Introduction to Senior Moving
Suppose you're caring for an older adult family member and are concerned about their safety during a move. In that case, it's essential to find the right movers and packers. Packing up an entire home to move into a senior living community can be especially challenging, as it involves many emotions, as well as years of collecting belongings, including more delicate and nostalgic items that require careful handling. That's why we've put together this guide - to help you prepare for and identify the right person or company who can assist your elderly family member with packing up their home before they move. We'll provide professional tips, advice, and best practices on what factors need to be taken into account when preparing to move your elderly loved one.
Will Movers Pack My Senior Parent's Home?
Yes! Many moving companies offer this service. Some have movers who assist with packing, while others have dedicated packing crews. Working with a professional team of packers can help reduce stress and provide additional security for items during the move, as well as decrease the likelihood of damage to belongings. To find out what kind of packing services your movers offer, inquire with them early in the process and read their customer reviews to ensure that they consistently place customers' needs first. With the right team, you can feel confident that your senior's beloved items are handled carefully and professionally so that you are free to focus on helping your senior loved one adjust to this new stage in life.
How Do I Find Moving Companies Who Specialize in Packing for Seniors?
Finding reputable movers who specialize in senior moving services can sometimes be tricky. Begin by researching local moving companies with excellent reviews. Speak to a representative of the company and ask specifically if they have experience and/or training working with seniors. When speaking to them, be sure to evaluate the company you are considering hiring for their customer service policies, such as cancellation guarantees or availability for last-minute changes. You can also ask the senior living facility where your loved one is moving for a list of vendors they trust. Many facilities have established relationships with businesses that consistently provide excellent service for their residents. Taking these extra steps can make all the difference for you and your senior family member's peace of mind.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Packing Services
You have a lot on your plate when helping an elderly family member move. Packing is one of the more labor-intensive tasks; this is where a professional packing service can make things a lot simpler. Professional packers come equipped with the necessary supplies and expertise to prepare your loved one's items for safe transport. Doing so means less strain on them so they can focus on settling into their new home. Many packers will take pictures and will set up your loved one's living space to be more familiar from the start. Simply put, hiring a professional packing service is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth, stress-free relocation experience.
What to Look Out For When Hiring a Home Packing Service
It's essential to ensure that you hire a company that's reliable and considerate of your family member's needs. Before you select a senior moving service, carefully read online reviews to determine their reputation and check their references. You should also verify that they are fully insured. In most cases, seniors have extra fragile items they hold dear, and these items require extra care. You don't want to find out after the fact that something happened to these items, and the company was not insured. Once you have narrowed down your choices, turn your attention to the details of the job, such as what packing supplies they plan to use and how many people they will assign to the job. Knowing exactly what to expect will give you and your elderly loved one peace of mind.
What Are Some Resources Available to Seniors Who Need Help with Packing?
Fortunately, there are many resources available that can assist your elderly family member needing help with packing for a move. Since your senior parent is most likely downsizing and purging items, many local donation services will pick up boxes of items you want to get rid of.
Senior Living Community Resources
Senior living communities often have resources and partnerships with moving companies that specialize in senior moves, providing valuable recommendations for families navigating the process. Many assisted living facilities have guidelines for moving in, so be sure to check with facility managers for more info.
Other Professional Resources for Senior Moving
In addition to the resources available at the assisted living facility, there are many other resources available specifically for senior moving, including the following:
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211 Helpline- A free service that provides resources from local non-profit organizations offering moving help and other support.
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Local Aging and Disability Resource Centers- Can help seniors and their families find both financial help and transportation for moving services.
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Veteran Assistance Commissions- Provides resources specifically for veterans needing moving services. If your loved one is a veteran, you may be able to start here.
What Do I Need to Do Before Moving Day?
A lot, so lean on as many resources as possible. Transitions are never easy, especially when downsizing to a smaller home. The moving process requires much planning upfront for logistics, packing, and unpacking.
Pre-Move Planning
For anyone planning to move, especially seniors, it's essential to ensure that everything is in order well in advance of the big moving day. Get an early start on preparation to avoid any last-minute stress! Arrange your movers and determine whether you'll be using professional packing services or doing it yourself. Finally, declutter and discard any unnecessary belongings that don't need to be moved. This could be a good time to help your elderly family member take inventory of items they want to keep, give away, or toss.
Packing Tips
Whether you pack on your own or use a professional service, create a system for labeling each box accurately to make unpacking and storing easier. Also, double-check that all fragile and delicate items are properly wrapped and cushioned for transport.
Ensure that any specialty items, such as medications and essentials, are packed and stored separately for move day. Doing so will ensure that familiar and necessary belongings are easily found and unpacked first at the new home.
Also, be sure to inspect the new place and test any appliances, etc., before moving in. You don't want to wait until they are already moved in to discover something doesn't work!
How Can I Best Support My Elderly Parents During the Move?
Moving can feel overwhelming at any stage of life, but especially for seniors. As a family member helping your elderly parent, taking the time to understand their needs and preferences is paramount. They need to feel as though they still have some control over their lives. Find out what is important to them to feel comfortable in their new home. Also, be sure to discuss moving timelines, as this will eliminate any surprises. Help them sort and organize their belongings so that they know where their items are and can access what they need before bringing in professional packers. On a moving day, it's also a good idea to help them identify and unpack any boxes marked "important" containing necessary items that should be unpacked first, such as medications and toiletries. We spoke to Alex Capozzolo of SD House Guys, a real estate company that helps families sell their houses. Alex mentioned, "Moving is no small thing, especially when a home has been in a family for decades. Working with moving companies is essential to make sure everything else goes smoothly. We've had to push back our closing date when we were preparing to buy a house because not all items were gotten out in time. One way to avoid this is coordinating with your movers from the start and getting ahead of your move day."
Final Thoughts and Tips for Loved Ones
In conclusion, while it may feel like an intimidating and overwhelming task, it doesn't have to be. A combination of the right resources, plenty of prior planning, and a supportive team of professionals can all help make the process smoother and less stressful. With the help of professional packers who specialize in seniors' needs, your elderly family member can rest assured knowing that their home is being expertly packed and shipped safely. Doing your research first will go a long way towards finding the right movers for you, as well as providing peace of mind on moving day. Remaining organized throughout the entire process is essential. Above all else, though, don't forget to show your support by lending an ear or helping wherever possible – this will make all the difference during such a taxing transition. With proper planning and assistance, you can ensure that relocating your elderly family member is a smooth journey.