Mistakes To Avoid During A Senior Move

Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength” – Betty Friedan

Is there a move to a senior community in your future  or the future of a loved one who you will be helping during this “big event”? There can be a lot of anxiety associated with a rightsizing move. But fortunately much of it can be avoided if you are aware of some of the common mistakes that can be made, and you plan not to make them!

Although moving into a senior community is a big transition, the communities of today offer great alternatives to trying to stay in “the family home”, as well as great living plans and conditions.

Avoid these common senior move mistakes…

1. Not doing enough research… Knowing and clearly understanding your options is probably the most important thing you will do when choosing your new home. Know what you want and need, and what is offered.
   • Do you want to live in a single family home or condo in a community designated for seniors only?
   • Do you want to move into an independent living situation where amenities and services are available…such things as meal plans, cleaning options, and provided transportation.
   • Would it be helpful to move into assisted living, where you can receive help with such things as, eating, bathing, dressing or taking medications.
2. Not spending a night in the community…While everything may look appealing when you go on a tour of your possible new home, to get a feel for what it would really be like to live there, you need to spend 24 hours there. It will give you the chance to meet the staff, some of your neighbors, experience the food and the general atmosphere and culture.
3. Not planning for guests…Yes, you’re choosing a smaller home, but beware of choosing too small. You may still have times when friends or family visit, and although you would like them to stay with you, you may not be able to have them spend the night because you don’t have an extra room. You certainly don’t want to miss out on time with the grandkids. Some communities offer a spare “apartment” for guests if your apartment doesn’t have enough space.
4. Not decluttering before you move…Decluttering, keeping what you need and donating, passing on, or disposing of what you don’t need, in and of itself, can be a stressful process. But it’s a necessary step before you move into your smaller lifestyle, and it’s amazing how “lite” you will feel when it’s done…it’s very freeing!
5. Not deciding soon enough…It’s better if you can make all the decisions about where you will be living, before you “have to”. Don’t wait until an emergency happens that forces you into making a quick decision and not having enough time to do it without being rushed.
6. Not making your own decision…Listen to the opinions of others and ask for referrals, but in the end…you make the decision of where you will live, based on what you’ve heard and seen, but most importantly how you feel.
7. Not having help…Researching, decluttering, packing, moving, unpacking and getting settled – it’s exhausting just thinking about it! But you don’t have to do it alone. There are professionals whose goal it is to help you make your transition easier – they’ll take the overwhelm out of your move.

We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASMM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make whatever transition they are going through a Smooth Transition.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family cope with a senior downsizing anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area…we offer a Free consultation.

We would love to serve you. 480-339-0011