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!
Best Storage Facilities in NYC, Based on Customer Reviews
Most storage listings in New York City look the same. Reviews are where you find out what you’re getting into: whether the staff will help you, whether the building stays clean and whether your rent stays put once you’ve moved in. So we went through renters’ reviews and picked the three best storage facilities in each NYC borough. Each one gets a score out of 100, and each brand shows up only once per borough. If you’re curious how we scored them, that’s at the end.
Packing Services: Costs, Pros, Cons & Alternatives
Professional packers save time and reduce breakage, but they add a real cost to your move. Whether they’re worth it depends on how much you own, how much protection it needs and how much time you have. This guide covers what packing services cost, when they pay off, when they don’t and the cheaper alternatives worth considering.
Classic Car Storage: A Guide to Protecting Your Collector Car
Any classic car you see is still there and looking great because people throughout the years knew how to store it well. Those smart decisions kept it from being damaged by moisture, frost and other issues that lead other cars to the auto-graveyard. Now, it’s up to you to carry on the legacy by choosing the right kind of classic car storage(opens in new tab). This guide compares indoor and outdoor options, explains why climate control storage(opens in new tab) is important and shows you how to prepare your car before you store it.(opens in new tab)
Second Acts With Roll-Up Doors: The Most Unexpected Self Storage Conversions In The U.S.
You probably don’t expect to stash your holiday decorations in a former armory. Or tuck away old photo albums where moviegoers once lined up for popcorn. But across the country, some of the most unexpected buildings are getting a second act — as self storage facilities.
Storage Unit Insurance: Your Coverage Options Compared
Your homeowners or renters policy may already cover your stored belongings, but likely not for their full value or against every risk. This guide explains where coverage comes from, what each option leaves out and how to decide whether you need more from your storage unit insurance.
I’m Gen Z: What’s in My Storage Unit?
Trading Facebook posts for TikTok dances and Beanie Babies for Labubus, Gen Z has given growing up online a whole new meaning. Defined by everything concerning reusing, recycling and cycling through trends that previous generations would rather forget (looking at you, Millennials and capri jeans), it’s no wonder this is also a generation that can spot an authentic vintage find from a fast-fashion knockoff in under three seconds. And when your wardrobe can go from Depop find to next season’s comeback without warning, a little extra space starts making sense.
I’m a Millennial: What’s in My Storage Unit?
So, you’re a Millennial. You probably know all the lyrics to Phoebe Buffay’s Smelly Cat. Hannah Montana’s The Best of Both Worlds has become more like a life philosophy rather than a fun tune. And if you rent a self storage unit, you’re in good company. You’ve officially joined the 31% of Millennials who rent storage space, most often because there simply isn’t enough room at home, according to StorageCafe’s 2026 Self Storage Demand and Trends survey(opens in new tab).
Attic Storage Done Right: What’s Worth Keeping Up Top?
The attic is one of those places where holiday decorations end up next to a forgotten suitcase, a broken lamp and boxes nobody’s opened since moving day. Out of sight, out of mind works well enough until you need something from the back or realize you’ve been adding weight to a floor you know little about.
What to Know Before Starting a Self Storage Business in 2027
If you’re wondering how to start a self storage business, two questions come first: Does your area need more storage, and what would it take to run the business? Before you commit to a property, it helps to understand local demand, the costs involved and the day-to-day work of serving renters.