For many of us who have moved or plan to move to Florida, we are leaving behind family and friends. It can be difficult to move away from loved ones. However, if we have learned anything while living through a Pandemic, it’s that there are now more ways than ever to stay connected to those who matter. Here are a few tips that we have found helpful to stay connected and present for our family after our move to Florida.
Invest in a device specifically for video calling
Before we moved, we purchased three Facebook Portal Go devices. We gave one to my mom, one to our mother-in-law, and kept one for ourselves. Devices like the Facebook Portal, Google Nest Hub, and Amazon Echo Show take video calls to another level. Unlike using your phone or a computer, our Facebook Portal camera follows us around to keep us in the frame. I can have a conversation with my mom while I’m in the kitchen making dinner and it feels like she is there. The speaker and sound quality also make the experience more realistic. If another person walks into the room, the camera adjust to add them to the frame. It’s a great camera for keeping multiple people in view. My family loves using the portal and it has made it possible for us to still be present in their lives on a regular basis even though we are 1,000 miles away. We even carved pumpkins together using the portal.
Use Hands-Free Calling
Hands-free calling can be accomplished with a cheap pair of headphones that allow you to talk on the phone. While not exactly cheap, I love my Airpod Pros. I didn’t realize how much I needed them until I got a pair. Now, I can have a conversation with my mom while not feeling like I’m tied to holding the phone. This is especially helpful when I have a to do list a mile long. I can still connect with family while I’m busy walking the dog, cleaning the house, etc. It’s something insanely simple and yet a very effective way to still stay connected when you’re busy. Hands-free calling also opens up the doors to do things together what would be difficult on a call. For example, I can take a walk or grocery shop while still having a conversation with someone.
Have Plans to Visit Each Other
I have found it important to always having some sort of plans in place to see each other in the future. This could be something as simple as letting them know you plan to visit them this summer. Or, you can actually have something booked to look forward to. The best part about this for us is it’s not just one-sided. We can make plans to fly to our hometown and stay with family or they can come visit us in Florida. My mom has flights booked to come down in March and I’m really excited to show her our new home and have her experience some of the fun things to do in Florida.
Co-Work Virtually
This one is more for those who work remotely or in flexible office settings. I have a group of friends that also work from home that I sometimes “co-work” with. What that means is while we are working on our individual jobs, we’ll be on a video chat together. I’ll do this especially while I’m writing articles, working on a newsletter, etc. Meanwhile, they are working on their jobs. If we have to take or make a phone call, we just leave the video call and come back when it’s done.
This may sound like a strange concept and while we mostly work in silence, it’s nice to feel like you aren’t alone. Especially since working from home can get lonely at times. But also, I have someone to ask opinions of as I work and bounce ideas off of. I’ve gotten lots of great ideas from co-working with these friends that I’ve been able to put to use for my job.
Join the Conversation
I’m interested to know how you stay connected to love ones after moving away. To take part in the conversations on all things related to Moving to Orlando, residing in Florida, and living near theme parks, join our Moving to Orlando Facebook group. Stay tuned to MovingtoOrlando.com to stay up to date on what’s going on in Central Florida.
If you are interested in getting started on your Florida home purchase, our expert Moving to Orlando REALTORS are here to help you navigate the market. Take a moment to fill out our contact form, and someone will be in contact with you!
