Organizing a move can be pretty tricky and stressful. But if you try organizing a senior move, that stress would, unfortunately, only multiply. No need to fret, though! Whether you’re transferring elderly parents so they can enjoy their golden years in a more beautiful place, or you’re a senior yourself, downsizing your house and moving closer to family and friends, there are several steps you can take to make your Florida relocation manageable. If you’re wondering what those steps are, scroll down to find seven simple moving tips for Florida seniors.
Organize a smooth moving process with our tips for Florida seniors
After your experienced Florida real estate agent helps you find a perfect property, it’s time to start planning your relocation. Regardless of your age, this can be a truly daunting task, especially from the emotional side. You’ve spent a good portion of your life in your home, and leaving can’t be easy no matter how much you look forward to it.
That’s why we figured we’d put together a concise list of tips to help you go through your relocation easily, safely, and as stress-free as possible. In a nutshell, on top of some basics regarding packing and unpacking, you’ll learn about the power of checklists and how to deal with the emotional roller-coaster such a change will bring about.
#1 Make a moving checklist
The golden rule of planning a relocation is to start organizing it as soon as you know your moving date. One of the best ways to stay organized is to create a moving checklist. It will give you a complete perspective of what you need to get done and how much time you have to complete it.
Here’s an example of what a moving checklist should look like in the ballpark:
- Two months prior to the move – get moving quotes, book movers, and start decluttering.
- A month prior to the move – make an inventory, reconfirm your moving appointment, and start packing.
- One week prior to the move – pack your prescribed medication, get rid of anything you decided not to keep, and update your address, so you don’t lose any mail.
- Moving day – get a walkthrough of the home, ensure you’re leaving it in good condition, and hit the road!
#2 Visit your new home
If you have the opportunity, pay a visit to your new property. If possible, several times. This way, everyone can get a sense of what it’s like to live in the new neighborhood and home.
It’s also crucial to inspect the new home for necessary living accommodations and amenities, such as a universal design for mobility or baths with handlebars. On the other hand, if you’re still looking for that perfect home, make sure to start searching even today!
#3 Communication is the key
Whether you’re moving with the help of your family or you’re the one helping your elderly parents, it’s critical to keep everyone informed about what’s going on throughout the process. Consistent communication is essential for reducing stress during the moving process.
#4 Choose reputable movers
Hiring the right movers is essential, especially if you’re moving long-distance. You’ll need all the help from the experts you can get in order for everything to go smoothly.
One of the most significant moving mistakes is hiring the first moving company you come across online. Instead, it would be best to get quotes from several movers and choose the most suitable offer for you. Finally, keep in mind that moving scams are pretty common, and seniors, unfortunately, make a good target. This makes doing thorough research before hiring anyone that much more important. Plus, the payoff will be worthwhile. Basically, you need to make sure to verify their credentials, read reviews and complaints on their website, be wary of large deposit sums and extra fees, etc.
#5 It’s completely okay to be emotional
Feeling a bit of grief is more than understandable in these situations. After all, you’re leaving a place filled with so many beautiful memories, especially if that is the place you raise your family. And that cannot be easy. If you feel sad, the best thing you can do is allow yourself some emotional closure instead of burying your feelings. You can even think about writing a letter to the new owners.
To say goodbye to your current home, you can consider throwing a going-away party. It’s a great way to enjoy a house full of family, neighbors, and friends one last time before you move. Also, make sure to take a lot of photos of your home. They’ll help you revisit some great memories.
#6 Prepare for the packing-unpacking adventure
Even though it seems simple, packing and unpacking are probably the most difficult tasks during your entire relocation. However, if you have a packing plan, everything can be much simpler.
First, you’ll need to determine what packing supplies you’ll need and ensure you get them on time. The good idea is to make an inventory as it will make both packing and unpacking easier. And, of course, make sure to label the boxes correctly by room and category. Also, don’t forget to pack a box of essentials. After a long trip, the last thing you want to do is go through tons of boxes looking for sheets or your toiletries.
#7 Settle in and toast to your new home
Now that all of your possessions have arrived in your new Florida home, it’s time to settle in and start unpacking. Make sure you follow your unpacking plan and double-check that all your inventory goods are there. The good idea is to unpack room by room. It’s a strategy that always makes unpacking more efficient.
Take a walk around the area with your family. It will help to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings and perhaps even meet some of your new neighbors. You can even consider hosting an event for family and friends. It’s a terrific opportunity to get to know your neighbors while still spending time with your loved ones.
Did you find our moving tips for Florida seniors helpful?
We hope our moving tips for Florida seniors helped you or your beloved parent or grandparent have a smooth and stress-free relocation process. If you’re still looking for a perfect place to spend your golden years, reach out to an experienced real estate team. They’ll do their best to find a property that perfectly fits your needs and wants. Best of luck with your move!