Month: March 2023

Relocating can be particularly stressful and physically challenging for seniors. Things like downsizing, preparing, packing, and moving can be particularly demanding. Consequently, seniors may need special assistance. 

However, getting your senior loved one ready for a residential move can be straightforward with these eight tips.

1. Eliminate Non-Essential Stuff

Seniors often have lived in their homes for many years, accumulating many possessions. They need support in deciding what to declutter. People tend to become attached to items, so you can assist them by sitting down and helping them decide what to do with their things. If they have difficulty, consider storing them until they are ready to let go. They will also likely have a lot of paperwork that needs to be shredded.

2. Pack in Small Steps

The task of moving or downsizing can be overwhelming when looked at as a whole. Breaking the task down into smaller pieces can make it easier to manage. Often, seniors have lived in the same house for years, so it may take some time for them to adjust.  

3. Plan the New Home’s Layout

Take measurements in the senior’s new home to see how much space will be in the closets and other storage areas. This new home will likely be much smaller than their previous home, and you must plan accordingly. Measuring will help you and your senior decide what will fit and what won’t during the downsizing and packing process if you have all this specific information about the new home.

4. Start With Large Items

Assist your senior in determining what to do with bulky items, such as sofas, tables, chairs, dressers, extra beds, and other large furniture pieces. There is a good chance they will not all fit in the new place, so ask them which ones are necessary and sell, donate, or store the others.

5. Pack Each Room

Boxing up belongings room-by-room makes packing less overwhelming and easier to organize. Label each moving box, so your movers know where to place it at the new residence. This way, it will be easier for your senior to locate items once they get settled in and unpacked. Hiring professional movers that offer packing is often a good idea.

6. Photograph Electronics

Managing wires, cables, plugs, and other details with electronics can be challenging. Take photos of each configuration for televisions, cable boxes, computers, printers, and other necessary reconnect items. This way, you, the mover, or another individual can quickly get things back up after the move.

7. Note Important Dates on a Calendar

Put reminders in your senior’s phone calendar if they use a smartphone. Alternatively, get a good, old-school paper calendar and highlight critical dates, such as moving day, utility turn-on/shut-off dates, mail forwarding dates, and other significant reminders.  

8. Pack Essentials

Prepare an overnight bag with all the essential items they need right after moving in. This bag or box should include all medicines, charging cords, and change of clothes, 

Simple Steps to Moving

If you or someone you know is moving, we can help—from flexible household moving services to storage solutions. Get a free quote from us today.

Moving to a new home is a challenging, time-consuming, and attention-demanding process that requires much time, effort, and attention to detail. And relocating with a child increases the difficulty and complexity of the relocation experience.

The following tips will simplify the moving process for you and your kids.

1. Discuss the Move

The first step when moving with kids is to discuss the upcoming move with them. You must share the news so that everyone understands what will happen.  Make the relocation as exciting and positive as possible when talking about it.

Moving to a new home can be scary for those who don’t fully understand it. So, when telling your kids that the family is moving, make it easy for them to understand. For toddlers and preschoolers, it’s best to use more straightforward language. Consider using toys to act out a moving scenario.

Young children might appreciate books describing moving or having a main character going through a move. If your kids are young, read the stories to them. If they are older and read them independently, provide time to talk about their feelings about moving.

No matter the child’s age, they will probably have questions and concerns about this significant life change, so always be available to talk about their worries.

Give your children enough time and space to process the big news.

2. Provide Kids With Options

A sense of control over one’s life is essential for children. If they lack it, they are more prone to showing signs of stress and acting out.

If possible, let your kids pick their rooms and let them choose paint colors and decorations.

Your kids will feel like they have a stake in the move if you let them make some decisions and participate with you.

3. Unpack Your Kid’s Rooms First

While it may be tempting to start unpacking the rest of the house first, you should let your kids have their own spaces. Then, set up a safe place for them to play or settle in while you unpack the rest of the house.

Unpack the house in a way that won’t interfere with the kids’ rooms. Install gates or other safety measures to keep small children out of hazardous areas.

4. Set Up a Routine

Routines are essential to children, so start following mealtimes and bedtimes as soon as possible. If you can’t stick to the same schedule as you had, try timing it according to daylight.

Once your kids see that life isn’t so different, they will feel more relaxed. However, it may take you a few weeks to adapt your routine to everyone.

5. Keep In Touch With Family and Friends

Soon after your move, check in with your family members. Call neighbors and friends to tell them you have moved into your new home and reestablish contact.

It will help the kids keep connections to their old lives if you use FaceTime or Zoom to get in touch with and show family and friends your new home.

6. Discover Your New Neighborhood

Take advantage of any opportunities you have to explore. Kids love adventures, especially if you can break the experiences into manageable steps.

Do a little at a time instead of taking long walks or drives. For example, explore the yard one day and walk down the street the next. Help facilitate making new friends in their new community.

Make the kids feel at home by showing them what you see.

Home Comforts

Contact us for a free quote or to schedule your move. Let us help manage your relocation, so you have more time to help your family adjust.