How to Support a Friend Who's Moving Into a New Home

Moving can be right up there with major life stresses, such as getting sick or starting a new job. Even if it’s an exciting move, such as buying a first home or moving into a neighbourhood you’ve always wanted to live in, the process is exhausting and time-consuming, no matter what the reason. As a friend, you have the opportunity to support and make life easier for your pals as they undergo moves of their own. Here’s how:

Arrange for boxes to be sent to their house. If you’re okay with shelling out a few bucks, consider getting Amazon to deliver some flattened cardboard boxes to your friend’s home. Finding enough packing boxes can be a challenge, not to mention hauling them home afterwards.

Help them pack or unpack. Being physically there to help a friend box their stuff—or take it back out again—can take a major load off your friend’s shoulders. Bonus points if you bring some packing tape, bubble wrap and a good playlist.

Offer to watch their kids or pets on moving day. Sometimes it’s organizing everything else around the move that can be exhausting. Offering to sit the dog during the chaos of moving day or take a child out for lunch while their parents tackle the logistics of packing and unpacking is another helpful gesture.

Bring them food or coffee. Moving is both physically and mentally exhausting. If you know your friends are at capacity and you’re unable to help with the actual event, stop by with some ready-made meals for the freezer, their favourite takeout or even just a coffee.

Help clean or paint the new place. Moving into a new place is exciting, but that excitement doesn’t always sink in until after some more necessary items have been taken care of. Offer to help your friend do a deep clean or make the place home with a new coat of paint. Not your style? A gift card for a professional move-in clean or an interior paint job might go a long way too.