Senior Moves

Alzheimers disease impacts the lives of seven million Americans who suffer from this disease, but millions more feel the effects as the disease steals the memories of a loved one. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 55 million individuals around the globe live with dementia; experts estimate that Alzheimers accounts for the majority of dementia cases (60 to 70 percent).As Alzheimers disease progresses, individuals lose the ability to manage everyday tasks, including crucial self-care (like getting dressed and eating independently). September 21 marks World Alzheimers Day, which seeks to increase awareness about the disease and its symptoms and fight the stigma linked to Alzheimers diagnosis.  Table of Contents:Dementia vs. Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers SymptomsEarly Signs of Alzheimers DiseaseStages of Alzheimers DiseaseWhat Is a Memory Care Facility?Signs Its Time For Memory CareCosts of Memory CareHow Senior Moves Helps Families of Alzheimers PatientsKey Takeaways:Alzheimers disease touches the lives of tens of millions of individuals across the world. World Alzheimers Day unites families as they strive to increase awareness, remove the stigma about this disease, and find the best care and support for their loved ones.Dementia Vs. Alzheimers DiseaseIndividuals diagnosed with Alzheimers disease have dementia as part of the disease progression. However, not all individuals with dementia are diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Dementia, the loss of memory and judgment, is a symptom of numerous diseases and medical conditions. Race Against Dementia explains that dementia is also a symptom of Huntingtons disease, hydrocephalus, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In addition, numerous types of dementia exist; Parkinsons disease dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia are independent diagnoses. However, Alzheimers disease accounts for the majority of dementia casesaround 70 to 80 percent!Alzheimers SymptomsOnly a doctor can properly diagnose Alzheimers disease. However, individuals should learn to understand and identify this disease's numerous warning signs and red flags. Early diagnosis ensures that patients may begin care and medication to help slow disease progression. Early Signs of Alzheimers DiseaseAge leads to common memory issues; misplacing car keys and retracing steps to find them is a common problem. Forgetting an occasional appointment also may be a common issue correlated to growing older. There are many red flags of Alzheimers disease or dementia that are not related to growing older, including:Forgetting conversations and asking the same questions repeatedlyGetting lost while going to a familiar location. Losing items and finding them in unusual places (a wallet may be in a kitchen cabinet)Struggling with basic problem solving (balancing a checkbook, making a familiar meal, etc.)Inability to track time (dressing for fall when its summer)Visual issues (struggling with depth perception)Communication struggles (forgetting a word is normal, but forgetting common objects is a red flag)Making poor judgements (dementia patients may give away possessions or make large donations without thinking of the impact)Disinterest in friends or social experiencesAnger, frustration, and other mood issuesThe Stages of Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers disease is progressive, and it is unfortunately fatal. According to the Alzheimers Association, the disease has three stages: early, middle, and late.The earliest stages of Alzheimers typically lead to subtle memory issues; at this point, family and friends may notice that their loved one struggles with memory issues. They may forget appointments or constantly ask the same questions. The early stage is when small red flags appear.Alzheimers middle stage leads to more serious memory concerns. The Alzheimers Association explains that patients may forget personal information, get lost in familiar areas, struggle with time, and their bladder or bowels may begin to fail as patients lose the ability to control these functions. Mood and personality also begin to change.The late stage of Alzheimers disease is the final and most severe stage. Communication may be difficult or impossible. Patients must receive 24/7 care, as they cannot eat or get dressed. Eventually, the disease overtakes the body, and eating and swallowing becomes impossible. The Alzheimers journey may endure for nearly two decades, from the beginning or early stages to the final stage of the disease. However, every patient is different.  What Is a Memory Care Facility?As an individual near the middle and late stages of Alzheimers, symptoms increase, and the ability to manage daily tasks becomes untenable. Alzheimers patients may wander, posing a risk to their safety. Judgment also wanes, and Alzheimers patients may jeopardize their financial wellbeing by making poor money management decisions.Eventually, Alzheimers patients require around-the-clock care and support. Family members may discover that they can no longer care for their parents or relatives and may begin to research future care and health management options.A memory care facility is a special residential facility that specializes in the unique care needs of dementia patients. Individuals receive 24/7 care and monitoring, with assistance for managing medications, safety, and support for activities of daily living (ADL) like getting dressed, bathing, going to the bathroom, eating, and mobility. Memory care facilities typically feature alarms at every exit that activates when a patient tries to leave.Signs Its Time for a Memory Care FacilityThe choice to move a parent or loved one into a memory care facility is very personal. How do you know its time for memory care? Many family members make the difficult decision to place their parent or family member in memory care when the individuals safety becomes compromised. While family members may provide care, dementia and Alzheimers disease gets worse over time. Individuals may start to leave their home and wander. They may make poor financial decisions or become openly hostile. As Alzheimers progresses, individuals need help with eating, bathing, and going to the bathroom. Family members may realize that they are unable to provide the level of care their loved one needs, and memory care becomes the bestand the safestoption. Costs of Memory CarePrivate insurance typically does not cover the cost of memory care facilities. However, some facilities could accept Medicaid. Dementia Care reports that memory care facilities cost around $54K annually (a national average). In some states, the cost could be higher or lower. Families may visit numerous facilities to find the best care for their parent or loved one. Prices may vary, but amenities also could be very different at each facility. How Senior Moves Helps Families of Alzheimers PatientsWhen the home is no longer safe and independence is no longer an option, families must begin to transition their loved ones to a residential care facility. Senior Moves works with families to make this transition easier for everyone. Our team helps families prepare a home for sale. Senior Moves works with family members to sort through every possession, labeling piles to keep, donate, or discard. Our team also organizes and cleans the home, staging it to appeal to the most buyers.Senior Moves helps with the move, too. We pack and unpack and arrange the new room to feel more like home. Our team also works with families to help ease the transition to a new space. Our team understands the difficulty of a dementia diagnosis. We walk family members through every step of the transition and help ease their minds (and hearts) as they prepare their parents (or loved ones) for a move to a memory care unit. Learn more about the services we offer, and reach out to our team to schedule a consultation. 

Summer is the most popular time of year to plan a move. Students are out of school, and the long vacation provides the ideal opportunity to acclimate children and teens to a new environment. According to data compiled by USA Today, 44 percent of individuals who moved (with professional assistance) scheduled their move for summer. Only 12 percent moved during the winter months. While summer is the most popular time for moving, managing a summer move solo is not advisable for everyone (especially seniors). There are many risks to managing a summer move; learn why you need to enlist the professionals when planning a move during the summer. Table of Contents: Moving Preparation for Summer Moves Things to Consider When Moving During the Summer Quick Tips for Moving in Summer Tips for Cross-Country Moves What to Know About Summer Moving Costs Mail Transfer Service: Dont Forget This Final DetailUSPS Mail Forwarding The Numbers Behind a Move: What It Takes To Pack, Unpack, Clean, and Prepare Key Takeaways: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving. The higher demand leads to higher costs. In addition, moving in the summer heat can exacerbate medical conditions, posing a health threat for seniors. Senior move managers take on the physical duties of the move, allowing seniors to relax and prepare for their new home. Moving Preparation for Summer Moves For seniors, summer is an ideal season to schedule a move as family members may be more available; teen grandchildren also could aid in the moving experience. However, some seniors move during the summer simply because they must relocate ASAP. Regardless of whether moving during summer is a choice or chance, choosing professional senior move managers simplifies the relocation process and provides seniors with trusted resources and compassionate professionals to guide them through the process. Senior Moves manages many issues during summer moves that are unique to the season. The most common include torrential downpours and extreme heat. Summer in Florida leads to heavy rain and days where the heat feels sweltering. In August 2023, Sarasota was hit by nine inches of rainfall, and temperatures reached about 90 degrees on average. Heavy rainfall and high temperatures are the norm for us, and we are experienced in working in any extreme weather. Unfortunately, many individuals are inexperienced in managing the often physical activities of moving during the summer heat. This extreme heat can exacerbate heart conditions, asthma, and arthritis (as heat leads to swelling); rain-soaked surfaces and streets also present a fall hazard. Seniors should not take on burdensome physical tasks in the extreme heat. While many senior clients are part of moving day and the moving process, Senior Moves always ensures that we tackle the tough work; we want our senior clients to focus on the excitement of moving to a new space. The best way for seniors to prepare for a move in summer is to contact the Senior Moves team for assistance. We create moving plans specific to every individuals needs and walk them through the process, from helping them pack to providing settling-in services at a new home.Things to Consider When Moving During the Summer Summer is the most popular time of year to move, and this places a serious demand on professional movers, move managers, and others who guide this process. When seniors anticipate moving, they should reach out to consult with senior move managers ASAP. Calendars book up quickly, and many individuals need support during a move. Once clients begin their moving journey with us, our team tackles all the steps to prepare for the summer move. We immediately help seniors schedule professional movers and recommend real estate professionals (when or if seniors must sell their homes). Quick Tips for Moving in Summer The Senior Moves team manages the work and physical aspects of moving. We also help seniors emotionally acclimate to a new space. Summer moves require additional care and details to ensure seniors stay comfortable throughout the move process. These five simple tips for breezy summer moves help us stay cool and keep our clients comfortable, too: 1. Schedule utility activation for the day of move-in (make sure the electricity is ON and the air conditioner is working) 2. Use fans to keep cool when moving 3. Buy lots of bottled water for optimum hydration 4. Keep pets out of the heat 5. Schedule moving activities during the morning (when its cooler) Tips for Cross-Country Moves Cross-country moves are often more complex. Senior Moves schedules all moving companies in advance. We also help seniors plan and research utility activation at their new homes. Cross-country moves also may require transporting a clients vehicle (or multiple vehicles). Senior Moves helps arrange these services, too. The Senior Moves