From Home to Retirement: What Seniors Need to Know About Moving

Different Moves Bring Different Challenges

Depending on where you or your loved one is moving, different challenges may present themselves. But many center on similar themes, such as loss, letting go of belongings, and grief. Here are some common reasons seniors move, and some of the obstacles each situation can bring.

Downsizing

Seniors choose to downsize for many reasons, from no longer wanting to maintain a large home to financial constraints. However, downsizing can also be a difficult process, especially emotionally. It’s not uncommon to feel a sense of loss when leaving behind a home, especially if you’ve lived there for decades. Choosing which items to part with is often just as emotional as the move itself.

Moving In With Family or Loved Ones

If a senior needs extra day-to-day help, they may decide to live with family or other loved ones. While this has the added benefit of reducing isolation and loneliness, it can also be a difficult transition. Seniors may struggle with feelings of helplessness or a loss of independence as they need more assistance. Their family might also have trouble adjusting to the new member in the household or the extra care they need.

Transitioning to Residential Retirement Communities

Residential retirement communities can vary in size, from shared rooms to full-fledged apartment units. Common forms of retirement communities include:

• Independent living. Residents live in a seniors-only community with little to no assistance day to day. They may have a full apartment or a small studio.
• Assisted living. Seniors receive assistance from professional caregivers with tasks such as medication management, provided meals, and housekeeping. Some offer relatively independent, studio-like accommodations, while others may put two seniors together in a shared space.
• Memory care. Memory care is for seniors with dementia who require a safe, secure environment and round-the-clock supervision. Seniors in these communities typically live in a single room or with a roommate.

While these may be the best option for some seniors, it’s not always easy to accept. Moving into one can mean seniors need to downsize more than they otherwise would have to fit into a single room. It may also require them to change their standard of living or move further away than they would like to suit their budget.

Finding a good residential retirement community requires some research, but resources like your local Area Agency on Aging may be able to help. Consider factors such as:

• Level of care: Choose a community that meets current and future medical needs.
• Lifestyle and amenities: Look for fitness centers, dining options, and social activities.
• Pet-friendliness: This can be essential for seniors with pets.
• Location: Consider proximity to family, friends, and medical services.
• Budget: Make sure the costs are sustainable over the long term.
• Reputation: Check reviews and ratings from residents and their families.
• Staff training: This is especially important in memory care and medical support settings.
  

Plan Ahead and Get Started Early

We generally recommend people start planning between 3 and 6 months before the intended move. This leaves ample time to settle affairs, sort through belongings, and pack at a reasonable pace. However, if you or your loved one has lived in the home for decades, you might want to start even earlier. Consider these tips during the planning process:

• Tackle storage areas first. Garages, basements, and attics usually hold the most clutter.
• Go room by room. Sort what to keep, donate, sell, or discard one area at a time.
• Chip away daily. Try to do a little moving prep most days to avoid last-minute stress.
• Turn it into an event. Host family gatherings to help declutter together.
• Outsource when needed. Don’t hesitate to bring in help for the heavier tasks.
  

Don’t Underestimate the Challenge of Downsizing

Downsizing is a big task; it often takes plenty of support to make it happen. These tips show how various people and services can help in the downsizing process to support seniors.

Prioritize Essential Items

Depending on the size difference between the old and new residence, downsizing may require a shift to bare essentials with little room for sentimentality. Follow these general tips to keep you focused on essentials with minimal clutter.

• Skip the duplicates. No one needs four rolling pins or multiple couches in a one-bedroom apartment.
• Toss expired or broken items. They’re usually just taking up space. But if you’ve been holding onto something broken for sentimental value, find a new way to preserve the memory. Consider taking a photo or using part of the item in an upcycling project so you don’t keep something unusable around. That old, unwearable button-down shirt could become fabric for a teddy bear. 
• Let go of unused items. If it hasn’t been used in months (and isn’t seasonal), it’s probably time to part ways.
• Digitize bulky keepsakes. Scan photo albums to preserve memories while saving space.
• Limit decorative items. Focus on function over design in smaller living spaces.
• Clear out outdated electronics. Stick to one computer (maybe a laptop), a phone, and a tablet.
• Make room for sentimental items. Prioritize meaningful pieces when practical — but don’t hesitate to pass some down to loved ones.
  

