Senior Move Manager Can Help Mom & Dad Downsize

Our parents have always been there for us to kiss a scratch or wipe away a tear. So now it’s our turn to give back and help them make their senior years as pleasant as possible. When the time comes that they no longer have the desire or energy to care for the family home, here are some helpful tips to make some hard decisions.

Whether you are 25 or 65, moving can be stressful. When you are a senior and leaving your home of many years, it can be a traumatic experience. Exchanging the family home where many fond memories were shared with family for smaller living quarters is labor intensive. Remember to be patient and a good listener.

1. Family can help decide on the best location.

The best place to begin is to research the lifestyle choices available in the community in which they wish to live. With family, decide what best fits their needs.

2. What will fit into the new home?

Start by asking “what are their favorite things” and then see how they fit into the floor plan. Having as much as possible of your existing decor moved to the new home will ease some of the loss of leaving the old home place. Furniture and belongings should then be labeled with their specific room location.

3. Work slowly when packing and organize by room.

 Prepare for the move by securing the proper amount of packing materials. Take one room at a time and be realistic about the new space. Label each box for the new room location.

4. What to do with what is left?

Many times children or relatives will want to take favorite furniture and accessories. They should have the first choice. After that, consider what can be sent to a consignment shop, sold online or donated to a favorite charity.

5. When to move?

They may be faced with whether to sell first and then move or move then put the home on the market. If there is no mortgage and the finances are such they can move first, this would be less stressful. Trying to prepare for a move and having to have the home available to show to potential buyers can be very disruptive

For any aging person, moving is a loss of familiarity and personal things – and it’s tough emotionally. One of the best ways to avoid much of the stress is to plan, plan, plan. If it is overwhelming, accept family help or hire a professional who offers a personal touch to the task ahead. Everyone will have a better night’s sleep.

Affordable Decorating & Staging offers a Senior Move Assistance service, which includes move preparation, getting settled, home closure and Home Staging® should the home go on the market. Services can include as much or as little as needed.

Becky Bywater is owner of Affordable Decorating and Staging.  She is an Accredited Staging Professional specializing in home staging.  Visit: www.affordabledecorating-staging.com, call 863-838-1079, or e-mail bbywater@tampabay.rr.com.