team also uses these tactics for simplifying cross-country moves and keeping every item in order: Donate or discard unused or unwanted items. More items cost more to move! Create packing lists and code boxes to simplify tracking possessions.Get multiple bids on moving services and always pay attention to reviews (word-of-mouth recommendations are HUGE). Pack the most precious items with you (in the car, on a plane, etc.). Get deadlines in writing; when will those items arrive at the new home? Make sure everything is in writing! What to Know About Summer Moving Costs The majority of moves occur during the summer months. The high demand for moving help, including professional movers, cross-country logistics companies, and other moving support professionals, could lead to higher charges. When demand is high, costs naturally increase. Think about peak travel season and its impact on airfare and lodging prices; the moving industry experiences similar cost fluctuations. Seniors and their families should prepare for a summer move as soon as possible. When seniors choose our team to support a move or relocation, they receive guidance and professional support for researching costs associated with other moving professionals. Senior Moves helps every client find moving companies that fit their needs and align with their budget. However, if clients wait until the last minute to plan a summer move, they will encounter higher service costs. Unfortunately, moving professionals and others who provide services for a move could also be completely booked for the summer. Seniors could be scrambling and paying a premium to find assistance. Consumer Affairs talked to travel blogger Jenny Ly, who explained how timing impacts moving costs. Ly noted that weekend moves are more expensive, and peak moving season (May through early fall) also bumps costs. Ly recommended scheduling a move from October through April. She also recommended midweek moves. How much can seniors expect to spend on a move? While Angi reported that a move costs on average between $880 to $2,540, the area of the move and the timing of the move all affect the final cost. In addition, more items also lead to higher costs.Mail Transfer Service: Dont Forget This Final and Very Important Moving Detail! In the craziness of moving, one detail often falls through the cracks for individuals handling their move. Mail transfer services are crucial to ensuring that mail from the old address finds its way to the new home. While many individuals change the address for their bank account and for other important accounts, it is common for individuals to forget to change their address for every account. Use mail transfer services to forward mail to the new location. USPS Mail Forwarding The simplest way for seniors to ensure their mail arrives at their new home address is to utilize USPS mail forwarding services. The process can be completed online or in-person. Senior Moves team members also can take care of the process. To set up mail forwarding online, visit: https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm The Numbers Behind a Move: What it Takes to Pack, Unpack, Clean, and Prepare Some individuals think they are prepared to tackle every aspect of the move. How hard is it to move? Most individuals underestimate how moving tasks like packing will take them; unfortunately, some assume they can pack an entire home in one day. Use our chart to understand the time and dedication involved in every move fully.TaskTime EstimateWhat is InvolvedPacking a bedroom8 hoursFolding clothesPacking clothesPacking shoesFolding linensPacking linensPacking lamps Removing and packing items for end tables Packing and securing jewlery Packing photos and knick knacksPacking a Bathroom6 hoursWashing and packing linens Packing toiletries Packing cleaning supplies Discarding old or outdated makeup and cleaning suppliesPacking a Kitchen8 hoursOrganizing and packing pots and pans Organizing and packing  dishware Organizing and packing utensils Organizing and packing serving dishes Organizing and packing small appliances Organizing and packing spicesPacking a Dining Room6 hoursOrganizing and packing art or photos Organizing and packing fine china Organizing and packing crystal Preparing a dining table for the move (protecting the surface and removing legs)Packing a Living Room 8 hoursOrganizing and packing photos Organizing and packing books Organizing and packing artwork Folding and packing throw blankets (or pillows) Organizing and packing digital equipment and movies (if applicable) Organizing and packing fragile items (like knick knacks)Cleaning Each Room4 to 6 hours (sometimes longer)Vacuuming carpetsMopping floors Wiping down/disinfecting surfaces DustingMoving Furniture4 hours or more for each room (depending on the complexity/weight of each piece)Dismantling beds / tables Installing protective coverings over glass or upholstery (for chairs) Packing hardware Moving each piece The time allocations are estimates. Seniors may need more time to complete these tasks if they feel fatigued or overwhelmed. Moving takes an incredible amount of time, and packing and prepping must begin in advance. When seniors enlist the help of Senior Moves, these time-consuming tasks fall to us, not our clients. Use professional senior move managers to help with a summer move. Schedule a consultation with Senior Moves today!

Relocating to a new home is never easy, and for seniors, the process can be particularly overwhelming. The combination of physical, emotional, and logistical challenges that come with downsizing, packing, and moving can create a lot of stress for both seniors and their families. However, professional moving services, like those offered by My Senior Moves, can simplify the entire relocation process and ensure that seniors transition to their new home with ease and confidence.The Challenges of Senior RelocationFor many seniors, moving is more than just a physical shiftits a major life change that involves emotional, psychological, and even financial considerations. Seniors who are moving from a longtime family home to an independent or assisted living community often face a variety of challenges, including:Emotional Attachment: Letting go of a family home filled with memories can be difficult and stressful.Downsizing: Deciding what belongings to take and what to leave behind can be a daunting task.Physical Limitations: The physical demands of packing, moving, and unpacking may be too much for seniors to handle on their own.Time Constraints: With the often-tight timelines involved in senior moves, theres little room for delays, and the process needs to be efficient.While these challenges are common, they dont have to be faced alone. Professional senior relocation services can take the burden off the senior and their family, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition.The Benefits of Professional Moving Services for SeniorsProfessional moving services, like Senior Moves, specialize in providing customized relocation solutions for seniors. These services cater specifically to the needs of older adults, making the transition to a new living situation as simple and stress-free as possible. Heres how professional moving services help:1. Tailored Planning and CoordinationProfessional moving companies understand that every move is unique, especially for seniors. From start to finish, they work with seniors and their families to create a personalized moving plan that considers the seniors specific needs and preferences. This includes developing a schedule, organizing appointments, and ensuring all aspects of the move are handled efficiently.By working with a professional moving service, seniors can rest assured that their move will be thoughtfully planned and executed, minimizing the chances of unforeseen complications or delays.2. Downsizing and Organization AssistanceFor seniors, one of the most emotionally and physically taxing parts of the moving process is downsizingdeciding what items to take, donate, or leave behind. Professional moving services offer downsizing assistance, guiding seniors through the process of sorting, organizing, and prioritizing their belongings.Senior Moves offers expert advice on what to bring to the new home and how to efficiently pack belongings to avoid clutter. They can even assist with donating or selling items that are no longer needed, ensuring that the senior isnt burdened with sorting through everything on their own. This support not only eases the physical load but also helps with emotional closure during the transition.3. Packing and Unpacking ServicesPacking for a move can be physically taxing and time-consuming, especially when dealing with fragile or sentimental items. Professional moving services take care of all the packing and unpacking, ensuring everything is carefully packed to avoid damage during transit. The packing materials are often of higher quality than what most individuals would use on their own, offering extra protection for delicate items.Once the move is complete, professional movers also handle the unpacking process, making sure everything is set up in the new home in a way thats comfortable and functional. This allows seniors to focus on settling into their new environment rather than worrying about arranging furniture or unpacking boxes.4. Moving Specialized ItemsSeniors often have unique items that require special care during a movewhether it's a beloved antique, fragile china, or medical equipment. Professional moving services have the expertise to handle these items with care. They know how to pack, move, and transport specialized items safely, giving seniors peace of mind that their possessions will arrive at the new home in the same condition they left in.5. Transitioning to New Living SpacesSeniors moving to an independent living facility or assisted living community often need help adjusting their new living space. A professional moving company can assist with arranging furniture and dcor in the new space to create a homelike environment. This step is crucial for easing the transition, as familiar items in a new setting can make the senior feel more comfortable and at ease in their new home.Additionally, these services are often familiar with the layout and regulations of many senior living facilities, ensuring that everything fits properly and complies with any guidelines.6. Emotional SupportMoving can be an emotional experience, especially for seniors leaving behind long-time homes. Professional moving companies like Senior Moves recognize the emotional aspect of the process and offer compassionate, understanding support throughout the move. The moving team is trained to work with seniors and their families in a respectful, empathetic manner, creating an environment that fosters trust and comfort.Families also benefit from the peace of mind knowing their loved one is supported by professionals who specialize in senior relocation.7. Reduced Stress for FamiliesFamily members who are often the primary caregivers or decision-makers during a seniors move can feel overwhelmed by the many details involved in the process. By hiring a professional moving service, families can offload much of the work involved in planning and executing the move. This allows family members to focus on providing emotional support for their loved one while leaving the logistical aspects to the experts.Why Choose Senior Moves?Senior Moves is a leading provider of senior relocation services that offers customized solutions designed to reduce the stress and complexity of the moving process. With a dedicated team of experts, Senior Moves ensures that seniors receive the support they need every step of the way, from downsizing to packing to settling into their new home.Their services are built around a deep understanding of the unique challenges seniors face during a move, and they provide an empathetic, personalized approach to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Whether the senior is moving to an independent living community, an assisted living facility, or simply relocating within the same city, Senior Moves provides the expertise and support needed for a successful move.Conclusion: A Stress-Free Senior RelocationRelocating to a new home can be one of the most stressful experiences in life, particularly for seniors. However, by enlisting the help of professional moving services, the entire process can be simplified, allowing seniors and their families to focus on what truly matters: the new chapter ahead. With services like those offered by Senior Moves, seniors can navigate the challenges of moving with ease, knowing they have a trusted partner to handle the logistics, the packing, and the emotional support needed for a smooth transition.

