When it comes to moving elderly parents, there are many things to consider. You want to ensure that they’re comfortable and safe while ensuring their move goes as smoothly as possible. With that in mind, here is a checklist of things to do when moving your elderly parents:
Make Sure Their Living Space Is Ready to Go
You’ll first need to make sure their new living space is ready to go. This means ensuring that all the necessary furniture and appliances are in place and any other items they may need. If possible, try to set up their new living space before they arrive so that it’s one less thing for them to worry about.
You’ll also want to ensure their new living space is safe. This means checking for potential hazards and making necessary repairs or changes. For example, you may need to install grab bars in the bathroom or stair rails if they move to a home with stairs.
Pack Up Their Belongings
Once you’ve ensured their new living space is ready, you’ll need to start packing up their belongings. This can be a daunting task, but it’s important to take your time and pack carefully. Here are a few tips to help make the process easier:
- Sort through their belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. This will help make packing and unpacking easier.
- Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. This will help prevent the boxes from becoming too heavy to lift.
- Label all the boxes with their contents and the room they belong in. This will help you and your parents keep track of everything and make unpacking easier.
- Make sure to pack an essentials box with items they’ll need right away, such as toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes.
Handle Their Paperwork
A lot of paperwork comes with moving, and it can be overwhelming. You’ll want to handle as much of the paperwork as possible to make things easier. This includes tasks like changing their address, transferring their utilities, and canceling any subscriptions or memberships they may have.
You should also start collecting important documents like their birth certificate, social security card, and health insurance information. These will be needed when you set up their new home. Don’t forget to pack these documents in the essentials box!
Hire Transport Services
If your parents are unable to move their belongings themselves, you’ll need to hire transport services. This can include a moving company, storage unit, or even a rental truck. Make sure to get quotes from several companies and compare their services to find the best option for your parents.
You should also hire open auto transport services if your parents are moving long distances. This will allow you to ship their car to their new home so they can have it when they arrive. Not to mention, it will save them the hassle of driving their car long distances.
Prepare for the Move
Once you’ve completed all the tasks on this checklist, you’ll be ready to move your elderly parents. However, you should do a few things to prepare for the actual move. This includes:
- Make sure they have everything they need for the trip, such as a packed bag with toiletries and a change of clothes.
- Double-check that all their belongings are packed and labeled.
- Pack a first-aid kit in case of any emergencies.
- Plan your route and make sure to avoid any construction or traffic delays.
Help In Unpacking and Settling In
Your elderly parents have finally moved into their new home. Congrats! But now, the real work begins. Unpacking and settling into a new place is never easy, especially for older adults. It can be overwhelming and frustrating, but the process can go much smoother with a little help from you.
Here are a few tips to help your parents settle into their new home:
- Help them unpack their belongings and put everything away.
- Organize their living space, so they can easily find things.
- Make sure they have everything they need, such as food, toiletries, and medications.
- Set up any furniture or appliances they may need.
- Help them get to know their new surroundings by taking them on a walk around the neighborhood.
Moving elderly parents can be a difficult and overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be. With proper planning and preparation, you can make a move go smoothly for everyone involved. Just remember to take your time, be patient, and ask for help when you need it.
