Moving can be a challenging task. It almost goes without saying. In many cases, moving can seem overwhelming because it means leaving behind a familiar routine and memories. Yet it's sometimes the wisest course of action. For instance, to watch their grandchildren grow up, your parents might desire to relocate close by. Or, it might be wise to help your senior loved ones relocate if they show signs of needing permanent assistance. Moving a senior closer to you or a senior community is a terrific approach to give you peace of mind knowing they are safe or nearby should they need you. Moreover, you shouldn’t be scared when realizing that your parents might need to move. You make this choice with the utmost concern for the welfare of your loved ones. However, you do need to make a thorough plan for all of you to have a pleasant relocation experience. Therefore, we prepared an easy guide on how to relocate your loved ones safely and stress-free.
First things first: communicate openly
The communication aspect of the relocation process can be the most crucial. For the move's duration, you must ensure that you and your loved ones are on the same page. Yes, there may be conflicts along the way, but communication must remain open and constant. Therefore be ready to have a straightforward yet supportive dialogue with your loved one. Although having this talk might seem scary, it is the only way to create a plan that takes your loved one's perspective into account and involves them in the decision-making process. It's essential to have a moving conversation before your or your loved ones decide on something, primarily if the relocation is because of health concerns. That gives all of you plenty of time to communicate your feelings, needs, and desires.
Plan ahead
As discussed above, initiating a discussion about relocating your senior loved ones is crucial to a successful move. Therefore, talk to your parents about the possibilities, what they want from a move, and the ideal timing. At the same time, don't make the relocation right away. Instead, give your parents time to adjust. Once you get them on board, planning the entire process will be much simpler. For instance, to ensure everything will be perfect once your loved ones move in, you could get a copy of the new home's blueprint. Your loved ones can make a more accurate floor plan with your assistance. You can measure all furniture in advance to determine what will fit where. In addition, make a list of everything they'll need by going into each room and inventorying what you find. After that, you ought to know better what to leave behind when relocating. And that takes us to the next step of our guide on how to help your senior loved ones relocate: downsizing.
Downsize before the relocation
Over time, older adults tend to collect a lot of possessions. The issue is that not all those things should end up in their new home. Most of the time, they just crowd the place and collect dust. Therefore, determine whether furniture or other items can be left behind. For instance, you can separate everything into piles. Make one stack of essential items, one with goods to donate or sell, and things that you need to throw away. After you have everything sorted out and organized, you can start packing everything. However, don't let yourself turn into an emotionless packing machine. As you aid your senior loved ones in organizing and packing their belongings, respect the sentimental value of personal items and allow them to reflect on the past. Keep in mind that you are relocating memories, not simply objects. Also, be receptive to your personal feelings, mainly if this was the home you grew up in.
Ask for help
You don't need to be alone when you help your senior loved ones relocate. Don't hesitate to ask
family members for support and distribute the workload even though you can take the initiative
in the process. Therefore, delegate one person to get moving supplies, for instance, while
another can find a storage facility. That way, you can help the family come together for a
significant life event while making the relocation easier.
At the same time, you can also get professional help, so start looking for a moving company that
can satisfy your needs. However, don’t overlook the things to check first when looking for
movers. For example, check if they have a license, if they offer insurance and if they have
positive reviews. Hiring reputable movers will not only make moving a lifetime's worth of
possessions easier, but it will also ensure that those possessions arrive at their new home
without incidents. Furthermore, reputable moving firms include packing and unpacking services
and loading and unloading the vehicle. So make sure to ask how much these services cost as
well.
Prepare the new home
Moving gives you a chance to redecorate and rearrange. Therefore, after you finish with the
relocation, display items that mimic their old home to ease the transition and help your loved
ones feel at home. Also, allow them to pick decor items and details that will bring them joy.
Furthermore, put up family photos as a visual reminder of their loved ones and dear memories.
On the other hand, ensure the home is prepared to accommodate your loved ones regarding
their safety. For instance, install night lights, safety rails, a walk-in tub, or a ramp outside the front door if needed. That way, you can ensure they will manage inside the home while you are
not around.
Final words
It doesn’t have to be challenging to help your senior loved ones relocate to a new home,
primarily if you use the abovementioned tips. In the end, having a bulletproof plan and a helping
hand is the best way to deal with relocation. And the best part is that you will do everything
together as a family.
