Moving to a new home can be stressful whether you’re joining a retirement community or moving in with a loved one. While the process may seem daunting, there are several tips to keep in mind that can make the transition easier for everyone involved.
The most important thing to keep in mind when moving to a new home is to actively involve your friends and family members. Having other people around during the process not only ensures that seniors have a helping hand when needed, but also allows family members of all generations to revel in memories, learn more about each other and enjoy spending time together.
1. Plan the layout of your new place
Before you begin the moving process, get all the necessary details about your new space that may influence which items you bring to decorate or fill the home. If you’re moving to a senior community, visit your future room and assess your space. How many windows are there? How much wall space will you have? What furniture will fit? Consider drafting a quick drawing of your living quarters to help provide a visual for your future home. Measuring the dimensions of the new space is the best way to discover which items from your house will look best in your new senior living home.
2. Don’t fear downsizing
If you’re moving from a large house to a smaller living space, downsizing can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Start the process gradually and eventually move your way up to larger tasks. Some seniors may prefer going room by room, keeping track of which items they would like to take, which should go to loved ones or storage, and which can be given away to charity. Take it slow – don’t rush when sifting through possessions, and be sure to take frequent breaks. Invite loved ones to help during this process, as going through old belongings can offer the perfect time to relive the past and inform younger members about your history. Another set of eyes is also a great asset for those moving, as they can not only help arrange items into different piles, but they can offer insight into which objects are most important and which may be easily tossed.
Downsizing provides the perfect opportunity for hosting a moving sale, something that your entire neighbou?rhood can benefit from. This event also presents an opportunity to bring in a bit more cash for the move or to put toward the purchase of new decorations for your home.
3. Host a packing party
When it comes time to start moving into your new home, turn it into a fun event. Instead of getting stressed, celebrate the transition by inviting loved ones to help you pack and move. Make a day or week of it, ordering pizza, playing tunes and offering small tokens of thanks to those who help. After transporting items to your new home, don’t let the fun stop. Invite loved ones to help with decorations and unpacking. Keeping friends and family involved can not only make the process much easier, but also make your new abode feel more like home.
4. Take it day-by-day
The process can be overwhelming at first, but don’t feel compelled to tackle an entire move in one sitting. Allow yourself a couple of months to prepare your paperwork, account for packing, and to move your things. Go slowly, so you’re not putting too much on your plate at one time. Additionally, it’s essential to rely upon loved ones during this time, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Friends and family members are there to help and listen, so take advantage of their assistance during this time.