When Moving Day Comes: Help to make the transition easier for family and the loved one

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on September 01, 2016

When Moving Day Comes: Help to make the transition easier for family and the loved one

Tips for Moving Day

It’s no doubt that moving day is an emotional one. Your senior relative is finally making the step to move out of their home (maybe your childhood home that’s full of memories) and settle into their assisted living arrangement. Moving day can either be extremely stressful, or it can be memorable, even though it’s the end of a chapter. Here are some tips to help your family be on the same page on moving day, and to provide a smooth transition for your loved one.

Set Aside Time for Memories

Sorting through a household of items is sure to bring up a host of memories for your loved one, and maybe even for the family. It’s best to prepare for this so you and your family aren’t stressed on moving day as you are trying to load up boxes, and your senior relative just wants to talk and tell stories. Set aside time beforehand for sharing memories. Select some photographs or belongings and let them share the story behind the item. It can be easy to become lost on memory lane as you sort through what stays and what goes, but reliving the days gone by keeps those memories alive in the family and can help your loved one relax as moving day approaches. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find out the real story behind the funny-looking lamp that you’ve always wondered about.

Designate Furniture Ahead of Time

If you have friends or other family members coming to help move, it can be helpful to mark furniture and other belongings to be moved ahead of time. That way, when there are people coming and going from house to vehicles, the big decisions have already been made and aren’t up for discussion. The last thing you need is to have a fight over a piece of furniture or knick-knack that Aunt Jane wants to take for herself. Walk through the house or apartment with your loved one and use a pack of stickers or Post-It notes ahead to mark what gets to stay and what gets to go.

Also, if it’s an option, prepare for additional trips to sort through belongings, donate piles, or bring additional décor and clothing after the initial moving day. Knowing you can come back to the house for smaller items relieves the pressure of moving day, and lets the focus be on moving furniture and the essentials.

Bring the Right Supplies

As you settle your loved one into their new room or apartment, it’s important to make it feel welcoming that first day. Don’t miss out on this opportunity by making extra trips to procure picture hanging materials or other necessary supplies. Whether you bring supplies, or designate the job to someone else, bring a tape measure, nails and a hammer to help put any pictures or artwork on the walls in your loved one’s new room or apartment. Also check what type of closet racks or shelves are provided and make sure you have appropriate hangers. Sometimes the closet racks aren’t the traditional solid rods, but open metal racks.

Maybe you have other family members that want to help in some way on moving day, but they aren’t physically able to do much lifting or carrying. Perhaps you can designate them to bring a baked good or other treat to welcome your senior relative to their new home.

Whatever moving day looks like for your family, some simple preparations and thoughtful planning can make the day a smooth transition, with the focus on new beginnings and your loved one receiving the care they desperately need, and the peace of mind you and your family craves.

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