The Senior Citizen’s Guide to Moving

Moving for Seniors: Tips for Where to Start

Moving is a big decision, and it’s difficult to leave old memories and support networks behind, but it can make life easier or more fulfilling. After weighing the pros and cons, seniors often move for these reasons:

• Relocating: Many seniors want to be closer to their family members. Relocating gives you access to extra support and makes it easier to gather with friends. You can also relocate to take advantage of better weather conditions. Palm trees and sunshine, anyone?
• Downsizing: The house that was just the right size for a growing family might feel too big as you get older. Property taxes and maintenance costs are also on the rise. Downsizing saves you money and frees up time, since you also won't have to clean a large home or do as much lawn care.
• Taking advantage of assisted living: Assisted living communities support seniors with their daily needs. Moving to assisted living is ideal for seniors who want to maintain their independence in a supportive environment.

Prepare for your senior move

If you've weighed your options and have decided to move, now you have to start planning for your relocation. Use these simple moving tips for seniors to kick off the process:

• Plan early to reduce stress: Planning early gives you extra time to make decisions, helps you avoid last-minute surprises, and allows you wiggle room in case something changes or goes wrong down the line.
• Involve family, friends, or professional movers: You don't have to do it alone! One of the best resources you have is friends and family members who can help with cleaning, decluttering, and packing. On moving day, you can also rely on professional movers to load and transport your belongings with care, meaning you don’t have to handle the heavy lifting or driving yourself.
• Prioritize health and comfort: Protect your health by staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks. Instead of lifting heavy items, use dollies or rolling carts. Above all, avoid rushing around at the last minute. If you're following a checklist for moving elderly parents, let your parent take the lead. and ask them to let you know if they need more support during the move.

How to Downsize Your Home for Moving

For many seniors, downsizing is a normal part of moving. But that process is not just about packing boxes and getting rid of old or broken items — it's about choosing what belongs in your next stage of life. Follow these downsizing tips for seniors to make the process more manageable:

• Start small: Focus on one room or closet at a time. Start with something small, like a box, instead of trying to declutter the whole room in an afternoon.
• Sort items: As you handle items, decide whether to keep, toss, gift, or donate them. If possible, make several trips to the donation center to reduce the amount of clutter waiting to be donated in your space.
• Take photos of sentimental objects: If you can't keep a sentimental item, take a picture of it or digitize it before you let it go. You can pull out the photo any time you want to remember the item or the person who gave it to you.
• Involve family members: Working with family members makes downsizing more fun. Loved ones can help you make decisions about what to keep. You can also enjoy swapping memories as you declutter and pack.

Getting Help for the Downsizing Process

There’s no denying that downsizing is a big life change. The good news? With the right help, it doesn’t have to feel like climbing a mountain. If you or a senior loved one is feeling overwhelmed, getting downsizing help is a good idea.

Senior move managers

Senior move managers help older adults coordinate every move from start to finish. They're trained to understand the emotional and practical aspects of moving. A senior move manager can help you sort belongings, donate unwanted items, and more.

Estate sale companies

Estate sale companies can help you sell items you no longer want. When you hold an estate sale, shoppers come to your home and browse.

This is an attractive alternative to selling items individually. Full-service estate sale companies handle advertising, pricing, customer service, and cash management. All you have to do is decide what to sell.

Downsizing specialists

Downsizing specialists focus on helping you declutter your living space before you move. A specialist can help you decide what to keep or how to distribute items you no longer need.

Friends and family members

Don't be afraid to ask trusted friends and family members for help. They can help you decide what to keep or offer emotional support as you sort through sentimental items. Delegating small tasks to others also helps keep your move on track. But even if you don't need physical help, it's nice to have someone keep you company.

Therapists and support groups

Letting go of a longtime home can be one of the hardest parts of moving. If you feel a sense of loss, consider finding a professional therapist or a support group. Expressing your feelings in a neutral environment can help you work through your grief and view your move as a new chapter in life.

