Whether you’re moving into a fancy home by the beach or downsizing to a retirement community or assisted living facility nearby, moving day is always complicated. Fortunately, utilizing a bit of insight early in the process can help the day run more smoothly. For seniors especially, it’s important to play ahead so that moving day is as safe, comfortable, and easy as possible.
A few months out, do a quick inventory of your belongings, and make a note of your most important and valuable possessions– you may consider packing these up ahead of time, as well as any crucial documents, to make sure they’re unaffected by the last-minute shuffle. Sorting through items you’ve had in your possession can be nostalgic, so if there’s anything you can’t part with that won’t fit in your new space, make arrangements to give it to a family member or place it in long-term storage.
You’ll also want to receive a quote and book a moving company early since high-demand weekends will fill up fast—generally, two months out is a good timeframe. If possible, find a company that specializes in senior moving, since with this kind of service, you can ensure the moving staff you’ll be working with are kind, considerate, accommodating, and trustworthy. Click here for more information on the specialized services a high-quality moving company can provide for senior citizens.
If you’re moving any significant distance away from your current place of residence, you’ll want to have a plan in place when it comes to your medical care.
Transferring medical records can sometimes be an arduous task, so get in contact with your doctor to see what that will entail. Your medical providers will also be able to provide recommendations for packing medications and possibly also for providers in the area you’re moving to.
If you’ve made a checklist and are following it, you will have already sorted and packed most of what you need to take with you. The next few things can be put off until the last week before you move.
Medication is one of those essentials that’s easy to forget during the frenzied activity of the last day. Pack medications somewhere accessible because you’re still going to need them in the next few days.
Schedule a time with your favorite charity to come by and pick up your donations. Clothes, furniture, books, kitchenware, and anything else that is still in good condition are good candidates. This will lighten your load, save you some time, and make you feel good.
Arrange for all your mail to be sent to your new address. Speak to someone at the companies that you deal with, such as your insurance company and any other billers, about your change of address.
Pack your suitcase with all the essentials you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. A few outfits, comfy shoes and socks, PJs, fresh towels, bedsheets, cutlery and dishes, a first-aid kit, a night light, and a flashlight are good to have on hand. This will help you get bearings and feel more comfortable with your new surroundings before needing to unpack.
Make sure these are the people you hired when they arrive. Look at the name of the company and the logo on their uniforms and trucks.
Take your real estate agent around the house and let them verify that the house is in good condition and that there is no damage.
Don’t forget to celebrate your move—it’s exciting! Get to know your new neighborhood, neighbors, and opportunities for recreation and community involvement. Enjoy your new phase of life.
Headquartered in St. George, Utah, Dixie Moving and Storage is standing by to provide the ultimate in moving services throughout all of southern Utah as well as northern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. Contact us today with questions or to request a quote for our senior moving services near you.