In 2018, the number of people 65 and older reached 52.4 million and is projected to hit 94.7 million by 2060, according to the Administration for Community Living. If you fit that age group and have plans to move, a senior moving service can help.
What's Included
Senior moves come with special considerations, such as downsizing or moving into a care facility. A specialized senior moving company personalizes the move to address those needs. Senior moving companies can pack your belongings, as packing is challenging with age and limited mobility. They can move items to a storage facility if you're downsizing.
Specialty movers often have senior move managers, or you can hire a separate service. A senior move manager handles:
Creating a move plan
Organizing belongings for downsizing
Coordinating with movers
Packing and unpacking
Assisting with arranging and settling into the new space
Benefits of Senior Moving Services
The primary benefit of using specialized senior moving services is reduced stress. These specialists understand the unique concerns of senior moves and can anticipate potential problems to avoid them. They can also coordinate the move with everyone involved.
Hire Moving Services
Hiring a professional moving service can cost around $1,250 for a local move and $4,890 for a long-distance job. Of course, your home size, move distance, and complexity, such as lots of stairs, can greatly affect the pricing. Make sure to get an in-person estimate for accurate pricing. Ask about senior discounts or current deals and credits. Verify that they're properly insured and have experience in senior moves. Check online reviews to uncover potential red flags and explore movers with senior services like Certified Master Movers in Alexandria offering new home setup, decluttering, and cleaning.
Consider Specialty Items
Ensure the movers can safely manage large and specialty items, such as pianos, pool tables, and expensive artwork. You can hire a separate moving company that specializes in those items, but it's easier if you can find one moving company that can handle everything.
Work With a Senior Move Manager
Choose a senior move manager you feel comfortable with and decide which services you need. You might not need help downsizing, but you might want help unpacking and settling into your new home, for example. Share your concerns with your senior move manager, so you get your needs met.
Prepare for the Move
In a TransAmerica Center study, 38% of retirees moved to a new home, with reducing expenses and downsizing being the top reasons. If you're moving to a smaller home, be realistic about your new living arrangements. Also, be realistic about what you can expect to get when you put your home on the market (look online to get an idea of what your home will sell for in your neighborhood). Getting rid of belongings can be difficult. Start the process early to have time to handle the emotional side.
Tips for Moving
The following tips help make your move easier:
Make a moving checklist. Add a timeline to ensure everything gets done.
Don't push your limits. Know your limits and get help when needed.
Communicate. Keep family members, your move manager, and others updated on the process.
Stay healthy. Stay on top of your health care needs before, during, and after the move.
Make Moving Easier
Using a specialized senior moving service can make logistics easier. And once you get settled into your new home, get in touch with North Shore Area Partners to connect with local volunteers and services that can make senior living a little easier.
About Hal Salazar
Elders.Today was created to lend a helping hand to seniors. Resources were carefully curated by site creator Hal Salazar. Hal is newly retired and as he embarked on planning and preparing for his golden years he realized there was a lot of information to keep up with so he started gathering it all to help out his fellow seniors.