Your elderly parents may need a relocation service to be closer to their family and reduce their size as they age, or may feel it necessary to move to assisted living. Whatever the motivation behind the move, helping a parent move can often be a complicated process. From finding suitable movers to arreasing the finest points of the move, it can be difficult to know where to start,
But the detailed checklist below will make it easier for you.
Two months before the move
- Helping your parents through a lifetime of memories can be an extremely emotional time, so you’ll want to give them enough time to carefully sort everything out without having to rush and without any pressure. To simplify things, focus on one room and sort the goods into three separate stacks: the items your parents want to keep, the things they’re happy to sell and a separate stack for the goods they want to donate.
- Good organization is the key to a simple resettlement and it’s never too early to start looking for movers. Start your search by reading a few reviews online and narrow down a list of possible businesses.
- Gather packaging supplies. It’s tempting to leave this until the last minute, but it’s important to complete this task as soon as possible, otherwise you might discover that you don’t have proper packaging when the time comes. The most professional companies are happy to provide you with free boxes to help you with your move; they can also recommend and provide you with packaging materials. To better protect fragile goods, make sure you have enough towels and linen to wrap them.
- Take the time to collect all your essential documents and file them. Collect your medical records, insurance papers and financial papers, etc. and keep them in a safe place. A safe or portable safe is a good option for storing these types of documents.
One month before the move
- You should now have a shortlist of moving companies. Start getting quotes and ask for a breakdown of everything covered by the quote. Don’t leave this important aspect at the last minute; Make sure you get the quotes at least one month before the planned move.
- It’s also a good time to start packing items that you know you won’t be using in the near future. Seasonal clothes, books, DVDs, CDs, etc. can all be stored at this point, so there won’t be too much to do with regard to the day of the move.
For unwanted goods, organize a garage sale, donate items or dispose of them if they are no longer of any use.
Two weeks before the move
- Obtain and complete a United States Postal Service change of address form.
- Update the details of your magazine/newspaper subscriptions or cancel them if they are no longer needed.
Contact your utility companies so they can arrange a disconnection/transfer/new connection of your electricity, gas, water, etc.
One week before the move
- Confirm the details with the movers to make sure there are no changes in the plans.
- Make sure you have a box of essentials containing enough items for the next 24 to 48 hours. Include things like changing clothes, medication, money, etc.
If you are taking prescription drugs, make sure you have enough and give your contact information to the new pharmacy if necessary. It is also important to have a safe place to store medication.
Moving Day
- Prepare your payment for movers
- If your parents feel they may feel too much stress from moving, take them to a friend or relative so you can manage the relocation for them.
- Create a checklist and if you move into a rented unit, check the list with your new owner.
- Once at your parents’ new location, take the essentials with them to make them feel comfortable. You may want to consider unpacking some of their favorite belongings to make the move easier. Everything else can be arranged at a later date, or ask your team of movers to do this part for you. Most of the highest rated moving companies will organize a detailed plan and place your items exactly where you want to make relocation as stress-free as possible.
Settle down
The final step will be to help your parents settle down. Once they feel happy in their new environment, you may like to take them for a ride in the new area so they can get to know them better. It would also be a good time to show your parents where important services such as doctors, pharmacists, etc. are located. You can also show them the nearest grocery stores/shopping areas/attractions, and if your parent likes to socialize, maybe suggest appropriate clubs or places that he could enjoy.