How To Make Moving Easier On Seniors (And Their Families) This Spring

For many seniors, the thought of moving can be overwhelming. Whether they're relocating to a new home or downsizing from their current residence, the process requires a great deal of planning and preparation. Fortunately, there are steps families can take to make this transition easier on both seniors and their loved ones. 

Why Moving Can Be Hard for Seniors

The physical and emotional challenges of moving can be particularly difficult for seniors. Moving requires seniors to adapt to new routines and living arrangements. Plus, with age comes a greater likelihood of chronic medical conditions that can further complicate the process. There are a number of challenges seniors may face as they plan and execute a move. 

Physical Challenges

Moving requires physical strength, stamina, and coordination. It's especially challenging for seniors who have limited mobility due to arthritis or other conditions. Additionally, they may be at a higher risk of injury if they attempt to lift heavy objects on their own. 

Emotional Stress

The emotional stress of moving can be just as taxing as the physical effort. Seniors may feel anxious about leaving behind familiar places and routines, or worry that they won't be able to adjust to their new environment. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation if not properly addressed. 

Financial Concerns

The financial costs of moving can also add to the stress. Seniors may have limited resources and need to be mindful of how much they are spending on the relocation. Unfortunately, that may also mean that seniors don't have the funds needed to streamline the moving process as much as possible. 

Three Tips to Make Moving Easier

There are steps families can take to make the moving process easier on seniors as they plan ahead and work together to streamline the move.

#1: Create a Moving Plan

The key to a successful move is organization. Before packing up, create a plan that details when and how everything will be packed, transported, and unpacked. This can help reduce the amount of stress on seniors by breaking down the process into manageable chunks. The moving plan should also include information like who will be on hand to help with the move. You may want to lay out shifts for people to come help pack, family members who will be present on the moving day to help with heavy items, and who will be there in the days following the move to help with the adjustment period. Seeing the plan written out may help alleviate anxiety for many seniors. 

#2: Downsize and Declutter

If seniors are moving to a smaller residence, it's important to downsize and declutter before packing up. This can help lighten the load and make the relocation more efficient. Donating or selling unwanted items can also be a great way for seniors to let go of things that no longer serve them. The downsizing process can be difficult. It may be helpful for a loved one to help with sorting through unwanted items, especially items that are typically kept in storage.

#3: Hire Professional Movers

Hiring professional movers can be beneficial in several ways. First, professional movers can help with all the heavy lifting that a senior loved one might no longer be able to handle for themselves–and avoid frustration among family members who may not be available to help with the entire moving process. Hiring professional movers may also mean streamlining the moving process, since it often proceeds more quickly with the professionals on hand. 

Get the Assistance a Senior Loved One Needs in the Greater Richmond Area

Often, seniors choose to move because they can no longer keep up with their current home or because they need more care than they can get in their current location. At Senior Helpers Greater Richmond, we help seniors in Richmond, Mechanicsville, Henrico, and Sandston get the help they need to stay at home longer, including in-home care and companionship services. Contact us today to learn more about the services we can provide, either in your loved one's current home or when they move into a new property in the greater Richmond area.