Twelve tips to make moving comfortable for seniors

By: Dan Hopkins
 

With spring not too far in the distance, Canadians of all ages and stages are coming closer to finalizing their new home moving plans. There are others who are doing the same, but on behalf of their elderly loved ones.

While it may feel natural to help, moving an elderly parent, grandparent or other seniors often can seem rather daunting.

Everyone involved wants the move to go as smoothly as possible – ideally without upsetting anyone. Often this can seem like ‘mission impossible’.

The children and families of the esteemed ‘Silent Generation’ – people born between 1925 and 1945 – who step in to help their senior loved ones move into smaller homes or elderly assistance accommodations often are not emotionally prepared for the task at hand.

At the same time, after living in the same home for multiple decades, seniors can be very set in their ways and often are ill equipped to express their emotional frustrations in a constructive way as moving day approaches.

Having packed and moved many seniors over the years, as a general guideline, we emphasize staying organized, being patient and calm, and maintaining respect throughout the entire move process.

Once you’ve made that your moving mantra, the following 12 tips should also come in handy when you and your family members are the ones introducing an elderly relative to a new home:

• Contact the retirement facility or a condo management. Find out what new residents are allowed to bring in, the facility’s appropriate moving hours and if they have any specific tips to help make the moving process as seamless and smooth as possible.
   
• Organize and start packing several weeks in advance. If your loved one is moving from a large home to a smaller residence, it’s likely they’ll have more furniture than needed or that space will allow. For new condos and retirement residences, get a floor plan of the space in advance and help plan the layout with their favourite furnishings in mind, then help them decide what to do with the extra furnishings. If items are family heirlooms and can’t be accommodated in the new space, suggest giving it to a close family member like a grandchild.
   
• Sort before you pack. Seniors tend to collect and save things they may or may not need or use. Be sensitive when suggesting they get rid of certain possessions. Ask if they use an item; if not, suggest donating it to a local charitable organization like a homeless shelter or Goodwill facility. Start packing early so you’re not overwhelmed as moving day gets closer.
   
• Pack and clean as you go. When helping sort and pack your senior’s belongings, remember that impaired vision and reduced mobility prevent them from doing regular chores many of us can easily do. If their home is messy and unkempt due to physical limitations, instead of pointing it out, offer to clean as you pack. Try to maintain respect and avoid judgment.
   
• Incorporate ample time before the move date to account for walks – down memory lane. Believe me – you’ll need more time than you think. Sorting through years – decades! – of stuff is difficult and sometimes very emotional. Simply cleaning out a desk drawer and finding old photos can stir up so many memories and feeling. Let them take that walk down memory lane – join them if you want or can. Allow your loved one time to say goodbye. This is a very important part of the process. Be patient and listen to their life stories. Someday you’ll be glad you did.
   
• Make their new home feel familiar. Take photos and colour samples of the inside of their current home. Try to decorate the new space and place familiar objects in a similar way, so that their new space will feel like the old one. Be as detailed as you can from arranging the bedroom furniture to placing family pictures on the bureau. This will help make new surroundings feel like home.
   
• Always use packing paper. When wrapping precious items like fine china, don’t use newsprint because the ink can bleed. Smaller items can be wrapped in different coloured paper. This ensures they can be found amongst larger items or in the unpacking clutter after the fact.
   
• Label boxes on top and sides. Make sure to mark the top and sides of boxes as they’re packed. Write in large lettering to make it easier for your elderly loved one to read. Be sure to clearly label boxes containing breakable or sentimental items as ‘fragile’.
   
• Pack all electronic equipment in their original boxes if they still exist. Otherwise use low-static bubble wrap when packing these items.
   
• Use real packing tape to seal all boxes. It was made for that purpose, and it makes it easier to stack and protect your senior’s boxed-up belongings.
   
• Pack certain items in boxes specially manufactured for things like dishes or clothing. Wardrobe boxes not only help reduce creasing, but make it easy for seniors to readily access their clothing on hangers. Dish packs offer better protection for breakable dishes.
   
• Check clothing before donating. It’s a good idea to sort unwanted clothing for donation prior to moving. Before donating any gently worn unwanted clothing, check pockets for valuables. Seniors often hide small valuable items like jewelry or cash in the pockets of suit jackets or shoes and forget about them down the road.

Regardless of who you’re helping to move, it’s important to remember that it’s a busy, stressful time for everyone involved. Another way to make your move, and the move of others, as smooth as possible is the reassurance of a reliable, trustworthy, and customer focused moving company.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is committed to exceeding customers’ expectations. We follow ‘THE GRANDMA RULE’ and treat everyone the way we would want our Grandma to be treated - with care, respect and dignity.

ABOUT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® – CANADA

In 2005, TMT International awarded its first master franchise in Canada to TMT Franchising Corp - a division of the Heron Capital Corporation. The Canadian TMT Master Franchise company currently has a customer referral rate of 94 per cent with fourteen Ontario locations servicing London, Hamilton, Halton, Mississauga North, Mississauga South, Brampton, Etobicoke, Toronto Mid-Town, Toronto East, Oshawa, Barrie, Newmarket / Aurora, Kingston and Ottawa. Visit www.twomen.ca. Follow us: www.twitter.com/twomencanada. Like us: www.facebook.com/twomencanada.

Dan Hopkins is Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Development & Operations, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® - CANADA