Moving at any age can be stressful, but for seniors it can be particularly challenging. We often focus on planning for the transition, downsizing belongings and packing, and the actual moving day can get overlooked. Moving day can be difficult, both physically and emotionally, but there are a few things you can do to make sure the move itself feels calmer and goes smoother.

Tips for a Smooth Senior Living Move 

Here are few suggestions we have that may help you and your family reduce stress and disorder during your senior living transition.  

Ask Questions & Seek Recommendations 

This might be your first time moving into a senior living community, but it’s not the staff’s first time moving someone in. Be sure to ask them for recommendations and tips that could make moving in easier, like a recommended route, elevator or moving service. See if there is a designated unloading area or close parking space you can use while moving in or if they have any hand trucks, carts, moving dollies or other help available. 

Hire Professional Movers Experienced with Seniors

Hiring movers to do the heavy lifting and careful placement of your belongings when moving into a senior living apartment or transitioning between care levels can hugely reduce the stress of the day. Not only does it take away the physical labor, but it frees up your focus so you can concentration on the emotional aspects of the day and making sure your loved one is cared for during the transition.

Keep Important Items Accessible

There may be some documents or items you’ll need when you arrive such as IDs, medical history, community paperwork, legal documents or financial information. Keep these items separate from your packed belongings and in an easily accessible spot so you will know where to find them for check-in. 

Be On Time

When moving into a senior community or assisted living apartment, there’s a good chance you are expected to arrive at a certain time. Confirm your arrival time with the facility and do your best to be punctual. Arriving too early and having to wait or arriving late and feeling rushed can add unnecessary stress to an already stressful day. 

Plan a Staging Area

Unfortunately, furniture is typically the first thing on a moving truck, making it the last thing off. You’ll want to find a place where you can put your smaller items and boxes that’s out of the way while you unload and position your furniture, such as a spare room, along an unused wall, or in a corner.

Set Up Your Bed

One of the first things we recommend doing once the truck is unloaded is setting up is your bed. This ensures it’s put together and ready at the end of the day or whenever you or your loved one needs a rest. You may also want to make sure there is at least one chair so you have a place to sit when needed. 

Unpack in Order of Importance

Once furniture is in place and it’s time for the actual unpacking, we recommend you start with the essentials first. Toiletries and bathroom items, medications, phone chargers or other technology, coffee pot and other kitchen necessities, and comfortable clothing for the next day should be the priority before moving on to decorations.

Making Moving Feel Lighter

Moving is emotional as well as physically demanding, but Comple More Guys® can make the day easier, faster and safe. Our two-person insured crews are experienced with senior moves and understand the added weight they come with. Let us handle the heavy lifting and careful maneuvering of your items, so you can focus on the big moments instead of the big boxes.

Whether you’re downsizing, moving into a senior living apartment, or shifting from independent living to assisted living, we can help sort, load, move, assemble, donate and arrange.  We’re especially helpful with hallways, elevators, tight turns, and all the “this needs to be moved gently and placed just right” moments. Schedule a crew today to help with your senior living transition.