Tips for Seniors Moving to a new home

Introduction

Moving is stressful for anyone, but it can be especially difficult if you're an older adult. Leaving a home you’ve lived in and possibly raised a family in for 30 plus years can be a difficult and emotional time. Whether you are making a lateral move or downsizing, the last thing you want is for your move to be a stressful one. So, if you're planning a move, here are some tips for making the process easier:

Start de-cluttering early.

When you start to get ready to move, it's tempting to think that you'll have time to deal with the mess later. Don't make this mistake! Start de-cluttering early in the process and don't wait until the last minute.

As much as you may love your stuff, if it doesn't fit into your new home or apartment, then it's just clutter and will only add stress during a stressful time. Don't be sentimental about items that are not essential for daily living. If you don't need them for their original purpose (like an old vacuum cleaner), consider donating them rather than taking up space in your new home or apartment with something that won't be used again.

Sort through items that are important to you.

Now that you've determined what items need to be moved, it's time to sort through your belongings and decide which ones are truly important.

If you're unsure of what should stay or go, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have a sentimental attachment to this object? Will I actually use it if I bring it with me?
• Will this item fit into my new home (and storage space)? Will it help me feel more at home in my new place?

Determine what will be thrown away, donated, or sold.

• Create a checklist. As you go through your belongings, make sure to note which items need to be thrown away or donated, and which ones can be sold. If you don’t want to keep your old furniture, it’s best not to put it off until later—you might forget about it and find yourself having to throw out everything when the movers come by!
• Don’t hold on to things that are no longer useful. If an item doesn't get used often or is just sitting around collecting dust, consider getting rid of it! This will help declutter your home and save space for new things in the future.
• Consider selling anything that could earn some extra cash. For example: clothing that's still in good condition but no longer fits; toys or games that have been outgrown...even those sports equipment may have some value!

Start packing early so you don't feel rushed.

Get started early. The sooner you start packing, the less likely it will be that any items are forgotten. Make sure to set aside time each day so that your packing can proceed at a steady pace (and don't forget to take breaks!). Packing in one big lump can be overwhelming, so break up the work into manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time. Staying organized is key, so keep all of your boxes labeled with their contents and make sure everything has its own place in the new home's closets or storage areas. While moving means saying goodbye to old friends and familiar surroundings, making a new home feel like home can help seniors adjust more easily when they arrive at their new address!

Mark boxes clearly with their contents and the room where they will go in the new house.

• Using a permanent marker, mark each box with an arrow and the room name or number on all sides of the box.
• Use different colours for different rooms so that you don't carry boxes back and forth between multiple rooms before putting them away!

Label which boxes are fragile and need extra care when unpacking at the new home.

• Mark which boxes are fragile and need extra care when unpacking at the new home.
• The easiest way to do this is with a marker and a box with a label that says "Fragile". If you don't have any of these, you can use masking tape (or any other type of colored tape) to write on your boxes "Fragile" or something similar that will be easy for you to see when moving into the new home. Don't use stickers or labels that can be easily removed or damaged.

If you are hiring a moving company for help, make sure they are reputable.

Make sure to check the reviews of any company that you are considering using. You can also ask them for references and even request a list of other clients they have worked with in the past.

When choosing a mover, ask if they have an insurance policy and what it covers. Also, check to see if they are licensed and bonded. Be sure to choose a company like Bird’s Moving because they understand that each move is a very personal experience. They are not just moving your belongings; they are moving your lives and memories. They are fortunate to have many employees with more than 30 years employment with their company. Their staff has training, knowledge, and experience to properly pack the contents of a home, safely move the belongings to their new location or into storage, if necessary.

Opt Out of Packing & Unpacking

If the idea of packing is just too stressful or labour intensive, hire a company like Bird’s Moving and they’ll do it all for you! Qualified, trained packers handle your contents with care and expertise, the best safeguard against breakage. Crews can provide a full pack and unpack service. Specialized crating is required for the safe protection of large, fragile breakables such as stained-glass windows, marble tabletops, and chandeliers. These items need the special care and attention that can only be provided by custom crating. Wooden crates are constructed by our crews to the exact specifications required to protect your delicate valuables.

Pack a bag for each person with essentials for moving day.

• Pack a bag for each person with essentials for moving day.
• Include clothes, toiletries, phone charger, and anything else you'll need to survive your first few nights at the new place.
• Make sure your car is full of gas before moving day—you don't want to run out when you're driving by yourself!

Take photographs of your new living space before unloading boxes and furniture to help determine where it all should go.

• Take photos of your new living space before unloading boxes and furniture to help determine where it all should go.
• After you’ve put everything away, take another photo of your room. This will be a useful reference point later, since it allows you to see what has changed over time and whether things are still in the same place as they were when you first moved in.

Moving is a stressful time for everyone, but the tips above can help make it easier on yourself and your loved ones. Take your time and enjoy the process!