While housewarming parties have been traditional, some individuals are now opting to also celebrate their farewells.

Julie Bogen and her family faced a significant move from Silver Spring, Maryland to Pensacola due to a military transfer in 2023. Leaving behind their established community support network was tough, emphasizing the importance of connections over the physical house. Bogen, currently residing in San Diego and working as a writer and editor, prioritized the opportunity to reunite with friends and family instead of focusing solely on their beloved home.

Before embarking on their relocation journey, Bogen and her family organized a “homecooling” party to bid farewell to their residence and gather with approximately 100 close acquaintances. The guest list included classmates, colleagues, fellow parents from local meetups, and relatives residing in the D.C. metro area, providing a memorable send-off before the move to a new location.

Bogen’s Journey: Moving Trends in America

One of the many families on the move in America is the Bogen household, part of the approximately 12 percent of Americans who relocate each year. While some moves are local, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows a significant increase in the number of Americans relocating to different states in 2022, with around 8.2 million making the change, surpassing previous years. Despite this trend, over half of Americans still reside near extended family, within an hour’s drive. However, a study by Pew Research indicates that younger generations place less emphasis on this proximity compared to their parents. These shifting patterns suggest a growing number of individuals facing major relocations that often come with significant goodbyes.

Hosting a Meaningful House Cooling Party

For the Bogen family, a low-key house cooling party was the perfect way to bid farewell to their old home. Burgers, hot dogs, chips, and dips were shared with friends as the day went by. Their large pork butt smoked by Bogen’s husband ensured there was an abundance of food. Kids played in the backyard, adults socialized, and the family found the closure needed to embrace a new beginning.

Emotional Challenges of Relocating

Not only long-distance relocations but also local moves can evoke deep emotions. Realtor Cheryl McFarland has guided numerous families through the emotional process of parting with a home that held generations of memories. Leaving behind a house can trigger a mix of emotions, including nostalgia and attachment to the past.

Easing the Transition with a “Take My Stuff” Party

When downsizing, older clients often struggle with letting go of belongings and furniture. To make the process easier, McFarland suggests hosting a “take my stuff” party where family and friends can choose items to keep. This event not only provides closure for the seller but also ensures that cherished possessions find new homes with loved ones.

Transitioning to a New Home

McFarland believes that events like these help her clients start a new chapter by providing them with the opportunity to bid farewell to many people in a short span rather than prolonging the process. She enjoys attending these events herself, where she gets to meet her clients’ friends and family, who often end up becoming close friends by the end of the moving journey. McFarland even suggests opening up their pantries to guests, with a humorous reminder to check the expiration dates before sharing.

Varied Approaches to Moving Celebrations

While some opt for casual gatherings like barbecues and potlucks to ease the transition to a new home, others choose to elevate the experience, as suggested by Luke Seddon, CEO of H2 Catering Equipment. Seddon, with his background in the catering industry, has been part of several extravagant house cooling parties, recounting a particularly memorable one from his extensive experience.

Creating Meaningful Memories at Home

After two decades in her residence, a client of Seddon’s decided to bid farewell in a unique way. She opted to honor her family’s cherished meals by recreating them, paying homage to the home’s extensive history of family gatherings. Seddon’s team collaborated closely with her throughout the process. The decor featured subtle yet significant elements such as framed photographs, handwritten menus with ancestral recipes, and table settings reflecting family traditions. A guest book was also provided for attendees to leave heartfelt messages.

The Essence of House Cooling Parties

Seddon emphasizes that the essence behind house cooling parties remains consistent regardless of the budget. It can be as simple as incorporating favorite recipes, displaying photo collages from past events, or inviting guests to share personal anecdotes. Encouraging guests and residents to reminisce about their time in the house adds depth to the event, emphasizing that moving transcends mere physical spaces. Even with a limited budget, these personal touches can create a profoundly meaningful atmosphere.

Personal Touches for a Memorable Home Farewell

Darlene Yanakos proposed the idea of a house cooling party to her husband and the current tenants of their Pittsburgh condo for various reasons, including sentimental attachments. Having turned their first home into a rental property after moving across the city in 2017, they shared many significant moments in the space during their younger years, making it a place filled with unforgettable memories.

The Home Designer’s Unique Condo in a Renovated Catholic School

The unit, situated in a renovated Catholic school, holds a special historical significance, sparking interest from current tenants looking to purchase the condo. However, Yanakos has her sights set on one final gathering. She explains, “The main reason for considering the party is the numerous memorable events we’ve hosted there, and we wanted to close that chapter with one last celebration.” The renters have graciously allowed them to return at any time, even permitting a party, which Yanakos finds quite appealing.

Creating Lasting Memories at Home

Reflecting on their farewell party, Bogen encourages homeowners, like Yanakos, to bid adieu to their homes in a meaningful way. Recalling the event, she describes it as reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Guests were immersed in the joy of each other’s company, forging new connections amidst children running through the yard with laughter. The scene was a blend of Americana, filled with emotion, capturing the essence of their final moments in the house perfectly.