Moving is a big endeavor that you have to be prepared for physically, financially, emotionally and mentally. There are many aspects of moving that have to go smoothly or else it will only add to the burden and chaos. Multiply all of those things and you might have an idea how difficult it can be for seniors to move. They need specialized senior moving services.
First of all, there are physical limitations. Seniors are not as strong or as fit as they used to be, so sorting, packing and cleaning can become challenging. All of these activities can be exhausting and even risky for seniors with mobility issues or health conditions.
In addition, seniors might also need to process their emotions as they bid farewell to their old home and belongings. They might feel sad for leaving their old house behind and they might be fearful of the unknown or of being isolated. Not to mention having to deal with all the stress that’s typically associated with moving.
Furthermore, they also have to prepare themselves mentally for the move. Planning can be overwhelming and moving can be hard if you have no one to help you. Finances and changes will have to be mulled over and accepted in order to make the transition better. And, once the move has been concluded, seniors will have to adjust to their new home and living arrangement.
All of these will have to be considered. Thankfully, special services are available to make it easier for seniors to move and make everything easier. Here are some of your options.
Hire a Senior Move Manager
A senior move manager is a professional who helps older adults with the whole process of moving, from planning to sorting and packing to unpacking. Many are certified or accredited by the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers.
Senior move managers typically work with moving companies, often negotiating rates on the client’s behalf. They can also get in touch with contractors and cleaning services who will help prepare a house for sale, and they might also assist with arranging the donation or sale of valuable belongings to offset moving costs.
“I was able to set a date to get on a plane with a few suitcases and leave everything else to them,” Alissa Ballot, a retired lawyer, told the New York Times. “It was a miracle.”
But, it’s not just all the stuff that they have to deal with, although there’s plenty of that too. They also handle a lot of issues that go beyond the realm of material possessions, such as mediating family bickering.
“A lot of times, people want their children or grandchildren to keep some of their things, but oftentimes family doesn’t want them,” Aida Middel, a senior move manager and the cofounder of Potomac Concierge, told the Washingtonian. “We help people work through that.”
Rates are typically charged by the hour. Depending on the move manager and where they are located, this can vary greatly, ranging from $65 to $125 per hour, according to the New York Times. And, if that is out of the budget, inform your senior move manager upfront so they can help you pick the important tasks that should be done within your means.
But, definitely hire one as they will take care of all the hassle of moving, as Beth Nygren pleasantly found out: “We walked in, and it was like walking into your home. Everything was in place: clothes in the closet, pictures on the wall, stuff in the drawers. You could just start living.”
Safe Moves for Seniors
Safe Moves for Seniors is a non-profit run by Jill Yesko Diana that services seniors in Pittsburgh and the rest of Allegheny County. The best thing about Safe Moves for Seniors is it’s free!
“100% free, they are not asked to spend a penny, they are not asked to tip anyone, we handle all of that on our end. We take care of all the materials,” Diana told CBS News.
To avail of the service, the person to be assisted should be more than 60 years old and make less than $1,250 each month.
Caring Transitions
Caring Transitions specializes in helping seniors downsize, declutter, clean and relocate. It also assists in disposing of a senior’s home and other valuable possessions through estate sales and online auctions.
Once you hire a Caring Transitions specialist, they will help you with planning and all the details that go into a move, including space planning. There are more than 200 franchise locations across the country, and each franchise owner has earned the Certified Relocation Transition Specialist (CRTS) designation.
Full-Service Moving Companies
There are tons of moving companies in the U.S., and several of them offer services to help seniors move.
They typically have locations throughout the country, but many might impose a minimum charge, which is the lowest charge you have to pay for the service. This means that even if you’re moving just a short distance away, you might have to shell out from two to four hours’ worth of fees. Fortunately, many offer senior discounts of 10% or more, which can help offset the cost.
UPack
UPack offers moving services for seniors. All you have to do is call their moving consultants to customize the service for the particular senior you have in mind.
For instance, if the senior has no family or friends nearby to help them move, UPack partners with HireAHelper to get them some helping hands.
The service covers all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Canada. The best part is you’ll only have to pay for the space you use.
White Star Movers
They are NASSM certified, and they understand that moving can be a difficult and stressful experience, especially for our beloved senior citizens. The National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM) is the leading membership organization for Move Managers.
International Van Lines
This full-service mover is available in all 50 states. Plus, it can facilitate international moves to 180 countries.
International Van Lines offers a 15% discount for seniors, and it has a quick quote tool so you can easily budget for the move. In addition, it also offers packing, crating, storage, GPS tracking for long-distance moves and added coverage for valuable household items.
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving is a great option for those seniors who are moving to or from a senior living community. It is available across all 50 states and includes packing services plus free storage for 30 days. You’ll have to pay a 40% deposit to get started.
American Van Lines
Available in all states, except Alaska and Hawaii, American Van Lines is a good choice for those with a tight budget. It offers a flat-rate pricing, in-house financing and a military discount. You’ll have to pay a 50% deposit upon booking, but with years of professional experience, it’s the best option when your move includes high-value goods.
Are there special services to help seniors move?
Specialized services for seniors moving can significantly ease the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges, making transitions smoother and less stressful.