By Richard Farrell
Special to Relocation.com
When you move one of the hardest things to grasp is that you will no longer be able to see your friends and family on a regular basis. Of course there will be new friends, but in the beginning the separation coupled with the stresses of settling-in can be hard to handle. However thankfully we are in an age where you can communicate with someone who lives overseas, in another state or even around the block. Thanks to the Internet, the possibilities seem almost endless, and amazingly, are for the most part free.
- First, you will need an Internet connection so that you can connect to your friends and family on the world-wide web. There are many different service providers, and it is worth shopping around to find the best deal. At the end of the day though, system reliability is more important that cheap deals with add-ons that you may never use.
- The next thing you need to decide is how you will get in contact with certain people. Some people may be easier to email, while others, like your parents, it might be better to call. If you have parents or grandparents that aren't used to communicating online, consider opening a basic email account for them. Providers like Google and Yahoo offer free email services that are very user-friendly for even the most inexperienced users.
- Consider your options. Sending emails to several individuals can be exhausting, instead consider a multi-platform like Skype, Blogging and Mirco or Mini Blogging, and even writing letters:
- Skype works just like a telephone, except that the basic service is free and works via the Internet. You just need a microphone and speakers for good quality sound. Handy add-ons include the ability to chat on line, and send data of all kinds. If you opt for the paid version, then you can have simultaneous multi-person communication, too.
- Email is still the easiest form of written communication online. Using a free email provider, you can set up multiple mailing lists and send identical messages/updates to all of your friends and family members.
- Blogging in its widest sense is becoming increasingly popular because of the appeal of making a personal statement on the internet. Blog platforms like WordPress and Blogger are relatively simple to use, and they have add-ons and additional features should you want a more elaborate website. Formal blogging, though, does take time and is therefore not really suitable for quick updates.
- Mini-blogging is the answer for busy people who want instant communication with a multitude of people. Facebook is a great place to find long-lost friends, update people with pictures as well as mini feeds about what you are doing. Twitter is another way to communicate, except your friends and family will only know what you are doing in 140 characters or less.
- Today, many people don't write letters anymore, but we think that staying in touch this way is more personal. Taking the time to actually write a letter will allow you to slow down and process what you want to stay - as opposed to a quick email. If you have children consider adding in some new school pictures or a picture or drawing from them.
There are a variety of different ways to stay in touch with people after moving day. The Internet offers a variety of tools to stay connected with your family and friends until you see each other again face-to-face.