The process of moving is a hassle – preparing, packing and adapting to a new place can be major stress factors for anyone, but when you’re a senior citizen things can get more challenging than expected.
If you’re a senior, whether you’re downsizing or relocating to a different city, the problematic thoughts can start from the moment you decide it’s time for a change and cease only when you’re comfortable enough in your new home. To make the whole moving process easier, we compiled a mini guide with four essential steps every senior citizen should take into consideration before moving:
1. Start Early
After a certain age, doing things in a rush is no longer a healthy option. Since it’s never too early to start planning and organizing, you should begin this process as soon as you decide to move, even if you haven’t settled on a specific date just yet. Take your time to work through all your belongings, focus on those areas that may have collected many more items than necessary, and slowly get rid of the extra stuff by donating, selling or simply throwing away.
It’s highly important to understand that moving generally means you can’t take everything with you, no matter how emotionally attached you are to your cherished items, and that is why you should focus on what’s necessary and simplify the upcoming process by decluttering your home in advance.
Starting the process early doesn’t apply only to decluttering, but also to organizing and planning your next steps. First, make a list with what you need for a smooth move, starting with the boxes you’ll pack your belongings into and ending with your choice of a professional moving company. After you’ve compiled your list, set a timeline for the upcoming set of events and include potential deadlines for every step of the way.
2. Choose the Right Place
By the time you hit retirement, it comes naturally to think about your forever home, and that is why choosing the right place to grow old and make new memories is essential. Whether you want to downsize to a smaller home in the same neighborhood or to move across the country to a safer, more suitable city for your needs, you have to carefully examine your options and figure out exactly what would make your golden years most satisfying.
By considering the most important priorities for seniors, Caring.com, a leading senior care referral specialist, released its 2019 Senior Living Report on the Top 10 Best and Worst Places for Seniors to Live in the United States. The most relevant concerns are healthcare, housing options, transportation, community engagement and workforce development, all of which contribute to a quality of life every senior should enjoy.
The list recognized the best state for retirement to be Vermont, which is known for its overall safety and friendly vibe. Living near some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions such as Times Square or Broadway is also appealing to senior citizens, which is why New York occupies the second position. Also known as a retiree-friendly state, Massachusetts is the third best state for seniors, with more than 14% of its population over the age of 65.
3. Hire Help
Aside from moving your belongings from one place to another, packing them can also be a bit too challenging for some seniors to handle. If you feel like it is too stressful and you want someone else to manage the process, or maybe you just need a little bit of help, don’t hesitate to contact professional packers. Not only will this take the stress out of moving, but they will complete the task much faster and more efficiently with their own supplies.
One of the easiest options is to apply for help from Senior Move Managers, who don’t just handle the moving part, but also help sort and pack belongings, unpack them at the new home, and deal with the tricky emotional part of the whole experience as well. You might need to rent a self-storage unit during the process of moving in order to keep your belongings safe and organized, and you can browse through the listings on StorageCafe to find your ideal storage space.
4. Prepare Emotionally
For younger adults, moving involves a lot of adventure and a fresh start is often an exciting time, but for seniors the transition can be more challenging in terms of nostalgia. If you are giving up the place you’ve made most of your memories in to move somewhere completely new, it can be scary and confusing.
So that you won’t get too overwhelmed, you must find a way to embrace the emotions of moving, because it is completely normal to feel a bit sad. Accepting it is the only healthy way to adapt to a new lifestyle. Don’t fear these feelings and understand what comes next by getting to know the future community and becoming familiar with the new neighborhood. Check out the available senior resources in your area to help with the transition. This way you will be well-prepared for the exciting new phase of your life!
If you’re a senior, relocating poses some extra challenges, especially when medical conditions or physical limitations are involved. However, there are always ways to make it a fun process and to enjoy the transition without stress and anxiety. Consider the tips above and enjoy every step of the move!
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