For many senior homeowners, transitioning to a new place feels overwhelming. However, planning the move in phases and stages helps reduce stress and mental and physical fatigue. As senior move managers, we develop strategies to help seniors navigate the transition and feel more at ease during their move. For many homeowners embarking on a move, one of the transition's greatest challenges is properly packing personal belongings (especially breakable items). We're packing experts and sharing insight into our teams packing tips for moving stress-free! Table of Contents: Packing to Move: Strategies to Lower Stress Packing Hacks How to Pack Fragile Items Moving Cross-Country Tips Moving Day Tips Move Out Cleaning TipsKey Takeaways: Packing for a move should begin as soon as possible. Simple hacks like rolling clothes and packing shoes with plastic wrap saves time and space. Packing to Move: Our Strategies Lower Stress Packing for a move should NEVER be put off until the last minute. Senior Moves handles packing processes for our clients, and our strategy for packing involves phasing the packing process by each room in the home. And, yes, we begin to pack up homes early! Clients notice that we choose one room and focus on packing only the items in that room. Each box is marked with the room and denotes its specific contents. Many homeowners wonder what items can be packed together in the same box and what belongings must be packed separately or more securely. Our team members differ in their packing strategies. To understand the methodology behind our packing plans, we created a chart that details how one of our move managers could organize boxes by room and contents:Room ItemPacking PlanLiving Room LampsRemove bulbs and wrap securely in bubble packaging.Books and Photo AlbumsPack books in multiple boxes to keep the weight manageable.Bedroom & Bathroom Linens and PillowsAll towels and bed linens can be packed together.Soaps and Other ToiletriesPack any liquid soaps or lotions in a bag to mitigate spills. Soaps can be stored with kitchen cleaners and other supplies. Label the box accordingly.Kitchen Dishware and GlasswarePack all breakable items securely in bubble wrap. Use dishware and glassware boxes to organize fragile items.Mixers and AppliancesWrap mixers and other larger appliances in packing paper. Small appliances should be packed upright and sit flat.FlatwareFlatware is packed in its drawer organizer wrapped in paper. Box flatware with appliances or other non-breakable kitchen items. Coffee MugsWrap all mugs securely in packing paper or bubble wrap. ClosetsClothingOrganize clothing by season. Seal clothing in an airtight bag. This allows more clothing to be packed together and keeps out moths. Pack formal clothing in a box with a clothing bar.CoatsPack coats in the same manner as standard clothing. (Note: Some move managers or their clients prefer to pack formal coats in protective garment bags and move via a box with a clothing rack).ShoesPlastic wrap is one of the best packing hacks for shoes! Once each pair is wrapped together, pack them all in the same box.Packing Hacks Hacks are simply tricks that make a task easier, and Senior Moves has many hacks to de-stress the packing process. While our clients might not notice our hacks, these tricks can be useful for college students (on a budget) or other homeowners when moving. Feel free to borrow them when packing for a trip, too: 1. Wrap shoes in plastic wrap. We mentioned this before, but wrapping shoes in plastic wrap keeps shoes together and organized. 2. Roll clothes. This standard packing tip ensures that one box can fit most items. 3. Pack items in other items. When packing the kitchen, nest mixing bowls and use the top bowl to hold items like measuring cups and other small items. 4. Out of packing paper or bubble wrap? Use towels to protect fragile items. 5. Tape up all liquids. Use duct tape to avoid messes related to lotion, shampoos, or kitchen cleaners. 6. Use a fishing tackle box to pack makeup and perfumes securely. These boxes inspired the 80s and 90s era Caboodle (and Sassaby). Just make sure that the tackle box is clean! 7. A clean egg carton can pack costume jewelry without tangles or frustration. 8. Use hair ties to secure device cords and mitigate tangling. 9. Pack valuable items in suitcases and move them personally. 10. Color code boxes. Use a different color highlighter or marker to indicate whats in each box. While every box should include the room (or destination), its also important to know about the contents (without everyone else knowing them). Just remember to make a legend explaining each colors meaning. How to Pack Fragile Items Many items in the home are fragile and need to be packed with care. What is the best packing strategy for moving breakables? Senior Moves uses specialized boxes for packing our clients most delicate items. These boxes keep plates, vases, and other dishware from breaking or chipping.Figurines and glass frames are always sealed in bubble wrap. Our team packs larger pictures and frames in special protective boxes. Crystal glasses and other glassware must be individually wrapped. Stemware can be awkward to pack in a standard moving box, which is why Senior Moves uses boxes specifically designed for stemware. Moving Cross-Country Tips Moving cross country poses a unique set of challenges. A moving company is necessary to move furniture and other belongings, and homeowners must entrust strangers with a lifetime of possessions. Senior Moves serves as the mediary between the moving company and clients to ensure that the move goes without a hitch. Our team manages an extensive list of crucial concerns during the cross-country move process, but the location and auditing of each possession is a very important detail for our team. We assess: Labels and color codes on each box. Our team also audits homeowners possessions as we pack. When moving long distances, Senior Moves labels each box with a code and a room designation, and we create a list of each box and its contents. This strategy helps us and our clients easily identify items that could be missing. The exact location of valuable and irreplaceable items. For example, jewelry, family pictures, and important documents might be packed separately and taken privately by a client. Moving Day Tips Not everything can or should be packed in advance. On moving day, our team expects to pack up some last-minute items. Furniture and large appliances also will be moved out. Seniors working with the team at Senior Moves will not need to manage the moving company on the day of the move. On a moving day, we advise clients to: Pack a moving day bag. This should include all necessities like medication, clothes, etc. Keep snacks and water on hand.Be aware of time. Most movers and truck companies charge by the hour. Dont dress in your best. Seniors might not handle any aspect of their move, but the day can still be dirty. Always conduct one last walkthrough of the current home to ensure nothing is left behind. We handle this for all of our clients, but family members also like to do their own walkthrough. Move Out Cleaning Tips Moving is a hassle but also the beginning of a new adventure. Before leaving a current residence, Senior Moves cleans it up for the next owner. We always leave a home looking great. Take a peek at our move-out cleaning checklist: Remove all items from the refrigerator; clean it thoroughly Check the washer and dryer for any clothing Vacuum rugs and carpets Wipe down counters Disinfect bathrooms Sweep floors FAQ: Packing and Moving How long before you move should you start packing? The sooner you begin packing, the better. Some people begin the packing process a month in advance, while others wait a few weeks. Just dont wait until the last minute! Packing a home is a time-consuming process that will leave you drained unless you plan for it adequately. What should I keep out on a moving day? Pack a moving day bag with spare clothes, snacks, water, daily medication, and other necessities. Many choose to buy a spare toothbrush and toothpaste and use small bottles of toiletries.What is the hardest room to pack when moving? The kitchen! This is the most difficult room because of the variation of items that need to be packedglassware, dishes, crystal, utensils, small appliances, etc. How do you pack for a move effectively? We start packing early, and map out a packing plan. We always include the following information on each box: Color code for contents A label denoting the room destination Box number (for each room) Senior Moves also tracks the contents in each box for cross-country moves. Homeowners need to know what items are missing if a box is lost. 

