Avoid those
"Senior Moments"
Moving Tips for
America's Mature Population
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| More
than 12 percent of the American population is over the age of 65 and an
estimated 1.5 million of these Americans will move into new residences
this year. Whether you are moving to a retirement community or assisted
living facility, or down-sizing to a space that is more appropriate for
your new lifestyle, moving can be stressful and emotionally draining.
The following suggestions can help you execute a smooth move: |
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Take inventory
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| As
soon as you decided to move (even before you put your house on the
market), begin taking inventory of everything in your home. Start with
the most remote corner of the basement and work your way through the
entire house until you reach the peak of the attic. |
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Will it fit?
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| Most
likely you will need to scale down the number of belongings you take to
your new home. Compare the size of your new space with your old space.
Will all of the belongings you plan to take fit? Visualize where your
current possessions will go and then decide what to do with those
pieces that probably will not fit. |
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Rid yourself of
possessions you don't need
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| Inevitably,
you have gathered quite a few belongings over the years. Do you still
need it all? Family or friends may want to keep some sentimental
pieces, but after they have looked through the items, decide whether to
throw away, sell or give to charity the things you are not taking with
you. This will not only prepare you for moving but will also clear
clutter and make your home “show” better to
prospective buyers. |
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Keep emotions
in check
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| The
emotional impact of changing one's lifestyle, parting with objects from
the past and going through a house full of belongings -- and memories
-- is hard work, both mentally and physically. Make sure there is
enough time allotted to review possessions and to adjust to the idea of
moving. Realistic decisions also need to be made regarding how much
packing and moving should be done without the help of a professional. |
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Don't break
your back
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| The
physical demands of packing and self-moving may be too strenuous to
undertake. Moving furniture is difficult and most people underestimate
the toll it takes on your muscles and joints. Whoever packs the
belongings assumes liability for any breakage that may occur, so
letting a professional do the packing can help ensure minimal damage
–
to you and your belongings. It also gives you time and energy to focus
on other important matters. |
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What will the
future hold?
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| Your
planned lifestyle will also influence what and how much you take. For
instance, if you expect to travel frequently, you may want fewer
possessions than if you plan to spend more time at home. |
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Decision-making:
round two
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| After
deciding what you “absolutely must keep,” give
yourself a one-week
break and go back through your possessions with a more critical eye.
Once you get used to the idea of parting with certain belongings, it
may be easier to make a final decision the second time around. |
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Follow a
pre-planned timetable
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| It
is a good idea to follow a step-by-step timetable for packing and
moving. Your moving representative can give you a detailed calendar to
follow, as well as tips of things to remember such as transferring
prescriptions to a drugstore in your new community. |
