Relocating your senior parent can create a huge challenge. Emotions can run high with having to make tough decisions, such as coordinating when and how to conduct the move. Also, the decision of if it’s time to move your parent into a senior living home or not can add pressure on an already difficult situation.

Tips for an Easy Move

Making the moving day as easy as possible is important for peace of mind. There are tips to take into consideration to help the transition:  

Start with One Room:

Starting to pack up an entire home with items collected over a lifetime can be overwhelming. Make things easier by organizing and packing up one room at a time. Starting with the smallest room or the room with the least amount of stuff can make it more manageable. Getting the first room completed will give you and your parent a sense of accomplishment and help in maintaining a positive attitude in the rest of the packing.  

Get Help Moving:

Family and friends can help in getting the moving process along, but a lot of times it’s better to hire professional help. If you are on a budget them hiring college students is an option for a fraction of the usual costs. Including them in the move can bring energy and strength that can make everyone feel better about this emotionally difficult day.

Have a Positive Mindset:

Sadness is a normal feeling when it comes to big life transitions. It’s okay to take the time to feel the emotions of the change by paying respects to their home. Although, it’s important to keep a positive mindset by looking at the possibilities moving forward. Give your parent hope by reminding them of the new people they will get to meet or the new hobbies and skills they could learn. Having this outlook with some gentle persistence and a little imagination, moving can be an amazing new beginning for your parents and your family.

Manage your Time:

A move can take lots of time more than time than we estimate for. It’s not just packing, but gathering supplies and deciding what to keep or let go of. To be the most prepared possible starting to organize the move six weeks in advance is advised. This allows for plenty of time to make decisions and manage everyone’s emotions. Start contacting moving companies or getting the moving truck in order to make the ordeal easy as possible.

Minimize Possessions:

Before you start packing go over what possessions your loved one wants to keep or let go of. This can be a difficult process, but decreasing the number of items on moving day will make things go more smoothly. Work with your parent to make a decision on which items no longer have use or don’t bring joy to their lives. Make it known that their items could be donated to charity bringing joy to someone else’s life. A life with less clutter creates more space for peace.

Reno Valley Assisted Living and Retirement Community

Reno Valley is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.

We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional wellbeing. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact Reno Valley today to learn more about our services or tour our community.