Regardless of your age, moving is a significant occasion. There are many things to manage and schedule, and the older you become, the more you have to think about. You’re not alone if you’ve decided it’s time to relocate to a senior community but are feeling overwhelmed by the notion of leaving your family members to live with older adults. Fortunately, there are numerous options for keeping things as efficient and straightforward as possible for these caring transitions.
The important thing is to plan ahead and make arrangements for moving into a new space for the elderly loved one. Senior living facilities or a small apartment may not have that much storage space, so you may need to keep some important items with sentimental value in storage.
Here Are Some Tips to Help During the Moving Process
1) Plan as much as possible.
Start by sorting through your belongings and decide what you want to keep and what you want to donate or sell. Sorting your belongings can be time-consuming, but it will make the moving process to the new residence much more manageable. Most seniors do not want to part with sentimental objects, but are willing to let go of old items. The ones that take up a lot of space can be sorted and sold at a garage sale so that there is less clutter for the seniors.
2) Coordinate with your family and friends.
Let your loved ones know about your plans as soon as possible so they can help you out of moving from the large family home into a one-room space with full service senior care. If you have adult children, involve them in the process and let them know what’s happening well in advance so they can coordinate with the move manager, the moving services or moving companies and even book the moving truck for the big senior move.
3) Hire a senior move manager.
Don’t hesitate to hire professional movers if you need assistance packing, transporting, or unpacking your belongings for the senior move. The moving services can take care of the heavy lifting and help make sure your belongings arrive safely at the senior living facility that are experts at caring for older adults.
4) Get organised.
Moving to a senior living facility or home for aging loved ones can be chaotic, but you can minimize the stress a senior move by being as organized as possible. Create a list of all the things you need to do, pack, and tackle each task with the help of your move management team.
5) Allow yourself time to adjust.
A senior move can be a big adjustment, so give yourself some time to settle in and get used to your new home. It can also be an emotional time, especially your first night away from home. Explore your new neighbourhood, meet your neighbours, make new friends, and make yourself a new home.
6) Be productive.
Use your extra time to declutter your new home and eliminate unwanted items. You can also use this opportunity to update your décor, rearrange furniture, or make other changes to personalize your space.
7) Prepare for the unexpected.
No matter how well you plan, there will always be some bumps in the road. Be prepared for delays, detours, and other unforeseen obstacles. Expect that things will take longer than you anticipate, and try to roll with the punches.
8) Make a budget.
Moving can be expensive, so it’s essential to plan and budget for all the costs associated with relocating. from hiring movers to buying new furniture, there are a lot of potential expenses. By planning, you can avoid overspending and stay on track financially.
9) Stay positive.
Moving can be stressful, but it’s essential to stay positive and focus on the excitement of starting fresh in a new place. Remember that you’re not alone—many people go through the same thing. And, with a bit of planning and some help from loved ones, you can make your move go smoothly.
10) Have realistic expectations.
It’s essential to have realistic expectations when moving. Things will likely not go perfectly, but that’s okay. You’ll be in good shape if you’re prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
11) Don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Moving is a lot of work, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Be sure to take breaks, eat healthy meals, and get plenty of rest. And, if you start to feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
12) Be patient.
Moving can be a big adjustment, so it’s essential to be patient as you settle into your new home. Give yourself time to get used to your new surroundings and routine. In no time, you’ll feel right at home.
13) Donate unwanted items.
Before moving, sort through your belongings and donate anything you don’t need or want. This will declutter your home and make packing and unpacking easier. Plus, it’s a great way to give back to the community.
14) Visit your new home before moving day.
If possible, visit your new home before moving day to get a feel for the layout and see what needs to be done. This will help you plan and make the transition smoother.
15) Be prepared for the weather.
If you’re moving to a new climate, pack appropriate clothing and supplies. If you’re moving during the winter, make sure you have warm clothes, snow shovels, and salt. And if you’re moving during the summer, pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
16) Have a plan for your pets.
If you have pets, be sure to make arrangements for their care during the move. You’ll need to either take them with you or find a safe place for them to stay while you’re packing and unpacking.
17) Stay in touch with your family members and support network.
Moving can be challenging, so stay in touch with your family and friends. They can provide emotional support and help you adjust to your new surroundings.
18) Be flexible.
Although you may only want the essentials, your visitors will not always be prepared for what you have to offer. Things won’t go as planned all of the time, so be flexible when relocating. Expect delays and diversions, and try to go with the flow.
19) Take your time unpacking.
After a long day of moving, you’ll probably be tired and want to unpack everything quickly. However, it’s essential to take your time and unpack slowly, and this will help you avoid lost items and damaged belongings.
20) Seek out community resources.
Often, community resources are available to help seniors make a smooth transition to their new homes. These resources can provide information about local services, activities, and events. They can also help you connect with other seniors in the community.
Pro Tips for Families Helping Seniors:
If an elderly relative is thinking about moving, there are a few things you may do to help them:
- Expect the move to take longer than you anticipated. Give older people more time to make decisions, pack, and settle in.
- Recognize when your support is needed and be ready to help. Also, ensure that there is enough space when it is required.
- Expect your parent to be upset, especially if the transfer involves moving to an assisted living facility.
- Encourage your loved ones to establish friends as soon as they arrive since this will help them settle in more quickly.
- Keep your eyes peeled for signs of emotional distress. Even if it was your loved one’s choice, a move could create a lot of stress and concern over time.
- Consider your loved one’s position and the changes they are going through with compassion.
- Create a schedule to keep everyone on track.
- Assist with the creation of checklists to keep everyone on track.
Whether you’re a senior citizen yourself or have loved ones making the big move, following these tips can help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. With a bit of planning and patience, you can ensure that everyone involved has a positive experience.
If you feel like you need extra help besides hiring a moving company, it is a good idea to hire a senior move manager who is truly experienced in helping seniors go into independent living inside a senior living community or at a retirement community.