In a market where home prices have increased, and interest rates stifled buying power, downsizing appeals to those ready to ditch their mortgage and big spaces. An article on Business Insider cited the National Association of REALTORs, which stated that Baby Boomers were the leading sellers in the market. For seniors, downsizing may feel overwhelming. However, partnering with Senior Moves and the team of senior move managers simplifies the process and helps every client feel excited and empowered about their move to a new, smaller home. Table of Contents:What is Deliberate Downsizing?How We Help Downsize and DeclutterHow to Downsize Personal PossessionsTop Tips for DownsizingA Comprehensive Checklist for Seniors DownsizingShould I Downsize My Home?Synopsis:Many seniors downsize in retirement, moving to a smaller home with fewer responsibilities. Senior move managers help retirees and seniors as they work through downsizing. From helping seniors understand what items to keep to creating a checklist of possessions, professional senior move managers offer helping hands and a helpful and compassionate heart during the move.What is Deliberate Downsizing?When clients choose to downsize deliberately, they are ready and prepared to decrease their possessions to move to a smaller space. Clients who initiate deliberate downsizing want to live with less and are happy to sell or donate items they no longer want or need. Not every client is prepared for deliberate downsizing. For some, downsizing feels overwhelming. Helping seniors prepare to minimize possessions is a process. However, professional senior move managers help clients understand they can keep the items that mean the most to them. Downsizing efforts focus on uncovering items that are not cherished, special, or necessary.How We Help Downsize and DeclutterThe team at Senior Moves guides the downsizing process for clients. We work side-by-side with every client to help them understand what possessions bring them happiness (and must be kept), and we listen to them during this process.Conversations are so important for downsizing preparation. Every possession holds a memory, and distinguishing the items with the most powerful and impactful memories serves as a litmus test for helping seniors decide which items to move to their next home.During the downsizing dialogue, Senior Moves team members help seniors uncover items they are thrilled to discard. We all have possessions or items that weigh us down and take up space, yet discarding these items can be a task we would all rather avoid.Senior move managers discover all the items in a home that help seniors lighten their load. Once they learn that important items move on with them, sorting through other items with less emotional value feels a bit freeing.Senior Moves believes that possessions should never be tossed away without a conversation. There must be a method, a process, and, most importantly, a big heart when helping anyone downsize.As senior move managers and seniors sort through items, the process lends to natural decluttering. Old papers, broken items, outdated clothing, and other unwanted or unnecessary items should be sorted into piles for donating to charities, recycling, or for the weekly trash pickup. Feel the Love: How to Downsize Personal PossessionsSenior Moves recommends that any individual preparing to downsize should start thinking about the items they own with a heart scale. Think of how much love or joy the item brings; the emotional pull could be tied to a garment that looks amazing or a card that holds significant joy. Use our Heart Chart to help understand how to rank the emotional value of items:Heart RatingMeaningFive hearts denote absolute joy or love towards an item. These are the items you cannot live without and cannot imagine losing. Examples include photos, precious notes/cards, favorite clothing, family mementos, etc.Four hearts distinguish really loved items. While you could live without them, they still hold deep meaning. Examples of four heart Items could include favorite books, special knick knacks, etc.Three heart items are those that you would rather keep, but if you didnt have room for them, it wouldnt be the end of the world. Think of this heart rating as a neutral feeling. You dont dislike the item, but you definitely dont love it. These items might be donated or tossed.One heart feels the least love. If the emotion for the item is this low, move on from it. Senior Moves Top Tips for DownsizingSeniors should not try to downsize on their own. A houseful of possessions requires helping hands. When we help seniors downsize, we follow a few guidelines. Here are five tips for downsizing the Senior Moves way: Never try to sort items in one day. Downsizing is a slow process. We always allow seniors time to process emotions and think through each item.Have a professional help schedule donations. Senior Moves manages donations for all clients. In addition, think of charities where you wish to donate unwanted items. What you dont love could be the five-heart item in someones life! Spread the love!Understand that extra trash pickups may be necessary. Senior Moves helps clients work with waste management companies to schedule pick up for bulk items.Remember to recycle. Dont just throw items in the trash. Consider recycling items that can take on another life through sustainability. Senior Moves also helps clients sort recyclable items.Consider giving some items to family members. Some seniors pass on furniture or other items to their children or grandchildren. This is a great solution for saving loved items that would not fit in a new and smaller space.A Comprehensive Checklist for Seniors DownsizingSenior Moves strives to be certain that no item goes uncheckedliterally! Our senior move team uses a comprehensive checklist to track items during downsizing. Not only does this help us understand where items are located once they are packed, but we also can help seniors track donated or discarded items.Our tracking system helps our clients know every item's location (and destination). Nothing is misplaced, lost, or wrongly donated (or discarded).Should I Downsize My Home?Not every senior is ready to downsize, but some clients simply cannot wait to make the move to a smaller home. As Kiplinger reported, others upgrade to a larger space; about one out of every three seniors go bigger in retirement.For those ready to downsize or thinking about moving into a smaller home, contact Senior Moves to inquire about our downsizing services. Our senior move managers guide you through downsizing, helping you ease into a move. Reach out today for a consultation.

Relocating is a significant life event for anyone, but for seniors, the process can be especially daunting. Whether moving from a family home to a retirement community, an independent living facility, or a smaller apartment, seniors often face a unique set of challenges. The emotional, physical, and logistical demands of a move can be overwhelming without the right support. This is where senior transition specialists come in. These professionals are specially trained to help seniors navigate the complexities of relocation with compassion, efficiency, and expert guidance.What Are Senior Transition Specialists?Senior transition specialists are professionals who focus on providing relocation services tailored to the specific needs of seniors. They offer a range of services that go beyond just moving boxes. Their goal is to ease the stress associated with relocating by addressing the emotional, organizational, and logistical aspects of the process.With experience in downsizing, packing, moving, and unpacking, senior transition specialists are experts at creating a seamless moving experience for seniors and their families. These specialists understand the unique needs of older adults and provide personalized solutions to ensure that every aspect of the move is handled with care and efficiency.The Role of Senior Transition SpecialistsSenior transition specialists assist in every step of the relocation process, from the initial decision to move to the final unpacking at the new location. Their responsibilities include:1. Personalized Planning and CoordinationA seniors move is never a one-size-fits-all process. Transition specialists work closely with seniors and their families to develop a customized plan that fits the seniors needs, preferences, and timeline. This planning process includes determining the best moving dates, managing logistics, and coordinating with care facilities, family members, or other parties involved in the move.For example, services like My Senior Moves help create a comprehensive moving strategy that ensures the senior feels in control of the process and confident in their transition.2. Downsizing and Organizing BelongingsOne of the biggest challenges seniors face during relocation is downsizing. Deciding what to keep, what to give away, and what to leave behind can be an emotional and physically exhausting task. Senior transition specialists are skilled in helping seniors make these decisions with sensitivity and care.These experts work with the senior to sort through their belongings and prioritize items based on importance, condition, and the new living spaces size. They also assist with donations, sales, or disposal of items, ensuring the seniors transition is as efficient and stress-free as possible.3. Packing and Unpacking ServicesPacking up a home full of memories, cherished belongings, and possibly fragile items is no small feat. Senior transition specialists manage the entire packing and unpacking process, ensuring that everything is done safely, efficiently, and without damage.The specialists use high-quality packing materials and techniques to ensure that fragile items, like family heirlooms or valuable artwork, are properly protected. Once the move is complete, they assist with unpacking and setting up the seniors new home, ensuring that everything is organized and in place, making the new environment feel comfortable and familiar.4. Moving Specialized ItemsSeniors often have specialized items that require extra care during the move. This can include medical equipment, mobility aids, or important documents. Senior transition specialists have the experience and training to handle these items appropriately.They are equipped to safely transport specialized items and ensure they arrive at the new home in good condition. This includes coordinating with medical supply companies, setting up equipment at the new residence, or organizing storage for documents and personal items.5. Emotional Support and GuidanceFor many seniors, moving is an emotional process. It may mean leaving behind a longtime home, neighborhood, and familiar surroundings. Senior transition specialists offer not only logistical support but also emotional assistance throughout the move.Their compassionate, empathetic approach helps reduce the emotional stress that comes with leaving a home and adjusting to a new living environment. The specialists understand the emotional significance of the transition and provide reassurance, support, and encouragement every step of the way.6. Managing Logistics and DetailsMoving can involve a significant amount of logistics, such as coordinating with moving companies, scheduling appointments, managing utilities, and ensuring that the new residence is ready for occupancy. Senior transition specialists handle these details, taking the burden off the senior and their family.From coordinating transportation to arranging utility shut-offs and set-ups, transition specialists ensure that every detail is managed, leaving seniors with fewer things to worry about.Benefits of Working with Senior Transition SpecialistsThe primary benefit of hiring a senior transition specialist is the peace of mind it brings to both the senior and their family. These experts make the entire process less stressful and more efficient. Below are some key benefits:Reduced Stress: By handling all the logistics and providing expert guidance, senior transition specialists take the stress out of the move. This allows seniors and their families to focus on what truly matterssettling into the new home and enjoying their new phase of life.Compassionate, Personalized Care: Transition specialists offer tailored services to meet the unique needs of each senior. They understand the challenges involved in moving and approach each relocation with empathy and care.Expertise in Senior Needs: Transition specialists are experienced in working with seniors and understand the specific challenges that older adults face when relocating. From physical limitations to emotional attachment to possessions, these professionals are trained to address these needs and create a smooth transition.Time-Saving: Moving is a time-consuming process, especially when factoring in sorting, packing, and coordinating with various service providers. Senior transition specialists handle all the time-consuming tasks, saving both the senior and their family a significant amount of time.Familiarity with Senior Living Communities: Many senior transition specialists have established relationships with senior living communities, making the transition even smoother. They know the rules, layouts, and requirements of these communities and can ensure that everything fits perfectly in the new space.Conclusion: Expert Guidance for a Stress-Free MoveRelocating is a significant life change, but with the help of a senior transition specialist, the process can be far less stressful. By providing expert guidance, emotional support, and logistical assistance, senior transition specialists ensure that the move is as seamless and comfortable as possible. Services like those offered by My Senior Moves offer invaluable support in helping seniors transition to their new home with ease, giving them and their families the confidence and peace of mind they need during this important life event.

