The process of moving an elderly parent or loved one can be challenging from both a planning and emotional perspective. Sorting and dividing up a lifetime of possessions is bound to bring up old memories. If you’re moving a parent, the shift from child to caregiver can feel abrupt, uncomfortable and overwhelming.
Whether they’re headed to a retirement community, going into assisted living or moving in with you, a friend or a sibling, making your loved one’s transition as seamless as possible is essential. The sooner you begin planning, the less stressful it will be. Learn some tips and tricks for moving elderly parents with America’s #1 Mover®.
7 Essential Tips for a Successful Move
1. Plan Well Ahead
It’s wise to start the moving conversation well before it becomes a matter of necessity. Many experts recommend exploring your moving options a year or so before the move occurs. Otherwise, you’ll risk responding reactively to a personal, health or financial situation and scrambling to find suitable options.
Get your loved one involved and interested in what’s going to happen. Start gathering information about different locations and facilities together and, if possible, schedule tours. Above all, do your best to make your loved one feel optimistic about this new chapter and its possibilities.
2. Downsize With Empathy
Relocating an older adult from a home filled with treasured memories and prized possessions is challenging. In most cases, your loved one will be downsizing, and they’ll have to leave many things behind.
It’s not just sifting through stuff; it’s about being sensitive to the items’ memories. Therefore, you must help your loved one balance sentimentality with practicality. Ask them to name five or six possessions they hold dearly — and not necessarily what’s most valuable. These are the “keepers,” and what they are may need to be readjusted several times during the downsizing process.
Keep jewelry and other small things out of the equation. It’s more about floorspace in the new location and what types of furnishings, collections and other larger items it can accommodate. Measure anything you’re unsure about and be as diplomatic and patient as possible. Prepare for some back-and-forth, but always listen to and respect your loved one’s point of view.
3. Take Things Step By Step
Start with a space like a bathroom or guest room: they’ll contain items with fewer memories. Starting small will help your loved one ease into the moving process with a sense of control and accomplishment.
Offer to sort your loved one’s belongings into different categories and get their opinion about what should be discarded, donated or handed down to friends and family members. Try putting boxes in each room and attaching sticky notes to them labeled “Move,” “Sell,” “Toss,” “Donate,” and “Pass Along.” Get your loved one’s buy-in about any decisions, avoid saying things like “You don’t need that!” and keep the momentum going.
It’s generally easier for a loved one to give items away to someone they know. Even if you don’t want your great-grandmother’s rocking chair or a formal set of china, offer to take it for now. Thank your loved one for their generosity and set the item aside for a few months. If no friend or family member claims it, quietly donate it or try selling it through a consignment shop.
4. Plan Any Transportation Needs Carefully
If you’re driving your loved one and their new home is more than a few hours away, ask whether they want to stretch their legs, enjoy a snack or use a restroom regularly. Flying may be a better choice if you’re covering a longer distance. Book a non-stop itinerary whenever possible, especially if there are any mobility issues. Contact the airline in advance with special requests such as boarding assistance, an airport escort, a wheelchair or accessible seating.
If your loved one is significantly mobility-impaired, uses an oxygen tank or requires medical assistance en route, some companies focus exclusively on transporting people with special needs safely and comfortably. Typically, they offer specially modified passenger vans or RVs and have trained caregivers on hand to help. If your loved one needs this service, ask whether a friend or family member can ride along.
Above all, keep your loved one informed about what to expect.
5. Use Checklists to Organize and Simplify the Details
Depending upon your moving date and the interval between your loved one’s move and when the new homeowners or tenants arrive, you may want to have a garage or porch sale before or after the move day. In certain circumstances, an after-move sale may be less emotional for your loved one — and less stressful for you. Explore our garage sale tips to ensure it all goes smoothly.
6. Hire a Professional Mover
Hiring a professional moving company can significantly reduce stress levels when moving parents or loved ones to a new home. Movers often offer a variety of different moving packages, ranging from full-service packages to specialty moving services. Full-service moves include everything from packing and loading to unpacking and furniture placement. This can be a helpful option for those with busy schedules or when you’re looking to make the moving process more manageable.
With a professional moving company, you can rest assured that all your loved ones’ treasured belongings arrive safely at their new home. Plus, their support allows you to focus on emotional support instead of the logistical aspects of the move. Check out our tips for finding the best moving company to meet your needs.
7. Be Wary of Moving Scams
Because moving can be overwhelming, some malicious actors may attempt to take advantage of your stress. These kinds of con artists are elusive and typically operate fly-by-night operations, using bait-and-switch tactics to scam consumers out of thousands of dollars. Before you find yourself in this predicament, it’s crucial to take a few moments to review your moving quote and your moving rights to look for red flags.
As you explore your moving options and look for the best moving company for your needs, watch for these signs of a moving scam.
Although moving an elderly loved one will have its specific challenges, our moving checklist is a valuable tool to help you prioritize what needs to happen — and when. Also, keep in mind that your Move Coordinator is always available to help you throughout the entire moving process.
Check out our other blogs for moving tips, packing advice, city guides and a wealth of other helpful information.
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