Moving is one of life’s significant experiences. It can be overwhelming at any stage of life. For seniors, it requires more than just boxes and a truck. It brings with it unique emotional, physical, and logistical challenges
This guide is here to help you move with, not just for, your ageing parent or loved one, ensuring the process is as smooth, safe, and stress-free as possible.
Older adults may be facing a whole mix of emotions as they face the next chapter and relocation process. This could be the result of a variety of different reasons:
They may also need specific accessibility features in their new home that younger movers wouldn’t typically consider. These are just a few of the many considerations to take into account when helping a senior move homes.
Luckily, with proper, compassionate planning and the right support measures, the transition can be smooth and positive for everyone involved.
As soon as the decision to move has been made, start the conversation early and build a realistic moving timeline. This gives seniors time to mentally and emotionally prepare for the move and to feel included in every step.
Use this checklist to stay on track:
Mobility often becomes more difficult with age. Your senior family member may have mobility limitations. As a result, they'll need a cane, walker, or wheelchair to navigate tight hallways or stairs during the move.
Some seniors cope with debilitating health conditions that leave them in pain all the time or even immobilised. Others may have lower energy levels, meaning they'll have trouble lifting, bending, or standing for long periods.
Home is where the heart is. Your senior family member may have spent several years or decades in the home they are leaving. Memories were formed, significant milestones achieved, and sentimental feelings grew. Perhaps the last memories they have of a late spouse took place in this home.
This can create attachments and even bring up waves of grief as moving day approaches. This especially happens during downsizing and sorting precious belongings that hold sentimental value.
Change also becomes harder as we age and become comfortable in the safety of routines and predictability. A big change, such as a move, can bring up feelings of apprehension, overwhelm, and even fear.
For seniors moving to a different town or city, they may be leaving behind a social network that took years or decades to establish. The emotional toll of leaving behind familiar neighbours, local shops, and social groups can be heavy.
Many seniors find fulfilment in group activities such as crafting circles, gentle sports, seniors' fitness groups, or clubs. The thought of leaving behind friends and having to join new groups can be overwhelming, sad, and feel like they’re starting over from scratch.
A long life full of family and hobbies can result in the gathering of many material possessions. As you start to make preparations for the move, remember that older people need to pace themselves. Go slow. You don’t want to overexert or exhaust them.
When dealing with material possessions, downsizing and packing, start with one room at a time.
Create a simple sorting system by picking up one item at a time and placing it in one of four piles:
When moving with seniors, every decision should prioritise safety, support, and comfort. That starts with choosing a reputable moving company that has experience with senior relocations. These moving professionals often offer packing services, staging help, and unpacking support.
With Wise Move, you can submit your request along with any special moving requirements and an inventory list. You’ll then receive quotes from vetted movers in your area. Compare prices, insurance coverage, and reviews, and check each mover’s profile for proven experience in senior relocations. This way, you’ll have all the information you need to make a confident choice and hire the best team to move with your senior loved one.
Before the move, pack an essentials bag with:
Visit the new home well ahead of time to make sure proper accessibility measures are in place.
These include:
As you arrive at the new home and begin the unpacking process, prioritise unpacking the following:
This will allow seniors to become familiar with their new surroundings immediately.
Once the basics are in place, take time to hang special photographs of family and unpack sentimental items. This will help make the space feel like home right away.
Emotional support during the big transition of moving houses is perhaps the most valuable thing you can offer a senior, who may be experiencing feelings of loss or anxiety.
Overall, moving homes can lead to new opportunities and an improved quality of life for seniors. Even though the change can feel like too much at first, it may bring a fresh perspective, new activities and friends, and healthier routines. Taken one step at a time, a smooth and stress-free move is possible with seniors, and staying positive is the secret.
Choose a trusted Canadian moving company experienced in senior relocations, so you can focus on what really matters—supporting your loved one.
Wise Move is a platform, where people find moving companies and independent movers. Our platform is the first of its kind in Canada, cost-effective and user-reviewed service providers with just a few short steps. Founded back in 2017, our focus has always been on making moving as simple and as effortless as possible for both customers and the professionals they rely on.
It's simple and easy to create a request on Wise Move.
Describe, add photos and the dimensions of your shipment in your request — anything that you think will make a difference, will make a difference.
Our platform will reach out to moving companies relevant to your delivery specification in your area.
Movers may ask you a few more details about your delivery before giving you a quote.
Compare prices and get to know movers before accepting their quote by reading previous customer feedback on our platform.
Pick your preferred moving company and arrange collection and delivery.
Prepare your package for collection or if you are moving home, get ready for moving day.
Meet and greet your chosen moving company on your collection day.
Sit back and relax while your moving company takes care of your booking.