Downsizing evokes different emotions; parting with some possessions feels jarring, but donating or throwing away other items creates an exhilarating moment of lightness. The Senior Moves team understands that moving and downsizing elicit numerous emotions. Our team is often tasked with helping clients decide what to keep. However, there is one rule we often follow in managing the organization of possessions. We believe that items that bring happiness are worth saving, but we also know that some clients have many cherished items. To help understand how to keep what you love during a move, use our guide to discover the items that bring true joy. Table of Contents: How Senior Moves Saves Mementos What to Do With Old Letters and Cards? We Can Create a Book Digitize Photos: How Tech Saves Cherished Photos Saving Handmade Items and Artwork Memory Quilt Ideas Knick Knacks: How Senior Moves Organizes Tiny Treasures Exhibit a Personal Collection Books are Priceless Key Takeaways: The items that are beloved should always make a move. The Senior Moves team creates organizational strategies to allow clients to keep what they love.How Senior Moves Saves Mementos Downsizing does not equate to throwing out all possessions. The process of downsizing requires a mindful understanding of what to keep and what to donate or discard. While every clients case is unique, the Senior Moves team helps all clients uncover what items to keep and move to their new home. Several items/mementos are standard keepers. These items include:  Favorite books  Photos and photo albums  Notes, cards, and letters from friends, family, and loved ones  Special clothing items (from children)  Handmade crafts and artwork  Personal collections  Knick knacks with a special meaning Everything Should Have a Space Every saved item must have a space, and possessions should not clutter a home. Any item can be saved, and the Senior Moves team works to find a home for each item. This space can be a shelf, an area of the wall, or even a more creative solution. If a cherished item brings joy, our team wants clients to keep that item. However, any item that takes up space but isnt used or cherished might be better off in a donation bin or left out for the trash pick-up. When a client chooses to keep any item, we aim to find a strategy for organizing, storing, or displaying it. Senior Moves uses creative solutions that help ensure that items can be saved without sacrificing space or organization. Saving Cards & Letters: Creating a Unique Memory Book Many clients have an abundant collection of old letters and cards. What do you do with these treasured mementos? Again, when every item needs space, organizing all correspondence into order sometimes necessitates creativity. One simple solution for organizing these items is to create a memory book. Large retailers like Walmart and Target offer three-ring binders and clear page protectors that can be used to create a book for storing cards, letters, and other written memories. Our team helps create these books for clients, saving these precious items.How Senior Moves Organizes Cherished Photos Years ago, photos were printed and stored in envelopes or photo albums. In todays digital world, these photos can be scanned and saved to a device. In addition, photo albums can be printed with digital photos. Transforming hard-copy images into digital files saves space and time. Photo collages or framed photos also enable clients to save the images and create unique artwork for their walls. Collages can be themed for anniversaries, vacations, birthdays, etc. In addition, digital picture frames exhibit a collection of images; these pictures scroll in the frame, allowing guests and visitors to see various cherished images. Solutions to Preserve Handmade Items and Artwork Children often create handmade artwork and crafts as gifts to their parents or grandparents. These unique pieces serve as tactile memories. Artwork and drawings are collected into extensive collections, and choosing a few favorites for framing might be necessary. Thanks to digital technology, all of those masterpieces can be saved. The team at Senior Moves can photograph each drawing, painting, or craft and digitally preserve it. Turn Old Clothing Crafts into A Memory Quilt A memory quilt is designed from special garments; these quilts include the clothing of a lost loved one, while others are created from t-shirts or jerseys from a childs youth. Memory quilts also allow individuals to keep special baby blankets and garments in a meaningful way. Small pieces of clothing create the patches used to make the quilt, which can be draped on beds, sofas, or even displayed on a wall. Senior Moves helps clients preserve special clothing and linens by working with companies and individuals who create these unique quilts. Personal Collections: A Labor of Love Worth Keeping An individuals interest might lead them to amass a collection of items. We have seen many unique collections through the years and understand the dedication and joy that collections bring. Some clients collect vintage records, baseball cards, figurines, or model cars, and collections can also align with a theme. For example, a collection focusing on the individuals interest in elephants might feature plush animals, statues, jewelry, or even lamps. If a collection brings joy, we help you move it! We focus on creating a solution for storing or exhibiting the collection, ensuring it fits into the new home. We can even create a designated space that accommodates for more additions to a still-growing collection.Senior Moves Organizes (and Saves) Joyful Knick Knacks Many of our clients save knick knacks they received from friends and family or tiny treasures that they purchased during a vacation. Knick knacks are those little statues, figurines, or items displayed on shelves, mantles, bookshelves, and nightstands. Over the decades, these tiny items grow in number. By the time seniors need to move or downsize, knick-knacks might be displayed in every room in the home. Should they all be saved and moved to a new space? Knick knacks are tricky possessions. These tiny items hold many memories, some with more meaning than others. If knick-knack collections are extensive, we might recommend that our clients only take the most meaningful items. However, there are always exceptions. Some clients have space for all their tiny treasures and are adamant about keeping all these memories. If every tiny figure holds joy, we work with clients to find a solution to move them to the next place. Again, creativity can be key. Floating shelves or display cases can store these treasures. The Stuffed Bookshelf: Why Books Are Never a Burden Avid readers and book lovers do not need to donate all the books in their library. Books are bound reminders of characters and adventures that transported the mind to another place and time. Personal book libraries can be vast, overflowing on many bookcases and shelves, spilling out of boxes, and hiding in drawers. In some cases, not all of a clients bound adventures can move to another home. Yet, the Senior Moves team believes that a clients favorite books should always make a move. While choosing which books to donate and which books to keep can be difficult, the decision simplifies when our clients understand that donated books always enjoy another life. Senior Moves always recommends keeping any autographed book, rare or higher-priced hardback books, and any book an individual wants to read repeatedly. We all have a favorite book; you dont have to part with yours!FAQ: Keep What You Love Does Goodwill take books? Yes, Goodwill accepts books for donation. However, the Senior Moves team can also find other organizations for book donations. We also help our clients create book displays to keep the books they love! How do you display collectibles on shelves? Senior Moves has years of experience with organizing collectibles and creating beautiful displays. Trust us to showcase the collections, knick-knacks, and items that make you happy. We will find a place for everything you want to keep. Where to make a memory quilt? Memory quilts incorporate different articles of clothing, old blankets, and other textile items to create a meaningful quilt. The Senior Moves team will help find trusted individuals experienced in creating these beautiful quilts. What is the best way to digitize old photos? The Senior Moves team has a process for digitizing old photos to preserve them forever. We help every client keep all photos organized and help create photo albums to showcase all these memories.

Senior Moves works with seniors to remove the stress from the moving process. We offer various moving support services and create a personalized moving plan for each individual. We handle the most challenging details and the tiny last-minute details, too. Our team wants each senior client to understand that we are their partner and our job doesn't end once the last box is unpacked.While we handle all the details, the Senior Moves team also offers a few tips to guide seniors as they prepare to relocate. Explore our moving guide to learn the top 10 moving tips for seniors to help us meet every moving need.Statistics About Moving SeniorsAccording to a report published by the Census Bureau that highlighted senior moving patterns from 2015 to 2019, more than three million seniors (aged 65 and older) made a move the year before they participated in the report. Senior years are often marked by moving, although the reasons for a move vary. Some downsize to a smaller home; others move to a senior living community or a beach-side condo to celebrate retirement.A United Movers Study found that more than half of moves were for seniors (age 55 and older). The same report found that many seniors gravitated to warm climates. As more seniors decide to make a move, they might discover that they no longer wish to tackle this journey solo. Senior move managers help seniors acclimate to their new community and provide a supportive resource. Home should be a sanctuary; we create a comforting environment that makes seniors feel safe and secure in their new homes.Table of Contents:Ask us anything.We love feedback.Don't be afraid to make requests.We will find the best resource for you if we don't know.Please share your feelings with us.You can reach out for help after your move is complete.Explore your new community, and ask us to help you.Trust us to set up utilities or other home needs.Know when to take a break, and understand it's OK to take a moment.Understand that your move is unique, and your move manager is here to help manage any unique challenges.FAQsKey TakeawaysSenior Moves specializes in assisting seniors in relocating to a new home and adjusting to their new home. Use our moving guide to learn more about the questions and requests we encourage from our clients. Why You Should Ask Us AnythingMoving to a new home can be emotionally draining and stressful. The first step in our process is meeting face-to-face with each client. We learn your needs and concerns and answer any questions. We encourage seniors to ask us anything.This meeting allows the Senior Move manager to find ways to provide help. Some seniors only want our assistance with packing and unpacking boxes. However, other moves are more complicated. Ask us your questions. We will do our best to accommodate any request if we can provide a supportive service. Seniors who are worried about details can entrust us to handle them. Ask us anything so we know how to help.We Love FeedbackConstructive criticism is encouraged. We love feedback. Some moves involve us arranging rooms and hanging pictures. If you don't like a design detail, let us know.Your move manager wants your home to feel comfortable and welcoming. We will work with each client to design a layout ideal for each individual's needs and requests. These plans can change if seniors have other preferences. Never worry about being too honest. This is your home, and we want you to be happy. Don't be Afraid to Make RequestsWhen meeting with your move manager, make requests