Smooth and Stress-Free Moves for Seniors

For seniors, moving to a new home is more than just a one-time event; it is an emotional, physical, and mental process that is not only time-consuming, but also takes a great deal of patience. If you’re a senior looking to downsize, sell a home, relocate to a retirement community, or move in with family, there’s a lot on your mind and on your plate. You may feel overwhelmed, fearful of change, and reluctant to let go. However, if you ask—and answer—the right questions about moving, you can turn that worry and anxiety into anticipation for a new adventure.

How do I know if I should sell my home?

It’s not uncommon for seniors to still live in the same house where they came home after their honeymoon, raised their children, and celebrated their retirement. Your home has lived a precious life, which makes the very idea of moving bittersweet. However, there are many good reasons to consider selling your home and transitioning into a more manageable place:

• Older homes are harder to maintain, especially if you live alone.
• Bigger houses require daily upkeep, even if you’re not using every room.
• The risk of injury from falls or slips is higher for seniors living at home.
• Living alone in a larger home can be a detriment to your physical and cognitive health.

If any of these situations apply to you or a loved one, it’s time to consider moving. It may not happen today or tomorrow, but working on a timeline and a plan will help get the process started.

How do I downsize my belongings?

 Purging decades of items may sometimes feel like tossing out memories, which is why downsizing can be an emotionally trying time for many seniors. But for those looking to move to a smaller home, to an assisted living facility, or in with family, you know you simply can’t take it all with you. Here are a few ways to make downsizing a bit easier:

• Start early to give yourself time to work through the emotions and get familiar with the process.
• Create categories and organize your belongings into “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” “discard,” and “don’t know” piles.
• Don’t feel like you have to commit. It’s okay to move something from the “discard” to the “don’t know” box. When that happens, try to find something you’re willing to purge in its place.
• Take pictures of items that are attached to a memory, but you don’t need to keep.
• Gift items to family members who might find the clothing or furniture useful or have a sentimental attachment to the item or the owner.
• Keep one or two favorite items out of a collection and sell or donate the rest.

 How can I make this less stressful?

First and foremost, remember to breathe. When you feel overwhelmed with emotions, whether when placing a loved one’s clothing into a donate box or looking at new apartments, take a break. Step outside and enjoy the fresh air, call a friend to catch up, or prop your feet up and dive into a new book. Once you feel settled and calm, take a look at your to-do list and simply focus on the next task to complete. If you find the process is too painful or stressful emotionally or physically, you can also consider hiring packing and moving professionals. You can compare prices, read reviews and book professionals online at HireAHelper. Many seniors decide to hire moving help because it can reduce the stress of trying to organize and pack your home, as well as lower the risk of injury or strain.

As you look ahead at a major move, make an effort to focus on the exciting new experiences you will have, like being closer to family, worrying less about health needs, or spending less time trying to clean a big house. Most importantly, remember there is no reason to tackle this alone. Whether you hire moving professionals or recruit friends and family, be honest about what can you handle on your own and try to find ways to create a smooth transition.