Moving in your old age isn’t fun – but there are simple ways to get the job done. If you know any seniors on the move, check out these expert insights on keeping everything smooth.
When seniors in your family are on the move, finding ways to help is priority number one. Turning up on the day and lifting a few boxes is one thing, but it’s easy to wonder: isn’t there more you could be doing? Seniors don’t like moving any more than someone younger does - in fact, they like it even less. That’s why Brentwood-area moving experts are sharing their tips on smoother moving for the seniors in our lives. Don’t keep them a secret - spread the knowledge!
While moving home isn’t likely to rank highly on anyone’s list of favorite life events, it’s particularly hard for seniors. Imagine the stress and time constraints you’ve experienced when moving in the past, and multiply them. And then again. Now you’re approaching what seniors go through when faced with an imminent home relocation.
In fact, one recent AARP study found that the vast majority of adults in their 50s would prefer to “age in place” - or stay in their current homes as they approach their golden years. The reasons? You name it: there’s the obvious emotional turbulence of moving, the costs involved - figures that aren’t getting any lower - and the physical strain of heaving boxes to and fro.
What’s more, you have the idea of leaving a place that’s been one’s home for years, even decades - leaving comfort and familiarity behind. So, the best thing you can do for any senior is to approach their move with understanding… and compassion. Put yourself in their shoes - one day, this could be you.
Most seniors might not want to move home - but moving is often inevitable. That said, they don’t always have to go to a retirement community. Some people value their independence, which is why downsizing into a smaller property often represents a happy medium.
And for such seniors, the Brentwood professionals at True Friends Moving Company share some thoughts:
“Make a list of all items to remove and consider getting rid of things by methods such as yard sales and donating items to Goodwill. Any way you choose to downsize significantly saves your moving budget. Debate the cost of buying new furniture versus the expense of moving it in a long-distance move.”
Once their plans are finalized (hopefully, you’ve helped finalize them!), you’ll want to streamline the transition to their new property. And unless you own a full-sized moving truck, that means hiring professional movers with demonstrable experience assisting seniors.
In other words, look for teams that can offer full-scope packing and furniture disassembly. Help in such areas will be greatly appreciated by seniors with mobility issues. That’s because, even after decluttering and clearing out surplus possessions, packing still takes up a lot of time and energy. But professionals can lift such burdens… alongside heavy belongings.
Ideally, focus your search on companies that offer flat pricing policies. After all, most seniors (and pretty much anyone else) are big on trust and transparency when considering hired help. That’s why some movers will set fixed rates before the service even begins - while making free estimates easy to request.
