If you’ve ever moved, you know that it’s a lot of work. There are many people that need to be notified. There’s packing to do. And, if you’re moving far away, there are plenty of goodbyes to be said. 

So, if you have a friend who is moving, you can completely understand all that they are going through. And as a good friend, you want to be as supportive as possible. Even if they don’t ask for your help, you probably want to assist them in some way.

Don’t worry – there are lots of things you can do to help your friend as they prepare to move, and here are a few ideas for you.

• Bring Food and Drinks: When you start the process of packing, it can become all-consuming. In fact, it can be easy to forget to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. After all, there’s a lot to get done.
  • But friends don’t let friends pack without eating. Bring a meal, snacks, and beverages over to your friend so they’ll take the time to eat. Keep it simple so as not to add to what may already be a chaotic situation. Pickup their favorite takeout or bring sandwiches, fruit, and chips that require no utensils.
• Help Watch Their Pets: If your friend has a pet, their pet may be finding all of the change stressful. Why not volunteer to watch their pet so they can have a few hours to pack in peace? You could take them back to your place, out for a walk, or to the local dog park to play. Their pet will love the chance to go and explore someplace new, and your friend will appreciate fewer distractions.
• Make Packing Fun: Nobody really likes the process of packing, but it has to get done – so, try to make it fun. You might make a fun packing playlist that has some of your friend’s favorite songs on it. Or, as you’re working to pack up the living room, play a movie that both of you love. Later on, take a break and grab some popsicles out of the freezer (that you secretly stashed in there) and take a quick break. Plan little things to keep everyone’s spirits up!
• Help Them Purge Stuff: As your friend is packing, they’re probably working to get rid of things, too. Once they’ve decided what needs to go, do a run to their local donation center for them or even down to the dumpster if things need to be thrown away. 
• Bring Extra Supplies: Packing supplies go quickly. Think about bringing extra packing tape, markers, boxes, and newspapers so that no one is heading to the store to buy more. 
• Help Pack: This goes without saying! If you have time to help pack and load, then do so. Be sure to ask if they have some sort of “system” in place to ensure that things go smoothly, and then give them as much of your time as you can.
• Let Them Borrow Stuff They May Need: If your friend wants to stay in their current place as long as possible and they’re trying to pack at the same time, they may find that they pack towels or dishes or pots. Offer to lend them some of your things so they can stay in their current place as long as needed.
• Offer Them a Place to Stay: If there’s a gap between packing and moving into their new place, you can always offer to have them stay with you. Leaving behind the boxes and chaos could be just what they need at the end of a busy day of packing.

When a friend tells you that they’re moving, instead of trying to get out of helping them, why not try one of these ideas to make the move a little easier? Your thoughtfulness will be so appreciated.