Tips for Moving Elderly Parents

Moving a treasured family member or elderly parent can be an emotionally taxing experience, both for the person packing up furniture and sifting through memories of years gone by. The transition from child to caregiver is often sudden and overwhelming, but with foresight and planning it's possible to make this process simpler. By preparing ahead of time what items will move with your loved one while also being mindful that emotions may surface during such a drastic change in life circumstances, you'll have done much to manage the difficulty of this task.

Whether your loved one is moving to a retirement community, relocating into assisted living or coming to stay with you and/or family, it’s essential that their transition be as smooth as possible. The earlier you plan, the less anxiousness there will be all around!

Proactively Prepare for Moving Disabled or Aging Parents

To avoid being forced to hastily accept any available options due to a personal, health or financial situation, it is wise to start researching and planning your move at least one year in advance. This provides you with ample time to find the perfect solution for your needs without compromising on quality.

Invite your family member to be involved in the decision-making process. Together, start researching potential locations and facilities for them and request tours if possible. Most importantly, do your best to ease their worries through optimism by highlighting opportunities that this next chapter holds!

Help Decide What Items To Keep During A Long Distance Move

Moving an elderly family member out of a home that holds precious memories and prized possessions is no small feat. Your beloved will most likely be downsizing, which means making the difficult decision to part with some things.

It's not just a matter of sorting through items, it's about being mindful to the memories they represent. Help your loved one strike an equilibrium of nostalgia and practicality while downsizing their possessions. Ask them which five or six objects mean the most to them - this doesn't necessarily have to be what is financially valuable. These are known as 'keepers', but that list may need revising as you progress with decluttering their home.

When moving to a new location, prioritize floor space and focus on larger items such as furniture, collections or other sizable things. Although you may need to compromise at times, always be considerate of your loved one's opinion. Before making any decisions about the move, take accurate measurements of anything that is uncertain or debatable. Prepare for some conversations but ultimately listen carefully and respect their point-of-view - set aside jewelry or small trinkets during this process!

Start Moving Rooms That Contain Less Memories

Begin with a room that doesn't have as many memories attached to it, like a restroom or guest bedroom. This will make the moving process less overwhelming for your family member and help them experience control and success from day one!

It is often simpler for a family member or beloved one to pass items down to someone they know rather than donate it. Even if you don't have a desire for your great grandmother's rocking chair or fancy china set, graciously accept the item and express gratitude towards their generosity - at least temporarily. Take some time before deciding what to do with the gift; after waiting several months, see if any close friends or relatives are interested in taking ownership of it. Otherwise, consider donating the product through appropriate channels like charity shops or consignment stores!

Assist your beloved one in organizing their possessions into distinct categories, and then seek their opinion on what should be discontinued, donated or passed down to acquaintances and family members. Place containers at each room with sticky notes labelled as "Move," "Dispose", “Toss”, “Donate” and ‘Bequeath". Secure agreement from the person involved before making any decisions; avoid phrases such as 'you don't need that' - and continue the progress made so far.

Take Your Time to Strategically Plan Out All Transportation Requirements

If you are transporting your loved one to their new home, make sure to ask them if they need a break every few hours. Flying would be the better choice for longer distance trips, and it is ideal to book non-stop flights - especially when mobility issues are involved.

If your loved one has any special needs for their flight, be sure to get in touch with the airline prior to departure. Whether it's boarding help, an escort service at the airport, a wheelchair or accessible seating - they'll have you covered! You may also want to consider specialized transport companies that can provide modified vans and RVs specially equipped for those who require medical assistance while traveling. And don't forget - if your companion is unable to travel alone, enquire if a family member or friend can join them on this journey!

Most importantly, make sure your loved one is aware of what will happen next.

Eliminate Stress By Getting An Elderly Moving Checklist

If you're fortunate, your loved one's move may be planned well in advance and with enough time between the move date and when new occupants arrive. If this is true for you, consider having a garage or porch sale before or after their moving day; sometimes it can make an already-emotional event less stressful if done afterwards.

To ensure a stress-free move for an elderly family member, make use a moving checklist to effectively and efficiently prioritize tasks. If you decide to use a moving company, Out of State Long Distance Moving will assign a move coordinator who will be available at to assist you through the entire process. With our help, you can be confident in ensuring a smooth transition!