Tips for Seniors: Assembling a Moving Day Support Team

Whether it’s across the state or just around the block, moving is considered one of life’s most stressful endeavors. Relocating can be even more stressful when you’re older, which is why retirees and senior citizens should create a moving day support team to ensure that all the bases are covered. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Ask a close friend or family member to help you create a schedule in order to tackle one room or area at the time. It may be best to first address spaces such as the attic, basement and garage. These are places where possessions tend to multiply-so scratch these off the list first!
• Begin sorting what will go to your new address, what will be discarded and what will be donated. You could use colored labels or make holding areas in a cleared out space. Try to only handle each item once-that means: be decisive! Those who have not been downsizing along the way may want to denote a yard sale pile as well. Allow plenty of time to get this job done and if necessary, ask for help from a few friends or family members.
• Empty nesters whose kids flew the coop and left many of their possessions behind need to let the adult children know: “Now is the time to come and get your tennis trophies, football jerseys, Pokemon cards, Beanie Babies and Barbie collection-otherwise they’re all going to Goodwill.”
• When deciding which pieces of furniture will be loaded up, first have the floor plan of your new residence. With the help of a trusted friend, carefully review which pieces will work and decide what you can do without. Go ahead and put the larger pieces up for sale. Perhaps ask your grandkids to help put them for sale online, on a site such as craigslist. With what’s left over, donate or divvy things up among family and friends.
• Should you begin to feel overwhelmed, don’t worry-it happens to everyone. Moving stirs up mixed emotions at any age. However, moving later in life can be especially overwhelming. Avoid getting bogged down in the packing process by researching your new destination. Use sites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp to learn more about your new home’s attractions, cultural activities, recreation, restaurants, and shopping venues.
• Pack a suitcase, box or two that will be kept close at hand on moving day. Make sure to include essential items such as a change of clothing, PJs, toiletries, medications and snacks. Because it is easy to misplace things during a move, also include an extra pair of reading glasses and any other indispensable items. Those moving with pets will want to pack a survival kit for their furry loved ones with everything they will need as well. Figure out where you will be sleeping those first few nights and if needed, gather the required sheets, pillows, blankets, flashlights, etc. If air mattresses are part of the plan, make sure they are in good working order.

On moving day…

• Share the plan that you have discussed with the movers with a friend or family member. That way, you’ll have a little extra help making sure everything goes well.
• Arrange to have a few folding chairs, water and snacks available so you and your helpers can take breaks.
• If you have pets, either board them or hire a pet-sitter so they are taken care of.