Helping Parents and Seniors Move

Retirement brings many life changes. Moving is on the top of the list for many seniors. In 2018, nearly one million people age 60 and older moved to a different state for retirement, a 16% increase from five years earlier. If your parents are planning a move, they may turn to you for help. Here are some tips to make helping your parents move an easier, less fraught experience for everyone:

Have a Downsizing Strategy

Your parents may be moving to a smaller home. This means they’re going to need to get rid of a lot of stuff. Help them craft a strategy for the things they’re not going to move, which can include selling and donating items. It may be that your parents want you to have the possessions they no longer want: if this works for your lifestyle, great, but if it doesn’t, it helps to have an alternate disposal plan in place to suggest.

Explore Storage Options

If your parents’ move includes a drastic change, they may not be sure what they’ll need in their new home. This may make them reluctant to dispose of items prematurely. They may also have a tough time parting with possessions they’ve collected over the years. If your parent is trying to pack too much, suggest they give away some items to friends or family. Knowing their beloved items are going to a good home can help them part with them. You can also explore short- and long-term storage options with them. Having a safe, secure place to stow their things while they get the feel for their new community means they’ll have everything they need – if they need it.

Respect Your Parents’ Privacy

It’s normal to want to help your parents. However, they may not be entirely comfortable having anyone else sort and pack their things. It’s important to respect their limits: if your parents want to pack their own boxes but have you help load them onto the moving truck, that’s what your role should be. Don’t be afraid to suggest professional moving services to your parents. It’s not at all unusual for parents to be more comfortable with strangers doing something they wouldn’t want their children to do.

Plan Transportation Around Your Parents’ Needs

Traveling gets more difficult the older you get. Your elderly parents might not be able to sit through a long road trip without frequent stops, so it can make the journey less stressful if you plan for extra travel time. While driving, listen to your parents’ needs regarding pit stops. If you are flying, request in advance any accommodations your parents might need such as airport gate assistance, movable armrests, onboard wheelchairs, etc.

Organize Their Healthcare Before the Move

It is important to make sure your elderly parents have healthcare immediately available to them once they arrive in their new home, especially if they have medical conditions. Transfer any prescriptions to a local pharmacy beforehand so your parents’ medications will be ready as soon as they need them. Contact your parents’ insurance so you can find in-network doctors that will be covered by their insurance plan. If your parents will need an appointment soon after arriving, it is best to get them set up with their new doctors as soon as possible.

Contact Professional Movers: Shleppers

Here at Shleppers moving company in New York City, we understand how important family is. We want you to be able to focus on keeping your parents comfortable and happy during their move, which is why we are here to help with your moving needs. Call us now at 800-847-4537 for a FREE quote, or fill out your information on our website.