Keeping in touch after moving

Saying goodbye is never easy, even if you know it's going to happen months in advance. If you're planning to move and wondering what will happen to your current friendships, you're not alone. As technology progresses, it definitely grows easier to stay in touch with loved ones around the world. There are the obvious ways to keep up - letters, phone calls and social media platforms - but here are a few more ideas so you never feel lonely in your new hometown.

Talk face-to-face, almost

Video chatting is better than a regular phone call for one obvious reason: you're able to see the person you're talking to. There are many options for video chat programs but two of the most popular right now are Skype and FaceTime. Both can be downloaded for free but FaceTime is exclusive to Apple products. In fact, iPhone, iPads and Macbooks all come with FaceTime pre-installed. The compatibility of the devices is nice because you could be FaceTiming from your phone on the go while your loved one is using his or her iPad, laying on the couch. Keep in mind your phone has to be connected to Wi-Fi, not 3G or 4G, to use FaceTime.

Skype is wonderful for chatting with multiple people using the conference call feature. It's often difficult to have a good video chat without scheduling some time in advance because some computers automatically sign people onto Skype, making it seem like they are ready for a call. Zoom is a more recent addition to the video confencing space and has seen tremendous growth due to its high quality solutions. Find a good time when you both can be in a quiet enough place to hear each other and have a strong Internet connection to keep the video from lagging for both Skype and Zoom.

Make a group blog

Blogs aren't just for people who are trying to broadcast to the world, but also for those who want to share information with a select few. Start a blog for a handful of close friends or your family that everyone can post to. People can write about what they are up to whenever it fits in their schedule. In the same way, you can get caught up on their happenings when you have the time, even on your smartphone.

Use birthdays and holidays to stay in touch

Birthdays are a great reminder to catch up with someone who you fell out of touch with when you moved. Whether you mark the date in your personal calendar or wait until Facebook reminds you, the first step is knowing the right day. Of course you can send flowers, a gift or a card but even just a phone call will let that person know you're thinking of them. Take the time to find out what your friend or family member has been up to since you last spoke or saw each other. If you wish the two of you talked more often, make plans to Skype or call again in the future. Some friendships don't involve constant updates but regardless, you feel like no time has passed when you reconnect.

Plan a reunion

The feasibility of a gathering is highly dependent on location but if it's possible, create a plan for a future rendezvous. You can meet halfway between where you each live for a little getaway, return to your former town for a visit or invite your friend or family member to your new home. Plan an itinerary for the reunion that includes some of the things you always did together but with enough downtime to get caught up on each other's lives. Knowing that you'll see each other again soon may even make being apart easier.