Moving is always a challenge, but moving as a senior can be especially difficult. Sorting items in storage, lifting heavy boxes, getting rid of items you’ve had for years, and saying goodbye to friends and loved ones can take its toll.
These tips can help seniors moving into a new home.
GET REST WHEN YOU NEED IT
Moving can be exhausting, and sleep is important for staying healthy and safe. Get as many hours of sleep as you require in a normal night, even when you’re busy packing or sorting through your possessions. If need be, take naps. Be sure to pay attention to your body when it feels tired. If you find yourself losing sleep from stress, talk to your doctor.
TREAT INJURIES QUICKLY
Lifting boxes can cause strained muscles and other injuries. If you happen to injure yourself through the moving process, treat your injuries by seeing your doctor as soon as possible. Don’t let an injury go on for a long time.
MANAGE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Managing your mental and emotional health throughout the move is important. Many seniors battle depression at various times, and moving can be an uncertain time for many people. Stay emotionally and mentally fit to help make moving a better experience. Additionally, you can do these things to help your overall health:
Take time to speak with friends on a regular basis.
Engage in gentle exercise regularly.
Meditate or engage in other relaxing activities.
Talk to someone about your feelings, especially if you have feelings of sadness or worry..
Your emotional and mental health is important. If you can’t stay positive, finishing moving-related tasks may become difficult.
LET GO OF UNNECESSARY POSSESSIONS
Many seniors move from bigger houses to smaller houses, so getting rid of unnecessary possessions is important. Give to charities when at all possible, and pass along items of sentimental value to family members or friends.
Make a schedule, giving yourself a reasonable amount of time to sort through possessions in each room of your house. If you plan to move in three years, give yourself two and a half years to accomplish your goal. Set deadlines and stick to them.
SAY GOODBYE TO FRIENDS AND MAKE PLANS TO SEE THEM AGAIN
Another difficult thing about moving is saying goodbye to people you’ve known or lived near for a very long time. Talk to your friends and loved ones about your move months in advance. Exchange contact information and make plans to see one another in the future. This way, you’ll know that your upcoming move will not be the end of old friendships.
DECIDE IN ADVANCE WHERE EVERYTHING WILL GO
Hopefully by the time the current owner of your new home has accepted your offer, you’ll have sorted and cut back on your possessions. Once you know where you’ll move to, you can determine whether you’ve gotten rid of enough or if you’ve more possessions to give away.
If possible, get a blueprint for your new property. Decide where everything will go in advance to ensure that you have enough space. This can reduce anxiety and prevent any last minute problems after the movers have unloaded your things.
WORK WITH A REPUTABLE PACKING COMPANY
Packing is a difficult task for many seniors. The safest way to pack your possessions is to work with a full service moving company. Your full service moving company can pack everything that is too heavy to lift and too difficult to carry around in boxes.
When you look for a moving company, check references and get an in-person estimate to ensure that your moving company knows what they agree to do for your move. Book your full-service moving company well in advance to ensure that you’re able to get a moving company that is right for your needs.
