Hiring the Right Moving Services for a Low-Stress Relocation

No matter what stage you are at in your life’s journey, there’s no avoiding the reality that moving from one home tothe next can be tiring, stressful, and take a lot of time. For seniors, relocation involves all that and more, since switching homes as an older adult can sometimes be more difficult, even potentially traumatizing. On top of the mental stress, there’s also the physical risk of injury that can attend a move. That’s why it can make a huge difference for seniors to work with individuals and service providers that focus on assisting older adults throughout the moving process. Read on for some guidelines about how to find great moving services and keep your relocation as low-stress as possible.

How to keep house hunting from getting too stressful?

'Before it’s even time to start packing your belongings, the first potentially overwhelming step in your relocation process is the task of finding a new home. Maybe you are moving because your house is too big, or too expensive. Or perhaps it simply does not suit your present needs. Or you may be moving to be closer to friends and family. Even if your reason for relocating is generally positive, changing your residence, especially if you have been in it for years, can be upsetting. So, try to minimize home-hunting stress by working with a great realtor who understands your needs and can assist you in finding the perfect new home.

Paying for your move

Moving can be expensive, unfortunately. Even if you are downsizing, there are a lot of costs involved. Be sure to budget generously for moving expenses, including the cost of the realtor, extra taxes and closing costs, the cost of hiring movers, and so forth. And then of course there’s the biggest expense of all: purchasing a new home. You may want to consider applying for a conventional mortgage when eyeing different possibilities for financing your purchase, and looking at home loan interest rates. With this kind of loan, you may be able to avoid mortgage insurance. Additionally, you will have a choice of either an adjustable-rate or a fixed-rate loan.

Try to find a senior move manager

Who is a senior move manager? Basically,they are an expert mover who will work as your assistant and professional organizer for every stage of your move. Sometimes called a “relocation specialist,” your senior move manager will be there for you to help you with downsizing, to guide you through auctions and estate sales, to arrange shipping, to take care of storage, and to contract with moving services that are geared toward helping seniors. They will also create a floor plan for your new home, so you have a clear idea of how much downsizing is necessary. On moving day, your senior move manager will supervise the movers and work with them making sure all your belongings arrive safely in your new home. And perhaps most importantly: a senior move manager will give you the emotional and psychological support to get you through this disruptive experience as peacefully as possible.

How are senior moving services different from other moving services?

It’s important to work with movers who have experience helping seniors pack and relocate. They should understand that it may not be physically safe for you to be moving up and down stairs or carrying heavy equipment. They should understand that the process may be overwhelming with you and be respectful of your needs. And they should be comfortable liaising with your move manager if you are working with one, so they aren’t having to contact you with every question or concern they may have.

Tips for a safe, calm, and easy move

Whether you work with a move manager or organize your move yourself, and however you end up financing the process, it’s always important to protect your own physical and mental well-being.

- Avoid injury during your move by being extra cautious when lifting or moving boxes, and not lifting anything too heavy. Avoid moving boxes up or downstairs – have someone else do that for you.

- Always leave a clear pathway whether you are walking through your house with boxes or not. Keep your stress levels low by starting to plan your move months in advance, and writing up a detailed checklist.

- Get enough sleep, and enough food and hydration. And remember – it’s always okay to ask for help, especially if you feel you may be at risk for relocation stress syndrome.

- Though probably there’s no way to avoid some stress, hopefully having the right people to help you, and having plenty of time to plan, will make a difference.

If you are relying on several different service providers, including medical professionals and family members, Thriving.ai can help integrate those services so everything runs as smoothly as possible.

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Written by: June Duncan