Moving your senior parents – What to know and how to choose the best moving service for seniors

Making a decision to relocate a senior parent isn’t typically an easy or simple one to make. Beyond the logistics of handling any move, there’s often an added layer of consideration and support necessary in the process when moving older loved ones.

Elderly parents and family members may have a hard time moving away from familiar spaces and a home that is full of memories. Having honest conversations about the needs of your aging parent with family, considering options of where they might relocate that can meet their needs, and arranging relocation details — all while involving your senior parent — are key steps in planning a move that is sensitive to the needs of all involved.

Discussing needs of your parents with family

Often, when there is a discussion of whether a senior parent may need to move, it has do to with their ability to manage their own health and safety or that of their environment. If it’s challenging for an elderly parent to take care of themselves or where they live, it may be time to talk about getting them assistance or helping them move to a location where they can get the care and help they need day-to-day. However, if this is the situation you find yourself in, it’s key to help them feel in charge of the process and give them time to acclimate to the idea of change. A perceived loss of control could contribute to distress for your parent. Further, moving away from what’s familiar and many memories can be quite sad for some. Others may feel reluctant to make such a big change.

When considering the day-to-day care of your parent, seriously evaluating their need and your ability to be a part of that regularly is necessary. This will help you determine the best type of support needed. You may be that source of support, such as taking on the role of primary caretaker or having your parent relocate to your home. Alternatively, it could mean helping them move to an assisted living facility or a nursing home that can provide the type of support that may be necessary for their daily care. Be realistic about what kind of changes this relocation will have for your parent, for you, and other family members.

No matter where you’re relocating your parent, you may also need to get on the same page with family members about all aspects related to a relocation from financial issues to medical care with other family members — it’s wise to not make assumptions about how much they know or agree with any options. Once you and any family members involved have researched the options and are in agreement, it’s time to have another conversation with your parent. This will likely involve a direct and supportive conversation about the benefits of moving. Again, taking time to listen and consider their feelings is key in this process.

Relocation Plans and Logistics

Packing, Cleaning, and Sorting

Once the decision has been made to relocate your parent, it’ll be time to consider what they will be taking with them and what that process may be like:

• Depending on their new place (especially if they’ll have less space), you may want to encourage them to downsize their belongings. Consider involving other family members for help in what might be a big task in packing and moving.
• As you help them sort and pack, keep in mind that their belongings may hold sentimental value. It’s key to slow down, and don’t just pack them up to get it done. Spend a little time to acknowledge the memories as they come up. It’s also good not to tell them what to keep and what to get rid of; let them make choices for themselves. Help them consider what will be kept, stored, donated, or tossed.
• For a parent who is experiencing memory loss, ensure that you keep items that are memorable for them to have in their new home.
• Once you have all the items packed up, it’s time to clean up their current location.

Moving your Parents and their Belongings

First things first, you’ll want to make sure to research your moving options and review your budget.

• If you opt for professional and full-service movers, be on the lookout for ones that are licensed and insured. A professional moving company may be a big help in moving elderly parents, because they can do it all: packing, unpacking, storage, loading and unloading the truck, providing supplies, and moving your parent’s belongings to where they’re going.
• For those who choose to do-it-themselves or opt for cheap movers, it is possible these can be the lower cost options when it comes to the final bill. However, it’s worth considering if they will meet the needs for your move. Costs can sometimes add up, and do so unexpectedly, making it more expensive than you thought. Further, older people may not be able to handle a long road-trip in the cab of a rented truck if the travel is quite a distance.

As you make and take action on plans, it’s good to keep your parent in the conversation about the moving process and relocation activities. They may get emotional, and it’s a good time to talk through their concerns and help them feel more comfortable with the process.

If your parent will be arriving at their new home in another fashion, such as an airplane flight that’s shorter in duration than a drive, it’s ideal to make sure someone familiar will be there to meet them when they arrive. That way they can have some assistance getting to their new home with someone they know. After the move has taken place, make plans to visit them at the new home often(if it’s not your own); it will help them feel more comfortable and may help them feel more social.

Getting Moving Help for your Senior Parent(s) Move

It’s no secret that moving is a complex task in the best of circumstances. With the added layers of making sure your elderly loved one has what they need and is supported through a big change to a new home, it’s a wise decision to get help where you can. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage is well prepared to meet the needs of moving your parent’s belongings safely and reliably. With full-service options, such as our Platinum Packing Experience, we can make this transition an easier one for you and your parent — so you can all spend more time with those you love.