related to services you need. We want to know how we can best assist you. If you need help moving a car across the U.S., packing and unpacking, and selling your home, we will create a plan addressing each detail.Let us know all the services you might need. Your move manager is your main contact and resource; the most important information you can give them is how they can best help you.We Find the Best Resources A move involves numerous team members, and we oversee the entire process. We help every client find the best local moving company and partner with your real estate agent to prepare your house for sale. In addition, we can help you find cleaning companies for your new home and set up and establish utility accounts. When you need help selling items that cannot make the move, we host estate sales and research every item to maximize each sale. Please Share Your Feelings with UsMoving involves a range of emotions. You might feel anxious, excited about the new home, stressed about the prospect of moving, or sad as you leave a forever home behind. Emotions often come in waves, and some emotions are unpredictable. Packing an item might move you to tears. We understand.Please share your feelings with us. Our team can often ease your anxiety or stress by talking you through the process. We also love to hear stories about your home's memories and items that you have collected. We are here to listen and help. Our Work Isn't Complete After Your MoveAfter you've acclimated to your new home, we're still here to help you. If you have a question or concern and need tips on finding the best service provider or handyman, we are still available to help you. Feel free to contact us and use your move manager as a resource. Explore Your New Community, and Let Us Be Your GuideAdjusting to your community requires exploring the area. Whether you have moved into a tight-knit senior living community or just a new neighborhood, let us be your guide to help you feel comfortable and safe.Your move manager will explore the area with you. Together, we can find the best grocery stores, your closest hospital, a vet for your pet, and anything else you might need.If you move into a senior community, we will explore the grounds and facilities. We will meet the staff, learn more about activities, and find out all the best opportunities for socializing and accessing what you need. We won't leave until you feel comfortable.Senior Moves Helps with Setting Up Utilities in a New HomeContacting utility providers can be challenging. How do you change the address on your account? How do you move cable services or set up a new account with an electric provider?Don't worry about these details. Senior Moves can establish your accounts for you to ensure the lights, cable, internet, and water are ready for you when you move in. We will provide you with all your account details and contact information to find help if there is a service outage or other concern. Taking a Break is OKMoving is a process. Sometimes, the process is long. There might be moments when emotions run strong. Maybe you need to cry. Maybe you are overwhelmed.It's OK to take a break. We understand if you cannot watch as cherished items are packed away. We know transitioning to a new space is draining; sometimes, it's scary or stressful. The memories flood you, and the tears won't stop. We understand. If you need a break, it's OK. We will give you space and time. Just tell us.Understand It's Your Move Your home is filled with memories, and downsizing takes time. Your move will be unique. The services you need from us are tailored to meet your needs and specifications. The move also is scheduled to fit your timeline. Share with us what you need. Tell us how we can help you make your move easy and stress-free. We act as the hands that move you into the next stage of your life's journey; we pack your items, move your furniture, and arrange the home. Yet, we also hold your hand through the entire process. When you're ready to downsize or make a move, contact us. Meet our move managers and learn how Senior Moves creates a moving plan to help you manage your relocation.Senior Moves FAQHow do we get started with Senior Moves?First, we'll develop a plan for your move. We'll figure out a feasible timetable and then schedule the work. One of the first things you can do is start thinking about what you'd like to take.What can Senior Moves do to help me with my move?Just about anything that will make your move easier for you. We can suggest places you might like to live, help you decide what to take with you, pack, unpack, organize your new home, and dispose of the items you had to leave behind.I'm concerned that my new place won't feel like home to me. I like the way things are here.We'll do our best to make your new home feel like your current home if you like. We can arrange pictures on the wall just as you have them now, and place other items so that it feels familiar to you.What if we want to take the car with us, or we don't need the car any more?We can make arrangements for the car to be moved, sold, or donated.How much will it cost me to use Senior Moves' services?Each move is unique. At the time of the consultation, we'll take a look at what needs to be done, and then we'll be able to answer this question. There are many factors that affect the fee: the size of your house, the volume of your belongings, the amount of participation you and/or your family is able to offer.

When the Senior Moves team manages a move, we focus on the positives of the experience. Our goal is to remove the stress and uncertainty (and physical labor) from seniors as they downsize, age in place, or transition to a senior living community. Yet, as senior move managers, we must address one unspoken truth: moving is emotional.For some, moving elicits absolute joy and excitement; others feel worry and apprehension or sadness and grief. Many cycle through all these feelings. Those who experience deep sadness might wonder: "Why is moving so emotional?"There is not a simple answer to this question. Rest assured, grieving a forever home is normal. Being thrilled with selling that home is also perfectly ok. For those who feel profound grief at the thought of moving from their home, we are exploring why and how the loss of that home weighs so heavily on your heart.Table of Contents:Emotions Downsizing Your HomeWhy You Have Difficulty DownsizingSorting, Packing, Donatingand GriefManaging the Meaning of ThingsExperiencing Moving GriefThe Emotional Stress of MovingWhy Is Moving so Stressful?Synopsis:Grief can be a part of moving. Saying goodbye to a home and keeping the items that bring the most happiness can help alleviate the feelings of loss. The Emotions Downsizing Your Home"Downsizing" in real estate refers to moving to a smaller home. Downsizing is incredibly common during the retirement years. Many individuals or couples downsize from a large home to a condo or smaller home. Others move in with their older children. Some move into a senior communitywhere an individual moves does not necessarily make the move easier or more difficult. A move looks and feels different for everyone.Why You Have Difficulty DownsizingThe difficulty in downsizing emerges in waves for some, but others simultaneously experience a barrage of emotions. Individuals moving to a smaller home or even a condo on a beach might initially feel excited and exhilarated at the prospect of moving and starting a new phase of their lives. Others might dread the idea of moving.The Grief Recovery Center discusses elements of Moving Grief; this type of grief deals with the vast emotional losses individuals experience during a move. A move could lead to the loss of a support network (friends and family) and the loss of old familiar habits; individuals might leave behind favorite restaurants, their church, favorite parks and places, and so much more.Sorting, Packing, Donatingand GriefDownsizing requires homeowners to part with some or many possessions. Furniture and other items may be donated, sold, given away, or left for the trash pickup. This facet of the moving process triggers an emotional response for many individuals because sorting through items in the home leads to a feeling of loss. This home is no longer home. Not every item in the home moves on to the next phase. Grieving, in this situation, is normal.Managing the Meaning of ThingsPacking and sorting lead individuals to physically reconnect with items they might not have looked at in years. Books, cards, trinkets, pictures, and everyday items mean much more than the eye perceives.Every item in our home represents a memory. Every room of a home rekindles recollections of events, past joys, milestones, and cherished moments. A table jolts a memory of playing a board game with kids when they were young. Old greeting cards hold the jagged scribbled names of toddlers or the perfect penmanship of lost loved ones. The wall next to the kitchen still shows the remnant pencil lines etching the growth of years.Each nook, cranny, corner, and item plays back a reel telling the story of a lifetime in a home. Senior Moves teaches every client in this situation how to manage the meaning of "things." We help individuals understand that if an item brings happiness and holds an irreplaceable meaning, then it's ok to hold onto it. The meaning of things plays a huge role in managing a move; that jolt of emotion for an item might not last, but sometimes, parting with a piece of life is not an option. We love Marie Kondo's philosophy. The question: "Does it spark joy?" is apt for many moves we manage. This question is a simple litmus test: if an item doesn't bring joy or spark wonderful memories, does it really need to move to the new phase of life? The goal for any move is to keep every item that is meaningful. Senior Moves focuses on helping seniors understand how they can keep the items they love, and we help them find solutions and strategies for organizing these memories. We also help them realize that not every item needs to move on. Some items could be enjoyed by others, sparking another generation of joy and memories. Experiencing Moving GriefSaying goodbye to a forever home takes an emotional toll on some individuals. Grief can be a part of the moving experience. The Grief Recovery Center explains that moving requires individuals to deal with a loss; while a home is not a person, it does hold very personal and important memories. The Grief Recovery Center recommends that individuals who are dealing with moving grief should allow time to process these feelings; say goodbye to the home. We know that this process looks and feels different for each person. Saying goodbye also doesn't mean an actual goodbye in words, but, rather, spending time before the move to remember and process feelings of joy, sadness, and all the other emotions held to the home. Grief also comes in waves. Even those who take the time to say goodbye and process their feelings might still deal with residual sadness or loss related to leaving their old home. Goodbye is a journey. The Emotional Stress of MovingFeelings of grief also mix with another emotion: stress. When clients trust us to help them move, they also trust that we will help lessen the stress of moving. We do, of course! The process of moving DIY is stressful; individuals must manage the packing, organizing, cleaning, and hiring movers. We urge family members not to let seniors tackle a move alone. The stress of moving is both emotional and physical. Carrying boxes, lifting items, and managing all the other tasks involved with relocating and downsizing carry a huge emotional stress burden for seniors.Why Is Moving so Stressful?For us, moving isn't stressfulit's our job. The Senior Moves team focuses on relieving stress for our clients. We manage the tasks that they don't want to (or simply can't) tackle. Moving doesn't have to be stressful; with help and support from Senior Moves, seniors embarking on downsizing or moving to a senior community can focus on the joy of the journey and the new experiences and memories that await them. 

