What You Need to Do When Saying Goodbye to Your Home

Moving is such sweet sorrow. There’s the joy and anticipation of settling into your new space and the pain of leaving the old one behind.

How to say goodbye to your old home

Over on Houzz, they’ve come up with some easy steps to make letting go a little less hard. Take lots of photos, of course—but you already knew that. How about taking a bunch of shots when the place is a total mess? They’ll likely help you recall the true everyday vibe of the home you’re leaving behind way better than those pristine listing photos do. Such untidy, antistaging pictures will “provide a more meaningful record of your house and how you used it,” they write. Another way of saying goodbye is leaving your mark at the old home. Consider leaving a classic time capsule in the attic or writing a letter welcoming the new owners into the house.

Farewell party

Another idea: Fete the home in style with a farewell party, no matter the number of boxes strewed about. “String up some lights, play some music and enjoy the house with the family and friends you’ve shared it with over the years.” And don’t forget to raise a glass to your soon-to-be former abode. They also suggest leaving a little something behind, perhaps a little talisman of sorts, even if it’s hidden in the attic. OK, that’s beginning to sound a bit weird…

Adjusting into your new home

As for your new home, if Fido and Tiger are coming along, ease them into the new place, too—don’t underestimate their feelings. “Cats should be kept inside the house for a week or so,” they write, “to prevent them from trying to return to your old home.”

You also need time to adjust into your new home. Try cleaning everything with familiar, fresh-scented products to make the place feel like your own. Also, treat yourself with some new goodies to make your home feel extra special.

And now instead of a farewell party you can host a housewarming party! Invite all of your close family and friends into your new home. You can even invite your new neighbors as a way to get to know them.