A Checklist for Moving with Elderly Parents

Moving is never easy, but it can be tougher when you’re moving with elderly parents. The stress of packing up your life and theirs, preparing for the move, and settling into a new home can be overwhelming. Aging can cause physical and mental changes that require extra care during a move, making it all the more critical to plan.

Moving into a new place with elderly parents can be exciting and nerve-wracking. On the one hand, it’s thrilling to move into a new environment, spiced up by the added energy of having your elderly parents around too. While on the other hand, various challenges come with having elderly parents as your housemate. You need to make sure your space is safe for them. Family members must visit them frequently and your need to give more time due to extra errands or responsibilities.

Moving with elderly parents is not something impossible. The right strategy with proper planning can make the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

Before Moving Plans That You Need to Follow

We truly understand that moving with elderly parents can be daunting and stressful. Being well-prepared can help make the transition as smooth and successful as possible. Here is a checklist of things to consider before moving:

1. Find a Place that fits their needs

Moving can be a stressful experience if you haven’t taken the time to plan out the details beforehand. To ensure you’re prepared to find a place must be at the top of your list. It’s essential to take some time and research before choosing a place. Visit potential residences, investigate rents, see if any amenities are included or nearby, and scout out living conditions. [1]

Moreover, don’t forget to look into what type of lease and security deposits the landlord requires before signing the dotted line. Don’t look for a house with more stairs as your elder parents might find climbing up and down challenging daily.

With careful consideration and thoroughness, finding a suitable residence that fits your needs will provide a much smoother transition when packing up those boxes to move.

2. Maintain Realistic Expectations

Before you begin your move, it is essential to take some time to come up with realistic goals that you hope to achieve throughout the moving process.

As the saying goes, ‘hope for the best, plan for the worst ‘, when shifting an elderly parent into a new environment; anticipating potential issues and applying creative solutions can turn what would otherwise be a stressful experience into a smooth transition.

Planning will help keep everyone informed and organized as you work towards achieving your goals as an individual mover and as a family unit.

3. Set Up Utilities

Once you have the keys to your new home, establishing the necessary utilities should be top of the list. Depending on where you’re moving, the process for setting up essential utilities (e.g., electricity, gas, water) could vary.

If you are moving with elderly relatives, getting set up quickly is especially important; they may not be able to cope without access to basic amenities, including refrigeration and air conditioning.

To make life easier, take advantage of online services that can help you compare prices and sign a contract before moving, making things much smoother when you get there.

A Checklist for Moving with Elderly Parents

No one wants to be caught off guard or overwhelmed during a move. Having the right plan in place can help ensure that you’re well-prepared, and it will make sure your elderly parents are comfortable during the transition.

Here is a checklist of things you need to focus on while moving with elderly parents:

1. Taking Care Of Your Parents And Yourself

Stress is all about being overwhelmed and not having the right plan. Therefore, it’s essential to take extra time and attention to look after your parents emotionally and physically during a move.

Make sure to book doctor’s appointments for any checkups or vaccinations, buy first-aid kits for medical emergencies and create a safe environment with no trip hazards or loose cords. [2]

2. Organizing and Packing

Create an organized plan for your move, with milestones and deadlines so that you can stay on top. Make sure to assign tasks you can handle and delegate tasks that may be too difficult or time-consuming.

When it comes to packing, create a list of what needs to go where and how it should be packed; this will help make the process smoother and less stressful. Pack light to not put too much strain on your parents, and use durable boxes for added protection.

Label the box with its contents and color code it for easy identification. You can also assist the elderly parents in packing the essential items first.

3. Hire A Professional Moving Service

Hiring a professional moving service will help alleviate some of the stress associated with moving. Ensure you research and get references. Consider their insurance policies for any damages during transit.

Some all moving services are not offering elderly moving services, so make sure to ask. There are many beneficial reasons to hire them, such as extra hands to help with lifting, proper packing materials, and better organization skills.

4. Check Your Transport

Moving with elderly parents often requires special transportation. Check your transport before heading out and ensure you have the proper vehicle for transporting your belongings.

Choose a larger unit with comfortable seats and extra safety measures if possible. This will help make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Or you can comfortably make the move with elderly parents in your own vehicle.

5. Pack Food and Water

When packing for the move, include some food and water for your elderly parents. You don’t want them to get hungry or thirsty during the moving process, so pack enough essentials to sustain them in an emergency.

Pack sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and drinks so they can remain energized during the move. Moving day is tiring, so you want to ensure they’re well-nourished.

FAQs

1. Is it good to move with elderly parents?

Moving with elderly parents can be a great way to show them love and support while providing them with the care they need. It can also make your life easier, as you won’t have to worry about making multiple trips back and forth between homes to check in on them or provide help. [3]

2. What if the move is long distance?

If the move is long-distance, it’s essential to take steps to ensure that your parents have a comfortable journey. Be sure to discuss their needs with them beforehand so you can plan accordingly: what kind of vehicle will they travel in, are there any special items they need or want to bring along, and so on.

3. What should I consider when packing?

Ensure your parents have the essentials, medicines, medications, and other vital documents. Be sure to include some comfort items, such as their favorite blanket or pillow.  Additionally, be aware of any dietary restrictions they may have so that you can bring meals and snacks that meet those requirements.

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