How to Let Go of Sentimental Possessions

Letting go of sentimental possessions can often be difficult, but it’s also a necessary part of downsizing. Some items, like a photo album or precious jewelry, may fit well in a smaller place, while others are simply too bulky.

While paying for storage is an option, it’s not very practical for items you’ll likely never use again. If you or your loved one is having a hard time giving up sentimental objects, consider these tips:

• Take photos of sentimental objects and write down their stories. You’ll still have a visual reminder and the nostalgic feelings — without the clutter.
• Pass items on to loved ones who can use them. This is perfect for things like a heavy china cabinet or vintage Pyrex collection.
• Dispose of unsafe objects. Let go of items that aren’t safe for use anymore, like old baby gear you’ve held onto.
  

What to Do With Extra Items

Ideally, by the end of downsizing, you’ve got a collection of things you need to clear out. Here’s what you can do with them:

• Recycle or dispose of unusable items. If necessary, schedule a junk pickup service so you don’t have to haul everything yourself. Your local waste provider may offer free or low-cost bulk pickup.
• Donate items in good, working condition. Local charities or thrift stores often offer pickup, or you can post items for free on social media and have people come to you.
• Put items up for sale. Selling off items in good condition can build up some extra cash to decorate a new home. Host a yard sale on the weekend or list items individually on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. 

Emotional Preparation for the Move

Oftentimes, it’s not enough to offer assistance with just the physical move. Many seniors need reassurance that they’re making the right choice and may even need gentle coaxing to see the bright side.

The retirement community might have nightly social gatherings, special interest groups, or other great amenities that can help them stay social and active. Moving in with family could mean watching grandkids grow up or getting extra time with a loved one.

With that said, it’s only natural to need time to adjust before warming up to a new home. Consider making that process easier by:

• Keeping them involved in every step. This helps them feel empowered — not like they’re losing control of their life.
• Helping to personalize their new space. Familiar touches can make the new place feel more like home.
• Staying in close contact after the move. Frequent visits or calls, especially early on, can ease the adjustment.
• Acknowledging their feelings and being present. Sometimes the best support is simply showing up and listening.
  

Professional Movers Can Reduce Stress on Moving Day

While seniors can’t always handle the labor involved in moving, that doesn’t mean the whole load has to fall on family and friends. Hiring professional movers to handle the heavy lifting leaves family members free to take on other tasks and support their senior loved one instead.

Consider hiring trusted, vetted movers who are fully licensed, insured, and have great reviews. While most local moving companies are typically well-versed in moving fragile items, confirm in advance that the team can handle medical equipment if applicable.

During a senior move, safety should be the top priority. Remember to stay hydrated and pack all essentials separately. This includes ensuring any medication or medical equipment is readily available and quick to set up in the new home.  

Don’t Put Off a Home Safety Check-Up

According to CDC data, falls are the number one cause of injury for older adults, and annually, approximately 25% of seniors over the age of 65 fall. When seniors move to a new location, they may find it harder to navigate because they aren’t as familiar with the layout. Things that were once fine may become trip hazards, like rugs, wires, or even unfamiliar corners. A home safety check-up can help mitigate the risk. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Remove trip hazards. If the new home has rugs, secure them with nonslip pads.
• Tidy up cords. Line cords along the wall or tuck them underneath furniture.
• Clear walkways. Keep all hallways and paths unobstructed.
• Improve lighting. Ensure all lighting is bright, especially in bathrooms, hallways, and stairways. Motion-sensor lights can help at night.
• Install grab bars. Add them near toilets and in the shower for extra stability.
• Use nonslip mats. Equip bathtubs with textured mats to prevent slipping.
• Check safety detectors. Confirm that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operational.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Store one in the kitchen, if applicable.
• Add security features. Consider a home security system and an emergency call button.

Final Thoughts

Moving later in life is the end of a chapter, but that means it’s also the beginning of a new one. While some seniors may be reluctant to leave behind the life they knew, it’s important for them to understand that their new home is better suited for them. They may find a new lease on life in their new community at social gatherings, and before they know it, their new home will feel just as comforting as their old one.Whether you’re a senior getting ready to move or supporting a senior through their relocation, the checklist and tips provided throughout this article can help ease the process. If you want to make it even smoother, reach out to MovingPlace and connect with local movers who are ready to support you.