When It’s Time For A Move: A Guide For Older Adults & Their Caregivers

Moving to a new home is a huge event for people of any age. It's especially stressful for older adults who may have lived in the same house in the same neighborhood for decades.

Whether they're moving to a house across the street or a retirement community across the country they'll need lots of help and support from you and other family members.

PLANNING THE MOVE

If possible visit your parent's new home with her well before the move. Measure all the rooms, doors, and windows and draw a rough floor plan to determine if the house can accommodate your parent's furniture and other belongings and where they might be placed in the new abode. Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom, handrails on both sides of stairs to prevent falls, and other safety features that your relative may need as she grows older.

Before the move arrange to have any painting, repairs, cleaning, or redecorating completed. Help your parent sort out belongings and decide what he wants to take to his new home. If your parent is moving to a senior apartment or assisted living residence find out what furniture is provided by the facility and what belongings your relative can bring with him or her.

PACKING UP THE HOUSE

Older adults who have lived in the same house for many years gradually accumulate lots of personal possessions, mementos, furniture and other belongings. There may not be enough space for all this "stuff" in the new home, so both of you will need to make some tough decisions about what your parent can take along to his new home and what must be left behind.

If possible visit the new residence together before the move to determine what things your parent would like to bring along and what things he will no longer need. Taking snapshots of the rooms will help you decide how to arrange furniture, curtains, and other possessions.

Allow plenty of time for her to sort through all her keepsakes, mementos, books, photo albums and other possessions so she can decide what things she wants to have in her new home and what items can be given to family members or donated to charitable organizations. Pack these special items carefully in boxes with lids and lots of newspaper, tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent breakage during the move, label the box and tape it shut. If your parent's keepsakes are especially fragile or valuable consider moving them yourself instead of the movers.

CHOOSING A MOVING COMPANY

The moving company you select will be responsible for transporting your parent's belongings to her new home so it's important that you help select a reliable mover. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative who has moved recently for recommendations and compare estimates from several companies. Be sure to ask for references before hiring a mover.

Questions for potential movers:

• Is the company licensed, insured, and registered with the Department of Transportation?
• Are packing services and materials including blankets, padding and wrapping services provided? At what cost?
• Is a delivery time for the furnishings guaranteed?
• Are free estimated offered? Are estimates binding or non-binding?
• Does the company charge by number of pieces moved or by the hour?
• Is there a cancellation policy?
• Are there extra charges for large items?

COUNTDOWN TO MOVING DAY

On your parent's last day in her home help her prepare for the arrival of the movers. Moving day can be exhausting for older adults. If possible arrange for your relative to stay with a friend or family member or spend the day at an adult day center. You or another family member should stay at the house until the movers are gone. Have a cell phone handy in case the movers need to contact you.

Moving day chores include:

• Cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer and disconnecting them
• Moving cars out of the driveway and garage
• Packing up jewelry and other valuables, important papers and other irreplaceable items that you want to move yourself
• Creating a plan for placing furniture in the new home ready for the movers
• Making sure someone is at your parent's new home to direct the movers
• Stowing personal items, bedding, and changes of clothes for you and your parent in the car
• Having a check or credit card ready to pay the movers
• Leaving keys with the new owner or real estate agent
• Making sure everything has been removed from the house – check closets, the basement and attic. Label any items that are to remain in the house
• Provide movers with directions to your new home