Downsizing Home Checklist

Any time you tackle a major project, it's helpful to have a plan. Use this downsizing checklist to save time and stay on track:

• Measure your new space before you pack: Knowing the layout and size of each room makes it easier to determine how much you can feasibly take with you.
• Organize items into categories: Have bins or boxes labeled "Keep," "Donate," and "Gift." As you sort items, you can quickly organize them into categories. Keep a trash bag in your work area for items you want to toss. Throwing items away immediately prevents you from having to handle them more than once.
• Make a list of essentials: Before you start decluttering, make a list of items you can't live without. You might include your espresso machine or the custom bookcase in your den.
• Arrange donation pickup or junk removal: Many organizations pick up donations, leaving you with more time for sorting and packing. Schedule pickup as early as possible to avoid having to deal with leftover items at the last minute. If you have large items to toss, calling a junk-removal service is likely your best option.
• Label boxes as you go: Mark each box with a category or the name of a room. This makes it easier for movers to unload items at your new place.
• Pass down meaningful items: If you don't have room for heirlooms, pass them down to younger family members.
• Set aside items for your first day: Packing a box with first-day items makes it easier to get settled in your new home. Include medications, personal hygiene items, a clean outfit, and other essentials.

Moving to Assisted Living

Many moving tips for seniors focus on moving from a large home to a smaller one. However, more than 1 million Americans reside in assisted living communities. These communities offer personal care and other services to help seniors maintain their independence.

If you're moving to assisted living, there are a few things you need to know. One is that residents typically live in rooms or small apartments. A studio or 1-bedroom won't have enough space for a whole home's worth of furniture.

Some communities also have restrictions on what you can bring with you. For example, it's common for these communities to ban hot plates due to the risk of fires. Before you start packing, contact your community for information on what's allowed. It's also helpful to ask for a copy of the floor plan for your living space.

Moving to Assisted Living Checklist

Following this step-by-step checklist can help you stay organized. Use these tips to prepare for your move and get settled once you arrive.

Steps before the move

• Visit the facility and confirm room dimensions: Before you start packing, measure your new living space. Knowing the exact size of your room makes it easier to decide what to keep.
• Review what furniture and personal items are allowed: Double-check your community's guidelines. Knowing the restrictions ahead of time can help you prioritize meaningful items.
• Arrange help with packing and moving: You don't have to handle the move on your own. Ask family and friends to help you pack or transport items to your new home. If you're moving heavy furniture or boxes, it’s best to hire a professional. Experienced movers can handle everything from loading to transportation.
• Organize medical and legal documents: Gather advance directives, insurance policies, and other legal documents. Place them in a file box or folder for easy access. You may need to provide a copy to your assisted living community when you arrive.
• Notify relevant contacts: Before you move, change your address with the post office. Then tell doctors, banks, attorneys, and other relevant contacts about the change. Doing this early can help you avoid missing medical bills, account statements, or important updates.

Steps after the move

Once you’ve completed downsizing and the actual move to the assisted living facility, you’ve overcome some of the biggest hurdles. But there are still a few things you can do to make the initial transition and first few months in your new home easier.

• Personalize your new space with familiar items: Small touches make a big difference. Hang your favorite piece of artwork, display family photos, or add an heirloom quilt to your bed. These familiar items make it easier to get comfortable with your new living space.
• Arrange items in a familiar way: It's easier to get settled if you don't have to change everything about your routine. Try arranging some of your belongings the same way they were in your previous home. Keeping the same layout can give you a sense of comfort.
• Unpack gradually: Remember, it’s okay to go at your own pace. Focus on one box at a time and enjoy the memories that come up as you unpack.
• Stay connected with family and friends: Moving to assisted living doesn't mean you have to lose touch with your loved ones. Schedule regular calls or visits to maintain strong connections. Some communities even have special events for family members.
• Explore the community: Get familiar with dining areas, outdoor spaces, and other amenities. Trying new activities can help you make friends and feel more at home.
• Create a routine: It takes time to adjust to a new environment. However, a daily routine can give you a feeling of stability. Try going to breakfast at the same time every day or joining a book club that meets on Tuesdays. A sense of structure makes it easier to get settled.
• Check in with staff: Assisted living communities have staff members to help whenever you need it. Don't hesitate to ask questions about policies or procedures. The more you know about your community, the easier it is to settle in.
• Be patient with yourself: Moving to assisted living is a major change. You probably won't adjust overnight. Give yourself grace as you work through your emotions.

