Moving can be a stressful event for anyone, but for senior citizens, it can come with its own set of challenges. Seniors often struggle with mobility issues, and on top of that have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. Each move has three major stages: the packing, the actual move, and the unpacking. Here are some tips to make each stage more manageable. The packing Every senior should take a move as an opportunity to downsize. Not only does it cost more to move more items, but part of what makes living independently a challenge for seniors is the sheer amount of upkeep they’re responsible for. One tip is to make a log of your most important items. Before you even begin to pack, write down what you have in your home that you can’t live without. This will be an accurate list of your prized and necessary possessions, as you’re scribbling it blind (without seeing the item first and experiencing that bias). Once you’ve begun to pack, think about things in terms of “what would I save in a fire.” It may sound morbid, but it works. “Take time to clarify which possessions are really important to you, not just what you like or are used to having around. Sometimes it helps to ask yourself the question, ‘If I had only 5 minutes before disaster hit my home, what would I grab to preserve?’ This process will help identify items you want to make sure to move with you,” notes TheSeniorList.com. Unless you have severe mobility issues, you should be able to do the packing yourself if you’re smart about it. Start packing far in advance of your actual move date, so that you can go slowly. Packing a box here or there and stash it in a corner. If you do a little every day you’ll be ready to move before you know it. The actual move Moving heavy boxes and furniture takes a lot of strength, stamina, and time. It may not be smart to try to tackle it yourself. Don’t be stubborn - seek out help. If you have family in the area, ask them to help. They can take time out of their busy schedules - don’t think you’re burdening them. Grandkids can be great for moves as they are energetic and eager, and can help with all of the smaller boxes and knick-knacks you need to have moved. Even with the help of family, you may want to consider hiring movers for your larger stuff. Movers usually charge by the hour/truckload so the more little stuff you can move yourself (and with the help of friends and family), the cheaper the expense will be. Shop around and compare rates. When searching for a good moving company, make sure they are licensed. You don’t want two random guys in a truck handling your valuables. “Verify that the company is insured on the same website you use to check their license number. Never use a moving company without a license number or insurance. Think underage unlicensed teenage driver at the wheel of a semi-truck. Not a good idea, right?” says The Huffington Post. Also be wary of any company that wants you to sign a contract without first setting a definite price. Red flag alert! The unpacking You should always label your moving boxes so that you’ll know which of them to tackle first when you get to your new home. If nothing else, make sure you label which box contains any vital medicine or medical equipment. You don’t want to be digging through boxes when you really need that. Unpack your essentials first - your bedding, bathroom supplies, and electronics. Everything else can wait. If you think you might struggle in a new environment at first, try to make sure you unpack some items that comfort you - family photos, blankets, books, etc. - before you do anything else. Contributed by Jim Vogel of Elder Action. Learn more at ElderAction.org. SetSchedule has changed the way real estate marketing is viewed, by changing the way REALTORS® access clients and listing appointments. SetSchedule is a “first of its’ kind” exclusive membership based model that provides verified appointments, marketing tools, and elite invite-only networking events for its members. By blending new technologies, and thought processes with proven success methods, SetSchedule had incurred record producing results unseen in the industry.
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