If you have a senior member in your family moving with or without you to a new home, it is important to do everything possible to make the transition less stressful. Here’s a quick checklist to help you help them.
Declutter
There are memories attached to every single item in their possession that is hard to dispose of. Yet downsizing is imperative while moving to a new space. In all probability, the reason for the move is to let go of a spacious home that they find hard to manage on their own and move to a smaller one where they can be looked after better. It’s hard to fit everything in a smaller space. However, there’s comfort in holding on to a few familiar items. Help them sort through their possessions, consult them before disposing of items and help them pick the most memorable, easy to store ones to ease their anxiety.
Helping Hand
Moving is a challenging process that can overwhelm anyone of any age. Let them know that you are there for them, even after they have settled down. Contact a professional moving company to make it easier, faster and better. Book them at once so they are available on the day you choose. It’s not always easy to find moving companies in the summer months. Don’t wait for the last moment to do so.
Visit The New Home
Before you plan logistics, try to visit the new home so you can help them find their way around. In all probability, the new home will be a single-family home or a retirement community. Getting a feel of the neighbourhood will also help you dispose, or buy new items aligned to the needs of the place. It will help you guide your loved one to neighbourhood shops and grocery stores after you’ve moved in.
Plan Logistics
Measure the floor plan of the new home to determine the furniture needed. It’s easier to sell furniture and buy new pieces that fit in the new space than clutter it up with oversized items. Donate or sell all unwanted wares, including clothes and kitchen utensils.
Pack Medication and Redirect mail
Closer to the day of the move, pack up their medication, label them and keep it with them so they are able to medicate themselves or seek help from a caretaker in your absence. Create an inventory of items to be moved; label all boxes, including medical records, ID documents, bank papers and health card. Plan all this at least a week in advance.
Schedule Time-Off
Take time off work to be around for them on moving day. Take one room at a time, then move to the next. Arrange payments, update the local post office about the address change in the old and new location, inform service providers, banks and billers.
Do up the New Home
Purchase new items for the new home. Do it up. Remember to keep it uncluttered to allow freedom of movement and easy accessibility. Contact a cleaning service to clean up the old home after it’s been emptied out and clean the new one before your beloved senior member moves in. Hand over the keys to the new owners, if applicable. Check the mailbox and closets before you lock up the old home.
Payment
It’s better to seek the help of the movers to unpack and put items in place. Make your payment to the movers, review the condition of the new home, check the utility services – water, electricity, wi-fi. Introduce yourself to the next-door neighbour so your senior member feels less anxious.
Econo Moving and Storage Co.
If moving a senior is on the horizon, give us a call. Econo Moving and Storage Co. lightens the load for you. Our professionals look into every aspect of your move and take the stress away for both you and your beloved senior family member.
Our services: Mini Storage & Self-storage North Vancouver
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