Moving Older Parents

Helping a parent move is no easy task, either. On the practical side, you have to think about logistics. Your parent might need help sorting items or finding a mover. Then you need to schedule donation pickups and gift items to other family members.

Moving also has an emotional component. Your parent is leaving the home where they raised their kids and built relationships with neighbors. On top of that, you have to say goodbye to your family home.

Boxes and furniture matter, but acknowledging these valid emotions is more important as well. Honor your parent’s wishes and allow them to express their feelings. It's also important to make their new space feel welcoming. Once you address the emotional side of moving, you can tackle practical tasks.

These tips can help you support your parent without taking over the whole move:

• Have an open conversation: Ask your parent if they have any concerns about the move. Let them know that you're there to help, not to tell them what to do. This promotes collaboration instead of conflict.
• Make a plan: Breaking the move into steps makes it less likely that your parent will become overwhelmed. Create a timeline for sorting, packing, and transporting items.
• Stay flexible: Your parent might change their mind about donating items or keeping family heirlooms. This is normal. Build extra time into your plan to account for these changes.
• Be patient: As you sort items, your parent might want to share their memories. Many items hold special meaning, so it's important to give your parent space and patience as they reflect.

Moving Older Parents Checklist

Moving is much easier when you have a straightforward plan to follow. You won't have to worry about forgetting important tasks or showing up unprepared on moving day. Check off these tasks as you go, so don’t miss anything important:

• Coordinate senior-friendly transportation: Make sure you have accessible transportation on moving day. Some agencies provide van transportation for seniors who use wheelchairs. You might also benefit from renting an SUV or minivan. Sedans are lower to the ground, so it's difficult for some seniors to get into and out of them.
• Arrange for utilities and other services early: Research utility options at least 1 month in advance. They might need to set up electric, gas, water, cable, internet, or sewer service. Ask each provider to start service before moving day, so when you arrive, you'll have everything you need to help your parent get settled.
• Review medical needs: Gather prescriptions, medical records, and other health information ahead of time. Put these documents in one folder and keep them with you at all times. If your parent is switching doctors or pharmacies, have their records transferred before the move.
• Maintain regular contact: Once your parent is settled, keep in touch by phone or email. They might need your support as they adjust to their new environment. Regular contact can help you preserve your relationship.
• Help with unpacking: Although you shouldn't take over the whole move, your parent can probably benefit from a little help unpacking. For example, if you unpack heavy kitchen items, they can focus on displaying photos or organizing their books.
• Make the new space accessible: If your parent has mobility issues, take time to make their new living space as accessible as possible. Arrange furniture against the walls to prevent bumps and bruises, and use rugs with nonskid backing instead of runners that can bunch up to reduce the risk of tripping. If your parent uses a wheelchair, install lever-style door handles instead of knobs. You might also need to replace the stove with one that has front controls.

Extra Moving Tips for Seniors to Reduce Stress

Moving day has arrived. It's finally time to transport everything to your new home. Follow these extra moving tips to reduce stress:

• Use color-coded labels for rooms: Labeling boxes makes it easier to unpack. To save time, create a color-coding system. For example, you might use blue dots for bathroom items and green dots for kitchen items.
• Schedule the move for morning hours: Your parent is likely to have more energy in the morning than in the evening. Make use of this energy by scheduling the move for the early hours.
• Take breaks to avoid exhaustion: Moving is tough on a senior's body. Bending and other movements can make arthritis symptoms worse or cause muscle strains. For seniors with balance problems, even carrying lightweight items is a chore. Take frequent breaks to help your parent avoid exhaustion.
• Pack a bag with essential items: Fill a small box or suitcase with a few days' worth of essentials. Include toiletries, medications, and clothing. If your parent uses dentures, a hearing aid, or a mobility device, keep them with you. This ensures that your parent has everything they need while they're unpacking, and nothing gets lost on the truck in transit.