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It is natural and important to give someone a going away present when they are about to move—a colleague taking a job out of town, a friend moving to be closer to family, or a family member leaving for university. The trick is the mover often doesn’t have a lot of room or time to enjoy gifts; think portable and practical. Here are 20 gifts for someone who is about to move:
The Best Gifts and Must-Haves for Someone Who’s Moving
Moving is super stressful and a lot of work. All these gifts are either practical or pick-me-ups to make things easier and more fun. If you’re about to move, these gift ideas are also great items to pick up for yourself to lighten the load!
Packing Cubes
This gift may be of service during the move or small enough to not get in the way. These cubes help keep things organized in suitcases.
Compression Bags
These compression bags don’t need a vacuum to operate, shrink the contents, and keep things waterproof.
Painting For Their New Home
These custom paintings from Paint Your Life are the perfect way to decorate their new home! If you don’t want to give them something else to move you could also offer a gift certificate that they can use once they’re settled.
Vapur Bottle
This roll-able water bottle is super convenient. I take mine hiking and camping and roll it up for an airplane carry-on to fill up after security.
Notebook
Lots of notes and lists are required throughout a move. A purse-sized notebook is essential for someone about to move.
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Customized Packing Labels
This packing tape is customized for easy labeling. Just stick them on and you’re good to go.
Berenstain Bears Moving Day
This book is a fun way to introduce kids to the concept of moving and keep the whole family entertained along the way.
Sharpie Markers
Sharpies in an assortment of colors make for fun packing labels and have an array of uses after the move.
Panettone
This tasty bread can save for a while, but most likely will be eaten so fast that it will not make the move.
Protein Bars
Coming in all sorts of flavors, protein bars are a helpful addition to keep everyone going. Be sure to consider food preferences and allergies in the selection.
Scrapbook
Whether you leave the scrapbook empty or start to fill in the pages with happy memories, a scrapbook is a great way to document life before and after a move.
Roll Up Reusable Shopping Bags
These are great for stuffing in purses or back bags, so they never forget a shopping bag. These bags shrink down very easily.
Flowers
No matter the season, flowers will always liven up a space. The perfect thing is that they are a gift that will be easy to leave behind once the move commences.
Streetwise Map
It would be very helpful for them to get an overview of the new city. Nothing beats an old fashion paper map when cell coverage is spotty or you need to get a mental lay of the land.
Newcomers Handbook
Find a newcomer’s handbook to their new city. This will be a helpful resource in all stages of the move.
Stationary
Nice stationary will allow them to write notes to send back to friends and family and is very portable.
Portable Charger
This compact portable charger is great for charging phones, Ipods, or even laptops on trips or when power outlets are not readily available.
Slippers
In winter, you can never go wrong with an extra pair of slippers. Slippers can keep them warm while waiting for the rugs to come in or moving boxes in breeze areas.
Key Chains
From a practical carabineer to a cute stuffed animal, key chains are essential in a move.
Dolly
A small rolling dolly will be handy for small rearrangements of furniture to large moves.
Robotic Vacuum
Moves involve lots of cleaning often on both ends of the process. A robotic vacuum can help lighten the workload.
Pair these gifts for someone about to move with a helping hand and your friend or family member will be singing your praises all the way to their new home—many hands make light work.
