Senior Citizen Moving
11/9/2011 12:41:17 PM
Imagine moving out of a home you have lived in 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years. You have not only accumulated "stuff" but have countless memories. You raised your children, hosted family gatherings, and laughed with friends and neighbors. Now you have to leave all that behind and move to a smaller place or an assisted living facility. It's a daunting task at best and a nightmare at worst. Here are the top five things to do to make the transition easier.
1. Sort and Downsize Early
It's taken years to accumulate your possessions and it will take more than a few days to determine what you want to do with them. Allow yourself plenty of time to be nostalgic about the souvenirs you bought during your vacations. Take your time determining what you want to take with you, items you will give to family members or donate to charity, and what just needs to be tossed.
2. Plan Your Available Space
The amount of furniture you have now may not fit in your new residence or the piece itself may be too large. A good example is the dining room table. Do you still need a table that comfortably seats ten for Thanksgiving dinner? Knowing how much you need and where each piece fits will help in the sorting and downsizing phase of your move.
3. Create Notification Lists
Create a list of all the people you want to notify about your address change. Please remember the utilities that must be notified.
4. Pack a Survival Kit
Pack a bag with personal essentials for moving day. Include medications, a change of clothes, and important papers. Pack an extra box with moving day requirements for clean up, basic hand tools, light bulbs, and a flashlight. If it's a long distance move, include paper plates, cups, and napkins in case you have to pick up some food before your dishes arrive.
5. Ask for Help
Moving is stressful and it's hard work. Ask family and friends for assistance and advice. A great source of information and help is the National Association of Senior Move Managers (http://www.nasmm.org). They specialize in assisting with everything about a Senior move from organizing and sorting to arranging a mover to helping get settled in the new home.
Moving at any age is an overwhelming task. Moving after being in your home for several decades can become an unbearable job if it is rushed. Plan ahead, take your time, and ask for help from those around you.