After more than six decades in the same home, the time has come for you to embark on a long-distance move to the other side of the state. Our moving tips for seniors reveal magic tricks tailored for you to ensure a seamless transition to your new home.
Moving to a smaller area with fewer items is impressive, but preparing for the transition is the most exhausting and sleepless part.
Each step gets you closer to a minimized stressful move, from downsizing your lifelong belongings to enlisting the best movers who understand your distinctive needs.
Let’s dive into the secret ingredient that will steer you clear of uncertainties and safely get you to your new home.
What Are The Benefits of Relocating to a Smaller Home?
Downsizing for seniors comes with a myriad of benefits. Research done by Demand Institute proved that about 40 percent of seniors aged 50 to 64 years old are more likely to downsize in the next five years.
One compelling merit is saving some cash for upkeep and maintenance. A smaller house comes with low property taxes, reduced basic essential bills, reduced repair and maintenance costs, and free resources for other discoveries.
Furthermore, the financial advantage lies in a more comfortable living space with an arrangement tailored to senior needs. It ensures easy navigation and convenience, giving you a comfortable daily life.
You’re more likely to live near your retired friends or neighbors. It promotes a sense of belonging and boosts the likelihood of establishing fruitful relationships.
Moving Tips for Older Adults
Long-distance moving for retirees is always a big challenge that requires meticulous planning. However, it doesn’t have to be complicated in the golden years, just like when you relocated with your children and pets during your twenties and thirties.
1. Determine Whether It’s the Perfect Time to Downsize
You should carefully weigh different factors to determine the perfect time to move. November and December seem a good opportunity, but only a few manage to move since it potentially means forgetting the holiday plans. It could be a stressful move for most seniors.
Conversely, April and late September have proven to be excellent options. These seasons have minimal disruptions to celebrations and come with mild weather, which is perfect for transit. You can embrace these months to relocate yourself or your loved aging parent without sacrificing the holiday celebration.
Suppose you’re moving on a tight budget; inquire about the less expensive days between midweek and weekend days from your preferred moving company provider. You can involve your family or friends in deciding the cheapest way to move cross country and preferable times. Make a well-informed decision based on confidence and enthusiasm.
2. Search For Housing
It will take effort and a push from your network to find a house in a long-distance area that can accommodate your new life. It’s a mixture of practicality and aspiration, so reach out to your long-distance friends. They are more likely to recommend a real estate agent who helped them settle in their new, small, heartwarming house.
Define your preferences and tastes regarding size, layout, amenities, and access to essential services. Take time and leverage the advantage of online platforms to find a realtor. In detail, share your envisioned ideas of how you would like your residence to look like.
Tour different potential homes and factor in your surroundings, ambiance, access to resources, and community dynamics. A downsized home will not only meet your needs, but also be a haven that aligns with your dreams.
3. Get Your Finances in Check
Ensure you have a solid financial foundation for all your moving needs. You can calculate your moving cost by creating a comprehensive budget that covers every step in the moving process – from packing requirements to hiring affordable cross country movers.
Sum up hidden small costs like storage fees or temporary accommodations (just in case they arise). There are various moving companies, so research each individually and obtain a quote.
When planning your budget, don’t overlook additional expenses like meals, lodging, and gas required during moving. Scrutinize each detail to provide a clear overview of the financial impact and make your decision.
4. Sort Your Possessions and Pack Strategically
In every aspect of a successful relocation, sorting and strategic packing are paramount, especially for the elderly. First, begin by decluttering and grouping your items. Separate possessions you no longer need; you can sell or donate them. Prioritize valuable sentiments like clothing, toiletries, fragile items, and high-value belongings.
Most seniors are more likely to be on medications; if you are among them, pack the administered meds, critical documents, and soft copy documents separately. Label each bag or sturdy box with items included. Ensure you have enough supply to take you through the transition journey in case of potential delays.
5. Create and Keep a Moving Checklist
On your last move while in your millennial years, you probably got exhausted and ended with ‘’Never again will I relocate.’’ However, here you are again, relocating to downsize, filled with fears of your previous move.
As you embark on your downsizing journey, conquer your fears by getting things done exceptionally. With a moving checklist, you can track every possession (small, hefty, valuable, or fragile) ahead, during, and after your transit.
Keep every item organized and include their updated market value for easy insurance compensation in case of accidents.
6. Notify Relevant Parties
Notifying relevant parties is significant when making a cross country move. You’ll need to inform your employer if you are relocating your loved senior parent, so you can get some time off at work. For seniors moving themselves or anyone relocating their aging parent, you’ll need to inform other relevant parties like:
- Utility companies
- Banks
- Insurance providers
- Residence management
- Healthcare providers
- Essential service providers
Additionally, visit offices, call or email to update your new address with institutions like Social Security Administration. Such a take-charge strategy will ensure you keep in touch with your support network, and they can adjust their services to reach you following your move.
7. Hire Long Distance Movers
Moving involves unending and stressful steps that must be followed. Why not hire cross country movers instead of taking long periods to prepare and stressing yourself with packaging essentials?
Relax and enjoy a lemonade in the cold breeze as you allow experienced experts to accompany you on the journey. When choosing movers, weigh your decision on good, reviewed, and reliable moving companies with a proven track record.
Choose a reputable company that offers insurance coverage, a layer of protection for your possessions. Ask for an in-home estimate to choose the correct quote aligned with your needs and budget.
8. Plan For an Efficient Moving Day and Be Flexible
Efficient planning involves starting early, separately packing your essential items, utilizing the best packaging material, and labeling boxes. Research your route and list your stops for rest during the move.
Carry supplies and, most importantly, carry water to keep you hydrated. Seek support from friends and family to help you plan and minimize disruptions.
Unforeseen delays may arise due to flat tires or changes in route, so keeping yourself flexible minimizes stress. Prepare a backup plan for comfortable accommodation in case of any delays. Whenever you are faced with negativity, keep your eyes on the adventure that awaits you.
9. Settle Into Your New Home
Now that your stressful move has come to an end, what’s next? Wait, it’s not done yet until it’s done. With unlimited time, settle into your new home. With the help of neighbors, the moving company, friends, and family, unpack step by step. Make any necessary interior modifications for safety and easy access.
Take a walk to familiarize yourself with the new neighborhood. Find out how far a medical service, library, church, mosque, etc. is from your residence. Engage in community activities and build a social network with the goal of savoring every moment.
Enjoy a Smooth Senior Relocation By Following Our Moving Guide
In the grand scheme of life, moving cross country represents a transition. As you commence your joyful journey, prioritize your health and overall well-being. Decluttering and downsizing can be turned into an opportunity for reminiscing about youth, and winding up your emotional load.
Long-distance movers can take care of all the unending tasks, from decluttering to packing. Their expertise in handling senior moves is exceptional, as they understand the intricacies of your particular needs.
The relocation experience is not just about your belongings reaching their destination, but also about a calm and worry-free experience. Our moving tips will help you embrace your move as you begin a new chapter in your life.
