Senior move managers have become a very prominent figure in today’s relocation assistance programs. As people move on from one life change to another they may find themselves in a circumstance that requires them to move. Even some couples that are now empty nesters may be ready to downsize and spend their time in a smaller home. In any situation that requires seniors to start packing things up or to make a move, they should know that they do have options for help. An older adult or senior that starts to think about moving can become very intimidated by the thought and stress can set in. Hiring a professional mover or a senior moving service, such as Golden Bridges, can help greatly eliminate those feelings of stress, doubt or anxiety. The moving process is generally overwhelming for anyone regardless of age because just thinking of the boxes and packing everything you have and then relocating it to a new place is a lot to accept and take in. When it comes time for a big move, a person should look into professional move managers like Golden Bridges. Golden Bridges will take away all of the “transfer Trauma” and the “relocation stress syndrome” so that you can just focus on your new beginning. Golden Bridges will be by your side for the entire process and make sure all boxes are packed up and ready to go. Rather it’s a long distance move or just right across the street from your old home, you won’t have to worry about a thing when a senior move management company with significant expertise is on the job.
Maybe you’re not at a spot where you need to hire a senior move management company and you just want to relocate yourself. If that is the case then these 6 tips from Golden Bridges should help you out.
Here are six tips on how to fly smoothly from your empty nest.
1. Start early. The biggest mistake is waiting until you sell your home or tragedy happens. A lot of seniors wait until the last minute to leave a home they have known forever, but preparing yourself early will make the transition much smoother for everyone, yourself included.
A good rule of thumb: Start paring down at least one month before you list your current home for sale and don’t wait until the first signs of declining health.
2. Have a plan. Hit the “heart of home” rooms first. That’s usually the kitchen, living room and family room, which tend to be the most cluttered and contain items with the greatest emotional value and everyday use. Make four piles – keep, donate, give to family members and trash.
From these rooms, work outward. Items furthest away, in sheds, garages and attics, generally have less practical use in the new living space.
Work with a space plan of the new home to ensure a “right size.” When the new, smaller room dimensions are known, experts typically use scale white-board diagrams of the rooms to determine how items will fit – or won’t. So measure all furniture before deciding what to keep and unload.
3. Involve the kids. One big problem is seniors thinking their children want that grandfather clock or Waterford when they really don’t. A heart-to-heart about items’ emotional – and monetary – value is in order.
4. Keep memories, without the clutter. Making DVDs of photographs is a space-saving option to hauling boxes of old pictures.
5. Donate. Goodwill and the Salvation Army may be the first thought for donations, but items like Civil War memorabilia or fancy camera equipment may be better suited for a museum or school. (The camera equipment of Roger Kline, a former photographer, was donated to a local college.) Such legacy gifts may even result in special plaques or recognition in addition to tax deductions. Even everyday items may benefit off-radar organizations. Everyday glassware, for instance, will fetch little money at a yard sale. So donate it to a children’s camp or a soup kitchen.
6. Be a shrewd yard sale manager. For a better turnout, call it a “moving sale” – especially when selling furniture – and advertise in the local newspaper and Craigslist. Post bright signs on nearby roads (fluorescent poster board costs about $3 for three sheets that can be cut in half).
Include large directional arrows, not just addresses that drivers will find hard to read as they whiz by.
Organize items by groups – books on one table, tools on another, etc. Know the “dog” items. Bedbug fears and years of wear and tear can make sofas and other upholstered furniture a tough sell.
In most cases, expect no more than $20. You might do better just donating them. Also on his “don’t waste your time” lists are tube and rear-projection TVs and run-of-the-mill small kitchen appliances such as toasters.
These are some great tips to implement when you think you’re ready to take the next steps and transition. These steps will also greatly help if you do decide to hire senior move managers because their job will be quicker and more effective since the clearing out of space has already taken place. If you believe that you are ready to move, you know someone that may be ready soon or you just have general questions, you can always reach out to Golden Bridges for help and they will be more than happy to prepare you for your new home.