Published: November 15, 2023

A Guide to Helping the Elderly Move

Moving can be a challenging endeavor for anyone, but it can be especially overwhelming for the elderly. Whether it’s downsizing to a smaller home, relocating to an assisted living facility, or moving in with family, the process can bring about emotional, physical, and logistical challenges. As caring individuals, there are several steps we can take to ensure that the elderly in our lives experience a smooth transition. In this blog post, we’ll explore some valuable tips on how to assist the elderly during their move.

Start Early and Plan Ahead: Moving is a multifaceted process that involves sorting, packing, and arranging. It’s crucial to begin planning well in advance to alleviate stress. Create a moving timeline that outlines tasks leading up to moving day. This will help distribute the workload and ensure that no essential details are overlooked.

Open Communication: Have open and honest conversations with the elderly person about the move. Address their concerns, answer questions, and provide emotional support. Acknowledge their feelings and validate any apprehensions they may have about leaving their current home. Open communication fosters a sense of control and inclusion, helping to ease the emotional impact of the move.

Declutter With Sensitivity: Help the elderly person go through their belongings, understanding that this process can be emotionally challenging. Encourage them to keep cherished items while letting go of possessions that are no longer necessary. Create categories for items to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Approach the decluttering process with sensitivity, taking the time to reminisce about sentimental items. 

Use Portable Storage to Move: Consider using portable storage containers from UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Minneapolis to move. Utilizing these portable storage containers streamlines the process and provides a secure and adaptable solution tailored to the unique needs of seniors, ensuring a smooth transition to their new home.

Create a Floor Plan: Before moving day, create a floor plan for the new residence. This will help the elderly person visualize where their belongings will be placed, making the transition less overwhelming. Label boxes clearly and correspond them to the rooms they belong to.

Pack an “Essentials” Box: Pack a box with essential items such as medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and any comfort items needed on the first day in the new home. Having these items readily accessible will help ease the initial adjustment period.

Provide Emotional Support: Moving can be an emotional experience, especially for the elderly who may have deep-rooted memories in their current home. Be there to offer comfort and reassurance. Plan activities that can distract from the stress of moving and help create positive memories during the process. Consider creating a memory book or scrapbook that highlights cherished moments from the current home.

Set up the New Home: Upon arrival at the new location, prioritize setting up key areas like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Having these spaces functional from the start will help the elderly person feel more at home and reduce any feelings of disorientation.

Establish Routine: Familiarity breeds comfort. Help the elderly person establish a daily routine in their new environment. This can include activities they enjoy, time spent with family and friends, and exploring their new community.

Stay Connected: Moving doesn’t mean cutting ties with the past. Encourage regular communication with friends, family, and neighbors from their previous homes. Social connections can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Moving is a significant life transition, and helping the elderly during this time requires patience, empathy, and practical assistance. Following these steps can make the process smoother, more organized, and emotionally supportive for the elderly person in your life as they embark on this new chapter. Need help with the move? Visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Minneapolis or call us at (763) 363-2202.