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By: Jim Vogel- ElderAction
You know the old saying that a wedding day never goes 100% according to plan? Well, the same is true for a moving day. This can be especially true for seniors. Whether you are are moving from your lifelong home or are in the process of purchasing your dream home, there are some special considerations you’ll want to take during this important time in your life.
Here are some tips for seniors who are planning a move:
1. Purchasing a New Home in Your Golden Years
Many people are having difficulty getting approved for home loans these days – and senior citizens may face their own particular set of financing challenges. A shocking 14% of seniors over the age of 65 have no retirement savings. That’s one in seven seniors without any savings at all!
You can take back your retirement and empower yourself to purchase a new home by investing in the stock market and starting a “nest egg” savings fund prior to purchasing a new home. You can also work with a financial counselor to determine which options will make the most sense for you when it comes to financing your new home. If you’re selling your old home, you might also be able to use your profits as a down payment towards a new home.
2. Avoiding Relocation Stress
Transfer trauma and relocation stress are real issues, along with the ever-present risk of injuring yourself or breaking your beloved possessions. Being well-prepared for the changes to come can help reduce your stress load during (and after) the big moving day. Take it slow and consider working with a social worker or senior care advocate to reduce the levels of stress leading up to the move.
3. Where to Find Moving Help
Relocating from your lifelong home is a major task for anyone. In addition to the emotional connection you have to your home, you also have decades of belongings that you’ll need to safely relocate to your new home. For these reasons, it can be beneficial for seniors to hire professional movers to assist with a big move.
It’s worth taking a long hard look at what should be kept and what should be discarded before a big move. Sometimes it helps to have a friend or family member help sort through belongings to determine what you can donate or sell. If you have items you can’t bear to part with but you can’t move to your new home, considering using a storage facility to keep your belongings safe. There are even some storage companies that will pick up your items and store them for you.
When it comes to the big day, you don’t want to trust just anyone with your valuable belongings, family heirlooms, and precious memorabilia. You can start by asking friends and relatives for help moving, or see if they can recommend any professional moving companies. You can also look at online reviews to help you find a reputable and affordable moving crew.
4. Planning for Your Move
Some of the best ways to plan your big move include being proactive by packing in advance, stacking any moving boxes as tightly as possible, and keeping everything organized for the big day. You’ll also want to ensure you have any needed moving supplies, such as tape or moving boxes, prior to the day of your move.
Whether you are looking to downsize during your Golden Years, or are assisting a parent or loved one with their own move, there are always unexpected things that may pop up. Luckily, the tips listed above will help you ensure that the moving process goes as smoothly as possible. Good luck during your big move!
