Relocating can be stressful for anyone, but a move can be especially difficult for an older adult. Whether you yourself are a senior citizen who is moving, or someone who is helping an older family member or friend move to a new home, there are ways to make the process go more smoothly.

Plan

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead when moving, but advance planning is especially important for a senior citizen who is moving.

Allow plenty of time to go through belongings and pack. Older people can take longer than younger people to get things done. Add to that all the emotions involved in moving. Starting early and working at a slower place can ease the stress. Timelines and checklists can help you stay organized and on task.

Downsize

If the move is from a big home to an apartment or an adult residence, there is no question that it will be necessary to downsize. There is often much to sort through and get rid of. You need to consider the amount of belongings that are in the home, and the size of the new home. Chances are, a LOT of things will not be able to make the move, because they simply won‘t fit into the new place.

It’s not easy to go through a life‘s worth of belongings which undoubtedly contain so many memories. Take your time deciding what will be moved and what can be tossed, sold, donated, or given to family members or friends.

Remember

Taking time for reminiscing is important. Photograph things that won’t be making the move but are worth remembering. Take pictures of the house both inside and outside. You can put them in an album.

Also, take photos of the different rooms in the house, so it’s possible to recreate the rooms in the new home. Putting furniture and photos in a similar arrangement will make the new home more familiar.

Prepare

It’s certainly a good idea to see the new place before moving - many times if possible. That will take away some of the newness and strangeness when moving.

Sketch the layout of the rooms, and figure out where the furniture will go. Measure the furniture and the rooms, to make sure it will fit. That way on moving day, you already will know where the furniture will be put.

Involve

What does that mean?

For the senior citizen it means involve family members. Let them help you as much as they can. They can help you go through your belongings and listen to your stories. They can assist you with the logistics of moving, such as changing your address at the post office, arranging to disconnect utilities and connect them in your new place They can be there on moving day, and accompany you to your new home. They can help you unpack.

Involve professionals if you choose. Hiring a professional mover will take a large burden off of you. There are also professionals who specialize in moving senior citizens. They can help you and your family coordinate the move and deal with the many feelings that go with it.

For the family it means be supportive and help your older adult as much as they want, and as much as your schedule allows. But involve the senior. Allow them to make decisions. Which furniture do they absolutely want to bring with them? What color would they like to paint their new bedroom? You may be trying to be helpful, but don‘t take over.

For a senior citizen, there can be a lot of emotions involved in moving. It’s important to be patient and respectful. Give them time to get sentimental. Let them grieve if they need to. They are leaving a lot behind.

Settle In

Get comfortable in the new place as quickly as possible. Unpack and get rid of some boxes so there is room to walk around. Hang up some favorite pictures so it looks and feels like home.

Get back to some familiar routines. Find out where the exercise class, book club, card game, or whatever their/your hobby is so it can be joined immediately. Find your favorite television and radio stations if you’ve moved to a place where their spot has changed.

Finally, have family and friends visit in the new place, because after all, that’s what makes it a home.