As people get older, they face new challenges. Moving homes is hard enough for younger folks, but for the elderly, it might seem impossible. Whether you are moving into a nursing home, a senior living community or you are moving in with a family member, the transition can be difficult. But there are ways you can make moving as a senior as easy as possible. You just need to make a proper plan and stick to it. When it comes to organizing your move, you should contact one of the best and affordable movers Orange County to help you out along the way.
Make a plan for your move
It doesn’t matter if this is the first time you are moving, or it’s the tenth time. You must make a plan and organize everything that needs to be done. So, the first thing you should figure out is the timeline for your move. It will help you stay on track and ensure that everything is done on time. As soon as possible you should start researching what is the best moving company for you. Since there are a lot of fraudulent moving companies out there, so be careful of red flags. There are a lot of risks that come with hiring rogue movers, and we are sure you want to avoid all of them.
Make a to-do list
After you finished making your plan and the timeline for your move, it’s time to make a to-do list. It is extremely beneficial to make a to-do list early on. This way you won’t have to worry about forgetting something important. Here are the most important steps you should add to your list.
1. Book a moving company
Whether your new home is just a couple of hours away or it’s across the country, try to book a moving company as soon as possible. In addition, hiring a company a couple of months in advance might save you some money. Do a background check to see if that company is the best choice for you. Look for reliable moving companies Huntington Beach that can make moving as a senior effortless.
2. Start decluttering your home early on
We know it might be hard to declutter your home where you’ve spent many wonderful years of your life. It’s a place you hold close to your heart, and it’s difficult to part from some of your belongings. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel sad and grief your old home. So take your time and start decluttering a couple of months prior to your move. Group together all the items you are taking to the new place. Everything else you can either sell, donate or throw away.
3. Make an inventory list
After you’ve decluttered your home, you can start making an inventory list. Now you know what items you are relocating to your new home. It’s necessary to make an inventory list, so you forget nothing. Since moving can be rather expensive, choose what furniture pieces you will need in your new home. After you figure that out, research what are the best furniture movers Orange County so that your furniture pieces stay damage-free throughout the move.
4. Start packing
Having a packing plan can be super helpful when moving as a senior. First, determine what packing supplies you need. Go to the store and get packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, and as many boxes as you need. Sort and organize your items with the inventory list you just made. First pack items you don’t use often, and leave the everyday items for the end. Remember to use enough bubble wrap when packing fragile items. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your loved ones. But if they are unavailable at that moment, you can always let the moving company pack all of your belongings.
5. Prepare your new home
It’s for the best you prepare your new home before you move in. So, a couple of days before you move in check out if there is anything that you must repair, turn on your utilities, and clean the place. You can even start decorating if you are feeling in the mood for it.
How to set the best timeline for moving as a senior?
Follow this moving timeline to make the entire process super easy.
- Eight weeks before the move – Search and book a moving company. Get moving quotes from the company.
- Six to seven weeks before the move – Start decluttering your home. Slowly start packing things you rarely use. Sell, donate or throw away items you aren’t taking with you. Notify your physician and start looking for a new one.
- Four to five weeks before the move – Cancel utility services. Start changing your address. Inform your insurance providers, friends, and family of your new address. Schedule an appointment with your new physician.
- One week before the move – Finish packing your old home. Pack all the necessary items, like your medication and belongings into one suitcase.
- Moving day – Check every room and cabinet, so that nothing is left behind. Take out the trash, quickly clean the house and make sure that you turned all appliances off.
Discover your new community
After you are all settled into your new home, it’s time to discover your new community. Take a couple of days to explore your neighborhood. If you are looking to meet new people try joining crafting, knitting, or fitness classes. Also, you can join a local book or chess club. There are many wonderful activities for seniors. Find out what is available in your new community with a quick online search, and if you like to do things the old-fashioned way stop by the town information center.
Moving as a senior doesn’t have to be scary. With a proper plan and fit organization, you will easily relocate to your new home.