Elderly Moving: How to be well prepared

ELDERLY MOVING: HOW TO BE WELL PREPARED

For an elderly person, changing living environment, the house in which they have lived for many years is a source of significant stress and anxiety. Good preparation for the move is the key that will allow seniors to get through this experience in a serene way.

THE DIFFERENT STEPS FOR A WELL-PLANNED MOVE

BEING WELL SURROUNDED

It is important for seniors to be accompanied throughout the process of their move. Several months before moving, they should not hesitate to ask for help from their children, their grandchildren or other close surroundings to accompany them and support them during this experience.

MAKE A TO DO LIST AND TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION PRIORITY LEVELS

It is essential to plan on a calendar several months in advance the various things that has to be done in connection with the relocation, to split them up and to do them one by one in order to avoid stress. Finally, do not forget to make changes of address with governments and various institutions.

DETERMINE IF THERE IS A CHANGE IN NEEDS FOR THE PERSONNAL EFFECTS AND FURNITURE

As a general rule, seniors move to a residence for the elderly or to a more suitable housing, which implies reducing the size of their living space. It is therefore important to obtain the plan and dimensions of the new location and to measure the current furniture in order to be able to determine which elements of the furniture should be brought and how to place them.

DO SORTING

The elderly person who relocates will have to sort through its movable and personal belongings since they will not be able to take everything with them, which is not often easy. Creating a list of personal effects and household items that will not be useful in the new home, starting with the largest ones, can help grieve the various items. 

For efficient and less disruptive sorting, it is recommended to start with the garage of the house and the basement and then to continue with the least used rooms (guest room or children’s rooms for example). Then, do not forget to sort the household linen (sheets, blankets, pillows, etc.) or the various collectibles (souvenirs, photos, etc.), some of which can be recovered by the family.

Being methodical and sort out room by room can help and even avoid any source of anxiety.

ORGANIZE FOR THE D-DAY OF THE MOVE

The elders will have to pack their boxes by packing the chosen goods and cleaning the house. Remember to prepare a suitcase to have medicines, personal care products and any useful or valuable items close at hand on D-Day.

CALL A PROFESSIONAL MOVING COMPANY

Many professional moving companies offer turnkey packages that meet the specific needs of seniors by showing empathy, listening and special attention.

This top-of-the-line service reassures seniors who are moving, knowing that their belongings are safe and handled with care.

In general, specialized services for the elderly include :

  • Planning the move ;
  • Packing and unpacking of all items ;
  • Disassembly, reassembly and installation of furniture in the new accommodation ;
  • Coordination of the move with residences for the elderly ; 
  • Consideration of family wishes.

Brault Demenagement’s team of professionals provides a specific moving service for seniors! Do not hesitate to contact them.