Finally, it’s done. You’ve arrived in your new home. You’ve already greeted and met the neighbors, and little by little, more and more moving boxes are being folded up and stored in the attic. It’s not just the authorities you need to inform about your arrival; friends and family will surely be happy to hear from you too. Of course, you could handle this with a Facebook status update or a mass email. But it’s much nicer to design a personal moving card. After all, moving often marks a new chapter in life, and it’s worth celebrating. You certainly don’t want to lose touch with old friends. A moving card signals to friends and family that the worst of the moving stress is over, and you now have time for your social life again. What should be included on the moving card, and how can you design it? We’ve gathered a few ideas for you.
Who, how, what: These details belong on the moving card
First, decide whether you want to craft the cards yourself or design them online. Depending on how busy you are and how large your circle of friends is, making them by hand can take a lot of time. Online, you’ll find various providers where you can design cards for all kinds of occasions—including moving. There, you can upload photos, choose background colors, patterns, and more. Before getting creative, you should first think about what information should be printed on the card.
Who has moved?
Whether it’s just you alone, the whole shared apartment, or the entire family, everyone should be mentioned by name. Even your dog and cat will surely appreciate finding a place on the moving card.
The new address:
Yes, even if you’ve only moved two streets away, the new address must definitely be included. Otherwise, your friends won’t know where to send the next vacation postcard. Be sure to set up a mail forwarding service for the old address starting from the moving date.
From when:
Also include on the moving card when the new address takes effect. If you send out the cards in advance, visitors might show up at your door before you’ve even moved in.
Simplistic or extravagant: Moving cards are a matter of taste
As always, how you design a moving card depends entirely on personal taste. Some prefer colorful cards with lots of flair, while others opt for a simple design, perhaps with a geometric pattern, and that’s it. Here are our favorite ideas for how you can incorporate the theme of ‘moving’:
The reason for moving:
Did you move for personal reasons, perhaps because you have started or want to start a family? Then include this theme in the card. A photo of all family members is a must here. If you changed your residence for professional reasons, feel free to mention the industry you are in. This adds extra information to the moving card and can be visually appealing as well.
Change of scenery:
It’s almost a classic to reflect the strains and activities that come with moving in the card. A paint bucket with a paintbrush, a picture of unpacked moving boxes, or a photo of yourself wearing a newspaper hat with a splash of paint on your nose. These symbols convey a friendly message: ‘Hey, it was really hard work, but I made it! Come over and visit me!’
The card material:
Your moving card doesn’t have to be made from plain paper; you can use any materials that came your way during the move. Whether it’s just cardboard style or actual cards made from old moving boxes, decorated with remnants of wallpaper—your imagination knows no bounds. Perhaps you could stick a piece of painter’s tape diagonally across the corner? You’re sure to find some leftovers!
Here’s what it looks like:
If you’ve built a new house, it should definitely be featured prominently on the moving card. After all, that’s something special. But even if it’s not a new house, but a new apartment, a photo of it is a great idea. Maybe your favorite chair is already in its new spot. A nice picture of it with the caption ‘You can find me here from now on!’ provides a first glimpse into your new home.
Further travels:
Did your move take you not just two streets away, but even to another region or even abroad? To ensure everyone understands where you’ve ended up, you can incorporate a small map section into the moving card. Mark your new location with a thick red arrow. This way, even the most distant friends will find their way to visit you.
Moving card as an invitation:
You kill two birds with one stone by combining the moving card with an invitation to the housewarming party. Here, the wording on the card can be a bit more playful. Do you have a theme for the housewarming? Perhaps you can make a fun wordplay with the street name where your new home is located? Don’t forget to include all the important information. Is there food? Should the guests bring something?
Just don’t forget anyone…
If you’re creating such thoughtful moving cards, make sure everyone receives one and that none of your loved ones and friends are overlooked. Keep a few extra copies as a reserve. You might think of someone else you’d like to share it with. Have fun designing!
