If you’ve been through a move, you might be familiar with the panicked feeling that comes with rushing to get things packed before movers arrive or not knowing where a family heirloom was placed. Although moving isn’t necessarily fun, it doesn’t have to be stressful. The key to managing the chaos is to be strategic, and these moving tips for seniors can help.
Moving Tips for Seniors
Make a Written Plan
Start by making a to-do list. Brainstorm with a partner, family member, or friend about what the move will entail. Next, divide tasks out week by week and include realistic deadlines.
Decide What to Keep
Cut your packing time in half by downsizing. Parting with items can be emotional, so be patient and take breaks. Find a family member or friend to be your sounding board, because sometimes talking through whether or not you need an item can help you reach a conclusion with confidence. If you have items that you would like to sell, enlist the help of your children and grandkids to prepare for a garage sale. Whatever you don’t sell, donate to your favorite local charity.
Gather Your Supplies
One of the worst moving scenarios is being in the perfect mindset to begin packing, but then realizing that you do not have what you need. Make a list of everything you can think of that will help make your move a success. Some must-needed moving tools include sturdy boxes of various sizes, clear bins, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, newspaper, packing tape, and permanent markers.
Pack Nonessential Items First
After you’ve gotten rid of your excess items, start the packing process by boxing up items you don’t use every day, like decorations and seasonal clothes. As you get closer to moving day, you can begin packing more routinely important items.
Label Boxes and List Contents
On the side of each box, write what room it belongs in and assign it a number. This will make it easy for the movers to know where to place the boxes. Use the numbers to create a master list of what each box contains. This is a great task to delegate to a friend or family member who wants to help you while you pack. Don’t forget to assign a special place for important papers, and tell a trusted family member where these items are located to avoid misplacement.
Pack an Overnight Bag
Put the items you will need immediately in your suitcase. This includes anything you would bring on a weekend trip, like phone chargers, medicine, toiletries, and enough clothes for a few days.
Forward Your Mail
Contact your post office, doctor’s office, bank, and insurance provider two weeks prior to your move and let them know your new place of residence. You should also update your address with your accountant, lawyer, and other professional service providers.
Reflect on Past Memories and Make New Ones
Leaving your home of many years can be bittersweet. Take time to reflect on your memories in your old home, and brainstorm some ways to make new memories in this next phase of your life. Of all our moving tips for seniors, this one is perhaps most important and yet it’s easily forgotten.
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