Stress Free Moving Tips For Seniors
There are many reasons seniors move. Some need a home that is more accessible, while others move because they want a smaller space to clean and maintain. Many seniors see moving as a way to maintain independence. Whatever your reason, here are several stress free moving tips for seniors!
Unfortunately, moving can be very challenging for seniors who have limited mobility and a large house to vacate. Whether you are a senior who is about to relocate, or you are a loved one trying to help your senior family member through the relocation process, there are many things you can do to make the experience less stressful and more manageable. Downsizing, finding the right help and staying organized can help you have a stress-free, successful relocation.
Most important is to assemble the right team of people who can help with the relocation. A good team of movers, combined with help from friends and family, can make the process a success. Here’s what you should know about moving house.
Special Considerations for Seniors During Relocation
Relocation is a physically taxing experience that can involve long days of packing, sorting, throwing items away, downsizing and loading boxes into a van. Knowing your own limitations is important in this process, as it can help you decide what kind of help you’ll need and at what stage of the relocation. As you are planning your upcoming move, keep in mind the following limitations that could impact how your move is handled:
- Limited physical ability: Some seniors use a wheelchair or walker to get around, while others may need assistance from a cane to maintain their balance. If you have limited mobility, this can impact your ability to empty out the attic or closet, pack boxes and engage in other moving activities. You may have trouble getting down boxes of holiday decorations, or you may struggle to pull items that have long been hidden in low cabinets. This means you’ll need special help clearing out these hard-to-reach spaces in your home. Take an inventory of areas that you can’t reach easily, so you’ll know to ask for assistance with these spaces when you have help available.
- Potential for injury: Maybe you have a bad back that reacts negatively when you try to lift heavy objects, or perhaps you’re on blood thinners and even small cuts can be dangerous. Know your potential for injury, and when you need help, seek it. Knowing how much weight you can lift and which moving tasks are most likely to cause an injury can help you decide when it’s time to ask for aid.
- Medications: Are you on special medications that require a prescription? Will your relocation require you to find a new doctor? Anticipate your upcoming relocation by filling your prescription close to your move date. This will give you time to find a new doctor when you arrive in your new home. Talk to your doctor about transferring your medical files from one provider to another, so you’ll know what to do when the time comes. If you need help, ask a family member or friend to be present during conversations with the doctor.
- Financial considerations: Many seniors are on a fixed income and have a strict budget. Know how much you can afford to spend on your move before you get started looking for a new house and a moving company. If you’re on a tight budget, plan to get more help from friends and family with packing. If you can afford it, consider getting a full-service moving company to make your relocation simple. Budgeting is tough, so if you need assistance, consider getting help from a financial advisor or work with another family member to make this complicated process easier.
Know the Most Common Relocation-Related Injuries
Injuries are common during relocations. Here’s what to avoid when you’re in the midst of a relocation:
Back Injuries
Back injuries can occur when a heavy item is lifted incorrectly, or when you lift too many boxes without giving yourself a rest.
- Hold boxes close to your body to avoid straining your back.
- Lift with your knees.
- If you have a hard time lifting a box, get help from someone else.
- Know your limitations.
Heat Injuries
Working in the heat can be dangerous, and seniors are more at risk for heat injuries than others. If it’s hot, avoid working in the middle of the day. Run your air conditioner. Know the signs of heat stroke. Take frequent breaks.
Cuts
Cuts can occur when using scissors and opening boxes. Keep medicated creams on hand to treat cuts right away.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries can occur when lifting. Use a knee brace to provide support. If you have sore or stiff knees, talk to your doctor about what you can do to avoid injuries during your relocation.
Broken Fingers and Toes
It is easy to jam your finger or set down something on your toe, causing an injury. Wear close-toed shoes whenever engaging in moving activities. Get help moving boxes that are heavier than you can safely lift and avoid moving more than one box at a time.
Have a Moving Plan
Make a moving plan that you can follow at each step of the relocation. Put the plan in writing, so you’ll have something to reflect on as you complete steps and start new ones. Below is an example of the steps you might see in your relocation plan.
Make a Budget
There will likely be many line items in your budget, including money for movers, preparing your house to sell, preparing your new house for your move in and so on. You may need several weeks to create your budget, as you will probably have to factor in money made from the sale of your home, how much you’ll need for a down payment on a new home and other variables. There are many moving parts with any relocation, but ensuring that you’ll have enough money to go through the process is the first step.