Downsizing often leads to seniors wondering how to keep numerous boxes and albums filled with old photographs. These mementos capture memories of the past and are important links to a familys personal history. Preserving them is crucial for future generations to learn about ancestors, and these photos serve as a joyful reminder of wonderful moments and memories.The importance of photo preservation is even more pertinent to Floridians now. The brutal impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on Florida resulted in massive home damage, including destructive flooding that washed away cherished possessions. Whether you need to downsize for a future move or just want to be proactive in protecting your photos, heres what to remember about preserving photos for the future. How to Preserve Old Photos in an AlbumBefore digital cameras and small cameras built into smartphones, photographs required using a standard camera. Users had to take the film for development, and no one knew the quality of the photos until they were finally printed. Polaroid cameras allowed for photos to be taken and viewed instantly. The small photos developed before the eyes of the photographer. Polaroids, as the photos were dubbed, became the first instant photo.Members of the Baby Boomer generation and Gen X likely have photo albums filled with visual memories of trips, family outings, holidays, and candid moments with friends. How do you preserve old photos in an album?One of the easiest ways to preserve these memories is by scanning them onto a thumb drive or saving them on a cloud-based system. In addition, sites like Snapfish and Shutterfly let users create an account that allows them to download photos and create digital photo albums. Users can add these photos to mugs or merchandise for a unique photo gift. What Is the Best Way to Preserve Old Photos?Digitizing photos is the easiest way to preserve old photos to ensure they last a lifetime. Senior Moves can help clients find companies specializing in digitizing family photos, or clients can have family members help with this project.Seniors need a scanner and a computer to manage the preservation and digital conversion at home. Depending on the number of photos that need to be digitized, the project could take quite a bit of time. How to Preserve Family PhotosOrganizing digital family photos is crucial to managing them for future generations. Ideally, photos should be sorted into files that help identify the date/year and the event to which they are tied. For example, master files may be labeled by year with subfolders created to store photos for different events and occasions. What Is the Best Way to Store Photos After Digitizing Them?Many individuals do not wish to discard the old photos after digitizing them. This is completely understandable. However, organizing the photos is necessary to ensure they dont clutter the home or become just another stack of items on a table. Use large storage containers to hold photos; use airtight containers and bags to protect these precious memories. Senior Moves recommends using vacuum-sealed bags for easy and safe photo storage. When displaying photographs, keep them away from direct sunlight. The UV destroys the colors in photographs. Also, never use a cleaning agent to wipe down framed photos. The chemicals can seep beneath the frame and ruin the photograph. Use a soft cloth to wipe dust from frames. This Is the Best Way to Store Digital Photos Long TermComputers eventually hit the end of their functionality. Do NOT rely on a computer hard drive to store photos. Instead, save photos to a secure cloud storage site or online photo album hub. Use thumb drives for an additional backup storage option. Save digital photos in multiple places for additional peace of mind. Best Practices for Archiving Old PhotosThe Library of Congress offers fantastic tips and best practices for archiving photos. When saving digital photos online or on the cloud, they recommend adding tags and captions to help identify and categorize each photo. This tip simplifies finding photos, which is especially useful as the online photo collection grows.The Library of Congress also recommends making multiple copies of the entire photo inventory, and one of the back-up files of photos should be stored with important paperwork. Consider storing a thumb drive of the photo library in a safe deposit box with other major documents (like deeds, birth certificates, etc.).Save and Save AgainThe digital advice of save often is extremely relevant for digital photo copies. The Library of Congress advises that individuals create new digital copies of photos every five years and recommends checking files yearly.How to Preserve Old Letters and DocumentsPhotos are not the only important physical memento that should be digitized. Make digital copies of important letters and legal documents, too. This ensures that these documents are preserved during a natural disaster. Scan wills, deeds, car titles, and any other legal documents. Birth certificates and social security cards can be scanned, but hard copies are required for secure identification. Digital copies of these items also could increase the risk of identity theft. Other Mementos Worth DigitizingScanning physical documents allows these items to be saved on a website, thumb drive, or a cloud-based storage site. Photographs and legal documents are scanned for long-term preservation, but seniors can also consider making digital copies of these mementos:Childrens drawingsGreeting cardsNote cards with family recipesPostcardsSchool documents (old report cards, programs from plays, concerts, recitals and graduations)Newspaper clippings Companies Specializing in Preserving Digital MemoriesSome companies and professionals specialize in helping clients digitize and preserve photos and other mementos. Senior Moves connects clients to these professionals to ensure nothing is lost or misplaced when moving or downsizing. The Senior Moves team always recommends that clients digitize photos as a means of preserving them for future generations and mitigate loss in the event of a hurricane, fire, or other disaster.To learn more about downsizing services, contact Senior Moves to schedule a consultation and discuss long-term solutions for preserving photo collections and other mementos.

Alzheimers disease impacts the lives of seven million Americans who suffer from this disease, but millions more feel the effects as the disease steals the memories of a loved one. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 55 million individuals around the globe live with dementia; experts estimate that Alzheimers accounts for the majority of dementia cases (60 to 70 percent).As Alzheimers disease progresses, individuals lose the ability to manage everyday tasks, including crucial self-care (like getting dressed and eating independently). September 21 marks World Alzheimers Day, which seeks to increase awareness about the disease and its symptoms and fight the stigma linked to Alzheimers diagnosis.  Table of Contents:Dementia vs. Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers SymptomsEarly Signs of Alzheimers DiseaseStages of Alzheimers DiseaseWhat Is a Memory Care Facility?Signs Its Time For Memory CareCosts of Memory CareHow Senior Moves Helps Families of Alzheimers PatientsKey Takeaways:Alzheimers disease touches the lives of tens of millions of individuals across the world. World Alzheimers Day unites families as they strive to increase awareness, remove the stigma about this disease, and find the best care and support for their loved ones.Dementia Vs. Alzheimers DiseaseIndividuals diagnosed with Alzheimers disease have dementia as part of the disease progression. However, not all individuals with dementia are diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Dementia, the loss of memory and judgment, is a symptom of numerous diseases and medical conditions. Race Against Dementia explains that dementia is also a symptom of Huntingtons disease, hydrocephalus, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In addition, numerous types of dementia exist; Parkinsons disease dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia are independent diagnoses. However, Alzheimers disease accounts for the majority of dementia casesaround 70 to 80 percent!Alzheimers SymptomsOnly a doctor can properly diagnose Alzheimers disease. However, individuals should learn to understand and identify this disease's numerous warning signs and red flags. Early diagnosis ensures that patients may begin care and medication to help slow disease progression. Early Signs of Alzheimers DiseaseAge leads to common memory issues; misplacing car keys and retracing steps to find them is a common problem. Forgetting an occasional appointment also may be a common issue correlated to growing older. There are many red flags of Alzheimers disease or dementia that are not related to growing older, including:Forgetting conversations and asking the same questions repeatedlyGetting lost while going to a familiar location. Losing items and finding them in unusual places (a wallet may be in a kitchen cabinet)Struggling with basic problem solving (balancing a checkbook, making a familiar meal, etc.)Inability to track time (dressing for fall when its summer)Visual issues (struggling with depth perception)Communication struggles (forgetting a word is normal, but forgetting common objects is a red flag)Making poor judgements (dementia patients may give away possessions or make large donations without thinking of the impact)Disinterest in friends or social experiencesAnger, frustration, and other mood issuesThe Stages of Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers disease is progressive, and it is unfortunately fatal. According to the Alzheimers Association, the disease has three stages: early, middle, and late.The earliest stages of Alzheimers typically lead to subtle memory issues; at this point, family and friends may notice that their loved one struggles with memory issues. They may forget appointments or constantly ask the same questions. The early stage is when small red flags appear.Alzheimers middle stage leads to more serious memory concerns. The Alzheimers Association explains that patients may forget personal information, get lost in familiar areas, struggle with time, and their bladder or bowels may begin to fail as patients lose the ability to control these functions. Mood and personality also begin to change.The late stage of Alzheimers disease is the final and most severe stage. Communication may be difficult or impossible. Patients must receive 24/7 care, as they cannot eat or get dressed. Eventually, the disease overtakes the body, and eating and swallowing becomes impossible. The Alzheimers journey may endure for nearly two decades, from the beginning or early stages to the final stage of the disease. However, every patient is different.  What Is a Memory Care Facility?As an individual near the middle and late stages of Alzheimers, symptoms increase, and the ability to manage daily tasks becomes untenable. Alzheimers patients may wander, posing a risk to their safety. Judgment also wanes, and Alzheimers patients may jeopardize their financial wellbeing by making poor money management decisions.Eventually, Alzheimers patients require around-the-clock care and support. Family members may discover that they can no longer care for their parents or relatives and may begin to research future care and health management options.A memory care facility is a special residential facility that specializes in the unique care needs of dementia patients. Individuals receive 24/7 care and monitoring, with assistance for managing medications, safety, and support for activities of daily living (ADL) like getting dressed, bathing, going to the bathroom, eating, and mobility. Memory care facilities typically feature alarms at every exit that activates when a patient tries to leave.Signs Its Time for a Memory Care FacilityThe choice to move a parent or loved one into a memory care facility is very personal. How do you know its time for memory care? Many family members make the difficult decision to place their parent or family member in memory care when the individuals safety becomes compromised. While family members may provide care, dementia and Alzheimers disease gets worse over time. Individuals may start to leave their home and wander. They may make poor financial decisions or become openly hostile. As Alzheimers progresses, individuals need help with eating, bathing, and going to the bathroom. Family members may realize that they are unable to provide the level of care their loved one needs, and memory care becomes the bestand the safestoption. Costs of Memory CarePrivate insurance typically does not cover the cost of memory care facilities. However, some facilities could accept Medicaid. Dementia Care reports that memory care facilities cost around $54K annually (a national average). In some states, the cost could be higher or lower. Families may visit numerous facilities to find the best care for their parent or loved one. Prices may vary, but amenities also could be very different at each facility. How Senior Moves Helps Families of Alzheimers PatientsWhen the home is no longer safe and independence is no longer an option, families must begin to transition their loved ones to a residential care facility. Senior Moves works with families to make this transition easier for everyone. Our team helps families prepare a home for sale. Senior Moves works with family members to sort through every possession, labeling piles to keep, donate, or discard. Our team also organizes and cleans the home, staging it to appeal to the most buyers.Senior Moves helps with the move, too. We pack and unpack and arrange the new room to feel more like home. Our team also works with families to help ease the transition to a new space. Our team understands the difficulty of a dementia diagnosis. We walk family members through every step of the transition and help ease their minds (and hearts) as they prepare their parents (or loved ones) for a move to a memory care unit. Learn more about the services we offer, and reach out to our team to schedule a consultation. 

