Although seniors have fewer needs, there are different considerations you have to make when moving seniors to a new home. Also, you have the challenge of moving them with as little stress as possible so they adjust quickly to their new home and have everything they need. Here’s a guide to moving seniors with less stress for everyone.

Planning is king

Every move needs good planning, no matter how big, small, challenging or over different distances. Good planning is the key to a stress-free move and it’s absolutely essential when moving seniors too. This is because you will likely be making the decisions they would have made for themselves when they were younger. For their continued happiness and well-being, you’ll want to get those decisions right.

First, you’ll want to identify the right home in the right place. That might include any or all of these considerations.

1. The type of housing, such as an independent living apartment, retirement village, assisted living, nursing home or other facility.
2. The proximity to family, so you can keep in regular contact.
3. The cost of living, so it suits their retirement budget.
4. Access to healthcare and medical facilities, or if these need to be onsite.
5. Outlook and scenery that’s familiar, pleasing and relaxing.
6. Access to transport for when they want to go out.
7. Access to shops, dining and recreational facilities.
8. The climate and weather.
9. Access to public amenities such as libraries, parks and outdoor spaces.

Discuss the move with family

Even if you’re the person appointed to make decisions on behalf of your senior family member, involving other family members can mitigate disagreements. Sometimes, these are unavoidable, but it’s always best to ask for help and input rather than exclude other family members from the process. Aim to deal with any conflict well ahead of the move and gain as much support as you can.

Organise, declutter and downsize

Generally speaking, seniors don’t need as many possessions as when we’re young, especially if they won’t need to cook, clean or maintain the home. This gives you an excellent opportunity to downsize, so you’re only moving what they need for daily comfort and entertainment. Gift the rest to family, or sell, recycle or donate it to charity. It’s well-documented that the benefits of living in an organised, decluttered environment are good for health and well-being. 

Home sweet home

When considering the stress of the move for your senior, you’ll reduce it substantially if you make the new home feel a little like the old one. Hanging art or decorating the space with their favourite belongings will immediately make any new home feel familiar.

Attend to your own stress through the process

Much like any move, we can get bogged down with menial, time-consuming tasks, when our efforts are better put into making good decisions. In this case, your highest priority is not to manage the move yourself, but to attend to the details which will make moving your senior less stressful. Get help with the packing. Hire a professional moving company to do the hard work, and give yourself the time to make the decisions that will have a bearing on your seniors continuing quality of life. 

Our moving team has huge experience in moving seniors, including international moves, moving across states, and to retirement facilities. If we can be of any help, please give us a call.