Create a Timeline
Create a timeline for selling your current home, finding a new home, downsizing, packing, etc. Give yourself plenty of time for downsizing, as this may be one of the most time-consuming and important steps.
Declutter and Downsize
If you have been living in your house for a very long time, you will most likely have many years of items built up in your attic, garage and other storage spaces. When downsizing your home, you’ll sort through years of items that have built up in your home, then decide what needs to happen to things you don’t plan to bring with you. Decluttering can happen before you actually pick a new house, but once you’ve chosen a new home, measure the rooms and consider the storage space to help you decide how much can be brought with you.
Here are some downsizing tips:
- Don’t plan to do too much in one day: This can lead to injury. Plan to downsize by tackling a little bit each day.
- Measure furniture: Compare those measurements to the actual space in your new home. Make a map of your new home and note in each room where the furniture will go.
- Get a small team of people to help: Do not try to move furniture on your own.
- Give items away to charities and organizations: Still usable items should be donated. Give sentimental items to friends and family who will appreciate them. Throw things away as a last resort.
- Keep the items that make it feel like home: You may be downsizing, but don’t give away things that you need to be comfortable in your new space. Keep mementos that will make your new home feel like yours.
Pack Safely
Once you have done most of the decluttering, then you can start packing. Keep enough packing material on hand to enable you to pack whenever you can. Like decluttering, it’s important to know your physical limitations and only plan to pack a little each day. Some packing tips:
- Get help with heavy items.
- Keep stacks of boxes small.
- Use small boxes whenever possible to make them easier to move.
- Consider hiring a full-service moving company to pack your items for you. This helps prevent injuries and is far more efficient than packing on your own.
Find the Right Moving Company
Hire a moving company you can trust with your relocation. Hiring a team of professionals for your move helps prevents you from suffering injuries related to loading and unloading.
A good moving company also ensures that your boxes will arrive safely. If you struggle with night vision or driving in certain lighting conditions, it’s important to have someone who’s an expert to drive the vehicle that transports your belongings.
Finding a good moving company is a multi-step process. Here are some tips:
- Get referrals from friends and family who have had good experiences with movers in the recent past.
- Interview at least two or three moving companies before settling on the right company for your needs.
- Check references before signing up with the company of your choice.
Get Ready for Your Arrival
Will you need new curtains or blinds for your new home? Do you need to repaint or lay down new carpet? Plan to hire contractors for home improvements. Get help with measurements to avoid injuries when standing on ladders. If you need to stand on a ladder yourself, a short step stool with handles can help you maintain your balance.
Tips for a Stress-Free Move
Moving can be stressful for many reasons. Adapting to change is difficult, especially if you’ve been living in your current home for a long time. In addition, any relocation can put stress on your body that can lead to injuries. Below are some tips for a stress-free move:
- Get help: Turn to friends, neighbors, loved ones and family to help you throughout this process. Spreading the work around can make the experience positive for everyone. Try to match the task to the person. Know which friends can help with heavy loads and which friends are better to help with sorting and disposing of lighter items.
- Spend time with friends: Take time to spend with friends while not engaging in relocation activities. Taking time to relax will reduce the stress of the event and help you maintain a good attitude about the upcoming changes.
- Say good-bye to your home: Spend time saying good-bye to the place you’ve lived for so long. You might sit in your favorite chair and reflect on good times or give yourself time to wander your property and think.
- Find a support network in your new home: Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Get involved in community groups or your local church to meet people. Getting to know people in your area will make the transition to your new home a more enjoyable event.
- Give yourself plenty of time: Don’t try to fit your relocation into a short period. Downsizing, decluttering, selling a home, finding a new home — all these events are consuming. You’ll need lots of time to get everything done, and trying to accomplish everything quickly can lead to injuries and stress. If you’re thinking about moving sometime in the next few years, start decluttering now. Give yourself several seasons to go through your storage bins, garage, closets and other spaces.
- Take care of yourself: Get plenty of sleep. Eat healthy. Continue to see the doctor even as your moving activities start to become more time-consuming. Go for walks and get the usual amount of exercise.
Getting Help Is the Key
No one should go through a relocation alone, and this is especially true for seniors. Finding a team of people you can trust to help with your relocation can make your experience a happy and exciting time. Part of your team will be loved ones and friends. Give them thanks every time they come over to move boxes, sort items or move furniture. Take time when the chores are over to enjoy tea or a treat together.
The other people on your team will be the professionals you hire. Hire a moving company with experience and a good reputation in your community.
Getting this help at every stage of the relocation can make the experience less stressful and more positive.
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