Most people find moving somewhat stressful, but seniors can have a particularly hard time adapting to the change of environment. Whether you are helping an elderly relative move into a senior living facility or supporting your parents in downsizing, the following tips can help.

1. Plan Ahead

Older people often get stressed out by moves, so there is no sense in making the worry worse by trying to do everything at the last minute. Give yourself as much time as possible to plan the move.

Try to include the older person in the process as much as possible. This allows them to have a sense of control, which many elderly people lack when they need to move into assisted living or give up their family home for somewhere more manageable.

2. Use a Professional Moving Company

Trying to pack and move everything yourself can lead to stress, which is the last thing you need if you are already struggling to help your elderly parent or relative come to terms with the move. Make life easy for yourself by hiring a professional moving company. Many moving companies offer packing services, which can make the process even easier.

3. Give Away What You Can

Older people usually move to properties that are smaller than the homes they currently live in, which means that a clear-out is necessary. Rather than throwing once-treasured items away, try to donate what you can or gift items to other family members. This approach allows an older person to enjoy the thought of someone else enjoying their old things.

4. Put Items in Storage

For items that your elderly relative can't bear to give away, self-storage can be a useful and affordable solution. You can use a secure self-storage unit to store anything from antiques to important documents. Note that if you need to store temperature-sensitive items like musical instruments, you should choose a climate-controlled unit. It might be a good idea to look into getting a storage unit for your needs.

5. Plan the Journey to Ensure Comfort

Long-distance travel is tiring for people of all ages, but it can be especially difficult for older people, who often have health conditions that need to be considered. Be sure to plan every stage of the journey in detail, from requesting extra assistance at the airport to arranging a taxi to their new residence. If you plan to drive your relative yourself, look up places to take comfort breaks in advance to make the journey easier on everyone.

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