Things are so up in air at the moment. We are not sure what will happen tomorrow, let alone next week or next month. This is unsettling for the best of us, and so much more for our Senior loved ones.

Moving, as we all know can be a stressful ordeal. So much to do, so much to remember, to much to organise. 

25 tips for a smoother move

So your big family home has been sold and you are moving into something smaller. It’s now time to think about the moving process. The best tip I can give you is it to start early! And here are 25 more tips for your smoothest move yet!

Moving is stressful at the best of times. Packing boxes, moving them and unpacking at the other side is tedious and time consuming. One of the ways to make this easier is to declutter before you move and only pack what you use and love. I encourage clients to start with 6 areas that will make a huge difference in your new home.

Decided to sell your house? Now what?

I am working with a couple who have made the decision to make their last move into a small retirement home. Over 28 years they have filled their large family home to the brim. It is a daunting task, and they called me in to help get their home ready to sell. It is a lovely home, with lots of light, and lots of space, but completely lost under all the stuff. So, armed with a plan, along with boxes, bags, bins and a large van to fill with recycling and donations, we are moving mountains (well almost!)

Moving house is a stressful time! So once you have made the decision to move, take time to think about everything that needs to get done before the moving truck arrives. Make lists and have a schedule of all the things that need doing and by when. To help you with this process here is a schedule I share with clients to help them make this transition as easy as possible.

WHEN ORGANISING GETS TOUGH…

Over the years I have been asked how I deal with certain situations at work.

Moving house, moving pets

A big part of my work at All Sorted is moving people from one place to another. Some moves are happy moves, with good and welcome changes. Some are not so happy, usually done out of necessity. Either way, moving house can be challenging and stressful for most. It’s a time of change and transition, with lots of anxiety and activity thrown into the mix.

Recently we assisted an elderly lady downsize and move from her family home of 35 years. Her daughter, who lives overseas, had decided that her mom needed to move to a safer, smaller environment. While her decision came from a place of love and concern, it caused a lot of stress, anxiety and pain for her mom.

How can I help my mom? What can I do about her stuff she can’t take? How do I get her to let go? These are questions I am asked all the time when people hear that I assist Seniors with the daunting process of downsizing and moving.

More recently a friend came to me for help. She was assisting an elderly couple move from their family home into 2 rooms in a retirement home and had some concerns. The couple were overwhelmed, distressed at having to leave their home, and with their only daughter overseas had turned to my friend for assistance and advice.

We worked through the concerns and I gave her answers to the questions she had. Recently I came across the email correspondence and thought it would be good to share as I am sure there are many people with similar questions and dilemmas:

Q. How do they decide what to keep and what to leave behind?

A. The rooms at the retirement home are small and storage space is at a premium. They need to be sure that what they take, they will use. Clothes should be limited and can be sorted by winter and summer so they can have out of season items out of the way, possibly on top of a cupboard. Other than that, their personal linen, comfortable chairs, a small coffee table and if possible their choice of curtains. Also choose a few favourite personal items that will make them feel at home.

Q. What do I tell their daughter?

A. It’s really important that you keep her in the loop. It’s a good idea to email her regularly with updates so that she feels involved and knows exactly what is happening.

Q. They need to sell as much as possible as they need the money. All the appliances, all the furniture, paintings, all small appliances, rugs, all kitchen smalls, clothes and linen must go. What do I do?

A. I would strongly suggest either sending most of it to auction, or to a consignment store, as this is the quickest and easiest way to sell goods.

Q. What about selling online?

A. I wouldn’t do this. It is already extremely stressful for them and this would just add to their stress. Having to respond to people who call, and also deal with people who want to view items will add to their stress, and take time they don’t really have.

Q. They keep saying they need the money. What can they expect from the sales?

A. Unfortunately, the market is saturated with 2nd hand goods so they cannot expect to make a huge amount from the sales, unless there are seriously valuable items. Often there is a perceived value and the sentimental value, but it is always the market value that dictates.

Q. Are there any things I need to be aware of to safeguard myself, any pitfalls I should be aware while helping them?

A. It is important that you ensure they fully understand what you are doing at all times and keep their daughter in the loop always. It’s a good idea to have a paper trail, noting what you have done, where things have gone, what is being sold, what is being donated. That way there can be no misunderstandings, and no issues at a later stage.

The couple moved and have settled into their new home. Most of their goods were sold at auction or donated. Their daughter came to visit and could spend quality time with them. My friend found the experience both very emotional and extremely rewarding!

Have you found yourself in a similar situation? Do you have questions regarding assisting Seniors move?