Moving Hints & Cautions

Taking stress out of the moving process takes planning and organization. When moving seniors, it also takes understanding and compassion. Here are some helpful, stress-reducing hints and cautions from Scott Harkness, a relocation specialist for Suddath Relocation Systems in La Mirada, CA.

• Set a firm date well in advance. This allows for better planning and helps the moving agent to prepare your estimate.
• Timing can relieve pressure. If you have flexibility in timing, avoid the typical busy periods for movers – summer, year end holidays, first day of any month and last day of any month.

• Decide what moves before your estimate. Before your moving agent arrives, tour your home from attic to garage. Write down what you want to move, give away, sell and discard. Show the moving agent everything that is to be moved.
• Set goals and deadlines. Create checklists to organize the moving process and verify what has been done and what still needs to be done.
• Move in steps. Separate packing, moving and unpacking. Leave yourself enough time to complete these tasks. In other words, moving day is not the time to pack or unpack.
• Remember what you own. It is a good idea to video the contents of each room in your home. Also, record the serial numbers found on valuable equipment.
• Special attention for antiques. Obtain a written appraisal of antiques to verify their value. Take clear pictures to verify their condition. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques (and fine wood furniture) before moving, because some products can soften the wood, making them vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

• Let the seniors make decisions. It can help them deal with the stress and uncertainty of moving, especially if they would rather stay.
• Keep the family informed and involved. This is also a time of stress (usually guilt) and uncertainty for them.
• Set up the bed first (for the senior to rest).
• Plan an activity. (like lunch or area tour) This keeps everyone from worrying too much.