them the gift of adventure and encourage them to explore their new place! Whether they are relocating to the countryside or planning to move to a big city, having some fun experiences can make any relocation a little easier.

If they are open to it, plan a mini road trip and explore all the attractions within driving distance. Show them you care by giving them tickets to an upcoming show or event in their new area – it’s a great way to get them excited about where they are headed.

Letting them know that you are there to support their move will make the transition smoother and more enjoyable, especially if it’s their first time relocating. Your gift of adventure will give them the boost they need to explore their new home and make new memories.

A woman enjoying a car ride after a long-distance moving
Plan a trip and boost your friend with positive energy

Be Practical With Gifts for Someone Moving Cross Country

One great way to make a move easier is to give practical going-away gifts that will help with the transition. Consider items like a sturdy suitcase, a set of packing materials, or a GPS unit for their car (if they plan to ship vehicles across the country). Since we all know how stressful relocation can be, you can go one step further and check out some packing tips and pass on the precious knowledge. For example, you can help them by sharing tips on how to:

As you can see, there are a lot of things you can do to help them prepare for the relocation process. However, if they are in a rush and need to pack up quickly, you could also suggest that they hire a professional like our own moving company. If anything, at least you won’t have to spend their last day together at the old place boxing things up, leaving you some time to plan something else.

A couple packing together
Helping your friend pack up their stuff is a great practical gift in itself

Check Out Gifts That Don’t Have Much to Do With the Relocation Process

When shopping for gifts for someone who is moving, consider practical items that the person can use in their new home. This could include useful kitchen gadgets such as a slow cooker or an air fryer, which are both versatile and convenient cooking appliances.

If you know the friend’s new address, something like a welcome mat or housewarming plant is a thoughtful gesture. Additionally, if you know the person’s aesthetic preference, consider gifting them items to help decorate their new home, such as wall art, throw pillows, candles, and even furniture pieces.

Other practical gifts could include an online subscription to an entertainment service like Netflix or Hulu, a gift card to their favorite restaurant chain in their new city, or even a prepaid cell phone plan so they can stay connected while on the go.

Think Outside the Box When It Comes to Gift-Giving for Someone Moving Across the Country

When it comes to gift ideas for friends moving away, it’s important to think outside the box and consider gifts that go beyond the traditional. While practical gifts such as moving boxes or household items may be useful, they are also common and may not have the same sentimental value.

Instead, try to think of gifts that will help your friend or loved one feel supported and connected, even as they navigate the challenges of moving to a new place. Whether it’s the gift of memories, a customized care package, or a special item that represents your friendship, the most important thing is that the gift comes from the heart and reflects your appreciation for them and the special bond you share. And for everything else moving-related, you can count on us for help.

Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

    Choose locations, date and size.
    Tell Us About Yourself

      Choose locations, date and size.
      Tell Us About Yourself
      Need to move your car/automobile?
      Get a Free Estimate 800-611-0502