Summer is the most popular time of year to plan a move. Students are out of school, and the long vacation provides the ideal opportunity to acclimate children and teens to a new environment. According to data compiled by USA Today, 44 percent of individuals who moved (with professional assistance) scheduled their move for summer. Only 12 percent moved during the winter months. While summer is the most popular time for moving, managing a summer move solo is not advisable for everyone (especially seniors). There are many risks to managing a summer move; learn why you need to enlist the professionals when planning a move during the summer. Table of Contents: Moving Preparation for Summer Moves Things to Consider When Moving During the Summer Quick Tips for Moving in Summer Tips for Cross-Country Moves What to Know About Summer Moving Costs Mail Transfer Service: Dont Forget This Final DetailUSPS Mail Forwarding The Numbers Behind a Move: What It Takes To Pack, Unpack, Clean, and Prepare Key Takeaways: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving. The higher demand leads to higher costs. In addition, moving in the summer heat can exacerbate medical conditions, posing a health threat for seniors. Senior move managers take on the physical duties of the move, allowing seniors to relax and prepare for their new home. Moving Preparation for Summer Moves For seniors, summer is an ideal season to schedule a move as family members may be more available; teen grandchildren also could aid in the moving experience. However, some seniors move during the summer simply because they must relocate ASAP. Regardless of whether moving during summer is a choice or chance, choosing professional senior move managers simplifies the relocation process and provides seniors with trusted resources and compassionate professionals to guide them through the process. Senior Moves manages many issues during summer moves that are unique to the season. The most common include torrential downpours and extreme heat. Summer in Florida leads to heavy rain and days where the heat feels sweltering. In August 2023, Sarasota was hit by nine inches of rainfall, and temperatures reached about 90 degrees on average. Heavy rainfall and high temperatures are the norm for us, and we are experienced in working in any extreme weather. Unfortunately, many individuals are inexperienced in managing the often physical activities of moving during the summer heat. This extreme heat can exacerbate heart conditions, asthma, and arthritis (as heat leads to swelling); rain-soaked surfaces and streets also present a fall hazard. Seniors should not take on burdensome physical tasks in the extreme heat. While many senior clients are part of moving day and the moving process, Senior Moves always ensures that we tackle the tough work; we want our senior clients to focus on the excitement of moving to a new space. The best way for seniors to prepare for a move in summer is to contact the Senior Moves team for assistance. We create moving plans specific to every individuals needs and walk them through the process, from helping them pack to providing settling-in services at a new home.Things to Consider When Moving During the Summer Summer is the most popular time of year to move, and this places a serious demand on professional movers, move managers, and others who guide this process. When seniors anticipate moving, they should reach out to consult with senior move managers ASAP. Calendars book up quickly, and many individuals need support during a move. Once clients begin their moving journey with us, our team tackles all the steps to prepare for the summer move. We immediately help seniors schedule professional movers and recommend real estate professionals (when or if seniors must sell their homes). Quick Tips for Moving in Summer The Senior Moves team manages the work and physical aspects of moving. We also help seniors emotionally acclimate to a new space. Summer moves require additional care and details to ensure seniors stay comfortable throughout the move process. These five simple tips for breezy summer moves help us stay cool and keep our clients comfortable, too: 1. Schedule utility activation for the day of move-in (make sure the electricity is ON and the air conditioner is working) 2. Use fans to keep cool when moving 3. Buy lots of bottled water for optimum hydration 4. Keep pets out of the heat 5. Schedule moving activities during the morning (when its cooler) Tips for Cross-Country Moves Cross-country moves are often more complex. Senior Moves schedules all moving companies in advance. We also help seniors plan and research utility activation at their new homes. Cross-country moves also may require transporting a clients vehicle (or multiple vehicles). Senior Moves helps arrange these services, too. The Senior Moves team also uses these tactics for simplifying cross-country moves and keeping every item in order: Donate or discard unused or unwanted items. More items cost more to move! Create packing lists and code boxes to simplify tracking possessions.Get multiple bids on moving services and always pay attention to reviews (word-of-mouth recommendations are HUGE). Pack the most precious items with you (in the car, on a plane, etc.). Get deadlines in writing; when will those items arrive at the new home? Make sure everything is in writing! What to Know About Summer Moving Costs The majority of moves occur during the summer months. The high demand for moving help, including professional movers, cross-country logistics companies, and other moving support professionals, could lead to higher charges. When demand is high, costs naturally increase. Think about peak travel season and its impact on airfare and lodging prices; the moving industry experiences similar cost fluctuations. Seniors and their families should prepare for a summer move as soon as possible. When seniors choose our team to support a move or relocation, they receive guidance and professional support for researching costs associated with other moving professionals. Senior Moves helps every client find moving companies that fit their needs and align with their budget. However, if clients wait until the last minute to plan a summer move, they will encounter higher service costs. Unfortunately, moving professionals and others who provide services for a move could also be completely booked for the summer. Seniors could be scrambling and paying a premium to find assistance. Consumer Affairs talked to travel blogger Jenny Ly, who explained how timing impacts moving costs. Ly noted that weekend moves are more expensive, and peak moving season (May through early fall) also bumps costs. Ly recommended scheduling a move from October through April. She also recommended midweek moves. How much can seniors expect to spend on a move? While Angi reported that a move costs on average between $880 to $2,540, the area of the move and the timing of the move all affect the final cost. In addition, more items also lead to higher costs.Mail Transfer Service: Dont Forget This Final and Very Important Moving Detail! In the craziness of moving, one detail often falls through the cracks for individuals handling their move. Mail transfer services are crucial to ensuring that mail from the old address finds its way to the new home. While many individuals change the address for their bank account and for other important accounts, it is common for individuals to forget to change their address for every account. Use mail transfer services to forward mail to the new location. USPS Mail Forwarding The simplest way for seniors to ensure their mail arrives at their new home address is to utilize USPS mail forwarding services. The process can be completed online or in-person. Senior Moves team members also can take care of the process. To set up mail forwarding online, visit: https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm The Numbers Behind a Move: What it Takes to Pack, Unpack, Clean, and Prepare Some individuals think they are prepared to tackle every aspect of the move. How hard is it to move? Most individuals underestimate how moving tasks like packing will take them; unfortunately, some assume they can pack an entire home in one day. Use our chart to understand the time and dedication involved in every move fully.TaskTime EstimateWhat is InvolvedPacking a bedroom8 hoursFolding clothesPacking clothesPacking shoesFolding linensPacking linensPacking lamps Removing and packing items for end tables Packing and securing jewlery Packing photos and knick knacksPacking a Bathroom6 hoursWashing and packing linens Packing toiletries Packing cleaning supplies Discarding old or outdated makeup and cleaning suppliesPacking a Kitchen8 hoursOrganizing and packing pots and pans Organizing and packing  dishware Organizing and packing utensils Organizing and packing serving dishes Organizing and packing small appliances Organizing and packing spicesPacking a Dining Room6 hoursOrganizing and packing art or photos Organizing and packing fine china Organizing and packing crystal Preparing a dining table for the move (protecting the surface and removing legs)Packing a Living Room 8 hoursOrganizing and packing photos Organizing and packing books Organizing and packing artwork Folding and packing throw blankets (or pillows) Organizing and packing digital equipment and movies (if applicable) Organizing and packing fragile items (like knick knacks)Cleaning Each Room4 to 6 hours (sometimes longer)Vacuuming carpetsMopping floors Wiping down/disinfecting surfaces DustingMoving Furniture4 hours or more for each room (depending on the complexity/weight of each piece)Dismantling beds / tables Installing protective coverings over glass or upholstery (for chairs) Packing hardware Moving each piece The time allocations are estimates. Seniors may need more time to complete these tasks if they feel fatigued or overwhelmed. Moving takes an incredible amount of time, and packing and prepping must begin in advance. When seniors enlist the help of Senior Moves, these time-consuming tasks fall to us, not our clients. Use professional senior move managers to help with a summer move. Schedule a consultation with Senior Moves today!