Whether downsizing for convenience or moving to a dream home, many adults face one final move once they reach retirement. Though this is often a time of celebration, a move is no simple task.
From planning the moving schedule to loading belongings, moving creates plenty of stress. That’s why we’ve gathered some simple but impactful recommendations to help keep post-retirement moves as stress-free as possible.
Here are five tips to make moving an easier process for retirees.
Create & Follow a Schedule
A move involves lots of people, equipment, and communication between several parties. In short, moving is a chaotic time. However, there are ways to reduce stress. Adhering to a set schedule helps ensure the crucial steps proceed as needed.
Once you know your move-in date, create a schedule of major and minor milestones leading up to the move. A simple plan might look something like the following:
- 8+ weeks before the move: Sort through storage items. Lighten your moving load as much as possible. Then, search for packing and moving services.
- 7-8 weeks before the move: Begin packing unused rooms, back basement corners, and storage units.
- 6+ weeks before the move: Provide old and new utility companies and other services with your moving date.
- 4-6 weeks before the move: If packing yourself, begin boxing up non-essential items. As moving day approaches, the items left unpacked are the only things you need.
- Moving week: Pack everything but essential clothes, medicines, and electronics. Most of these items will travel with you, not in a moving truck.
Be sure to customize your schedule to fit your needs and dates. Having a timeline to follow allows you to stay on schedule, and on target.
Get to Know the Community Beforehand
Before the move, spend some time in your new location. Getting to know your new community is a great way to avoid any move-related nerves.
Take drives through back roads and find favorite local spots. If your destination is a retirement community, get to know your future neighbors. Ask them what they love about the neighborhood.
Be sure to speak to the locals. Their knowledge of the area will help you acclimate to your new surroundings when you arrive.
If you’re moving a great distance, use the internet and look for virtual tours of the area. Many communities now provide informative resources for anyone new to the area.
Explore your new community beforehand, and your new house will feel more like home when you arrive.
Simplify, Donate & Reduce Your Clutter
One of the important early steps of any move involves reducing just how much you end up moving. Lessening your moving load not only saves money, but it also helps simplify your life.
Of course, getting rid of your items can be difficult. Nearly every surface and object is full of memories. Still, a move is a perfect opportunity to reduce your things and emerge refreshed.
First, consider the new home. Will you need to find space for entire rooms’ worth of items? A storage unit is an option, but take a close look at what you have. For example:
- Furniture, electronics, and even clothes make great items to sell or donate.
- Get rid of anything worn out. Slippers, old notes, and even old medications need to go
- Anything you haven’t used in the past six months doesn’t need to move with you (holiday items not included).
Unless an item is a true keepsake or maintains a strong emotional value, consider getting rid of it to save yourself extra hassle and work.
Hire Packers & Movers
Moving is a costly expense. In-state moves average between $800 and $2,500. Out-of-state moves often expect to spend more than double the in-state costs.
So, why add more expense and hire packers and movers? In short, so that you avoid doing the work. Plenty of the stress and hardship of moving comes from the physical toll of packing and lifting items. Avoid that stress and let the professionals handle it.
Professional packers and movers provide efficient and expert handling and shipping. This leaves you more time to focus on yourself and your well-being.
Though these services add extra costs onto the move, there are several ways to keep those expenses down.
Look for Discounts
Retirees have access to many moving discounts. As well, several deals tie into other stress-reducing steps on this list. For instance, some discounts for expert packing provide 10% off for various packing services.
Some moving companies offer discounts for all customers over 50 years of age. Often, these services include packing, transport, and unloading. If you prefer to drive the moving truck yourself, there are even discounts for vehicles as well.
Another way to unlock discounted prices is to choose off-peak-season dates for your move. May through August is the moving busy season, which brings higher prices and more active schedules.
Moving companies see more demand on weekends and monthly beginnings/endings. As such, mid-week and mid-month moves see cheaper rates. It goes to show the importance of saving wherever you can.
Final Thoughts
Planning and preparation create successful moves. Take the time and get ready well before your moving day. A schedule helps you stay on track without stressing when tasks are due.
Reduce your moving load through donations and downsizing. Hire professionals to pack and move your items, and save yourself the mental (and physical) wear and tear. Also, look for discounts wherever you can. Moving is expensive, but there are always opportunities to save money.
Please feel free to contact us anytime.
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