Before the Move: Preparing to Leave, Pre-transition

A move — whether across countries, cities, or life chapters — doesn’t begin the day you arrive in a new place.
It begins in the leaving.

So often, we rush ahead: paperwork, packing lists, new homes, new schools, new jobs. But what about the quieter side of transition — the emotional preparation?

Leaving well matters. It shapes how we arrive.

Why the Leaving Part Is So Important

Every transition has two halves:

• The letting go (what you’re leaving behind)

• The stepping in (what you’re moving toward)

When we skip the letting go, we carry loose ends, unresolved feelings, and “unfinished business” into the new chapter. That can make settling in much harder.

Honoring your goodbye is an act of rooting — it clears space for what’s to come.

Three Ways to Prepare Before a Big Move

1. Mark Your Places and People

Make time for farewells, even small ones. Visit favorite spots, have coffee with friends, write letters you may never send. These rituals help you acknowledge what has mattered to you.

2. Gather What Grounds You

Think beyond boxes. What helps you feel at home in yourself? A journal, a photo, a favorite mug, a playlist — pack those anchors intentionally. They will steady you when the new feels overwhelming.

3. Give Space to Mixed Feelings

Excitement and grief often travel together. Allow both. Write down what you’re grateful for and what you’ll miss. Name the fears as well as the hopes. All emotions have a place in transition.

A Gentle Reminder

Leaving is not just a logistical process — it’s an emotional journey.
By tending to your goodbyes, you plant the first roots for your new beginning.

So as you prepare to move, ask yourself:

• What do I want to carry forward with me?

• What am I ready to release?

• How can I honor this chapter before turning the page?

✨ The way you leave will shape the way you arrive.
And even as you step away, remember: your roots are not lost — they grow with you.