Senior Moving Checklist: First Steps
Happy Monday, all! Let’s dive right into my world with a Senior Moving Checklist: First Steps.
My reality is that, like it or not, at age 71…I am a senior… and that is why I am creating a Senior Moving Checklist.
I told you that I would take you along in my journey with Mr. B to relocate to another city at the end of September, so let’s get it started.
Our move is 37 days away…yikes! Does kind of make me want to hide in one of the big boxes around me.
But, seriously, let me share with you my Senior Moving Checklist: First Steps.
SENIOR MOVING CHECKLIST: FIRST STEPS: HELP IS ON THE WAY
I knew exactly where our senior moving checklist needed to start.
Mr. B and I have only moved with rented trucks, family and friends as assistants.
As they aged, the football player sons were very handy!
But, since we are technically seniors, I knew it would take more help than that…so the first step for me was to look at major moving companies.
This is one time that customer reviews proved to be very helpful.
Also, helpful is a very knowledgeable customer representative compassionate to seniors and first time customers.
I found all that I was looking for in North American Van Lines, and we have hired them to move us to a new city.
Of course, I will update you on the other end as to how this works out.
North American Van Lines…I am looking forward to a successful, stress-free move with you!
SENIOR MOVING CHECKLIST: FIRST STEPS: NEXT
Next on my Senior Moving Checklist was the decision to pay North American Van Lines to pack us.
However, I must purge and consolidate our “stuff” before that happens.
This is the step I am currently in the middle of…so far…purging is going on very well, and even organizing is happening.
My top question…“Do I want to pay to move this?” If there is a doubt, it is donated.
Mr. B keeps reminding me that we are paying them to pack…I have been tempted several times to do the packing.
Though I do not feel like a senior, I still want them to pack in order to protect my energy levels that week.
I know I will nevertheless be tired, but I hope to save something for setting up the new space.
You might guess that Christmas has been my largest challenge on my Senior Moving Checklist.
I had parts of it stored all over the house.
So the past two weekends has been all about Christmas…what to keep…what to protect with bubble wrap…and consolidating into a few boxes.
These are my first steps on my Senior Move Checklist. As I have new experiences, I will add to It.
I know some of you may want to chime in with your own Senior Move Checklist: First Steps.
This community is so precious on how we help one another.
Until tomorrow…….
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!!
By Pamela Lutrell
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way. These provisions are very much needed now more than ever.
When we downsized and moved into a condo, one of the most valuable services we used was a junk hauler. He took everything left in our garage and backyard after we’d packed, even sweeping the garage floor and walls!
Great decision on using a moving company! The cost is well worth it. Just be cautious on your “pre-packing”, as the company may not insure those items that you have bubble wrapped. You might want to check this aspect with them. Good luck with the purge!
You have made the right decision in spending the money to have professional packers and movers. As a military wife for many years I understand how stressful the process can be and now that I’m in my 70’s I couldn’t do it myself even if I wanted to. You are very brave to do this at this time of life. The burning question is – is there a Chico’s in Abilene? Lol. Sending you good vibes for a successful move!
We just moved to a senior community and a much smaller home. We left our 4 bedroom, 2 story home of 40 years. It was emotional and overwhelming. It also was freeing, getting rid of all the excess things that at one time seemed so important to have. Moving is not for the faint of heart! We packed ourselves. I would say if you are doing that, pace yourself. If you have the time, focus on packing only 2 or 3 boxes a day so you don’t overdo it. At the beginning I was enthusiastic and ready to get a lot done. But, you need to save your energy. At the end, there’s so many little things to finish up, you’re exhausted and are ready to move on! Good luck with your move. Enjoy your new home!
That is a great service! Thanks Tricia!
Thanks Barb…I will check on that!
Hi Janette, there is not a Chico’s in Abilene! 🥲
But I will make my content work!
We downsized from a four bedroom home with a finished basement into a condo a few years ago, it was hard at first. Once we got the ball rolling on what to keep, what to donate and what to sell it became a bit easier. We found for the most part our children do not want our stuff, styles have changed, they live a few states away as well and they are not quite as attached to things and mementoes as we are. We started selling things on Facebook, Nextdoor and at a local consignment store, we turned it into a game almost on how fast something would sell, it snowballed after that. Our dining room set sold to a lovely couple that texted me photos of the china cabinet all decorated for Christmas, it made me feel good that our old dining room set went to the right place, others could make memories with it. Not everything fit into our condo so it was nice to purchase some new items as well, being married a long time the realization was some of our things were dated and needed to go. Thank you for taking us on your moving journey, it is very tiring, we underestimated the work and stress of it all. Best of luck on your move.
Hi Sharon, I’m the post I explained that we are not doing all the packing.
We d coded to donate and not try to sell anything..,that is a whole level of time and stress I do not want right now. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your experiences — so relevant for so many. We never know when suddenly our plans to age in place will change. I have heard of the practice “Swedish Death Cleaning” — I believe that means organizing/curating your possessions in a way that when you leave this earth, loved ones and caretakers aren’t left with an overwhelming mess. You got this, Pam!
That is exactly what I am doing, Jean! I didn’t know it had a name! As I work on it, I keep thinking…why didn’t I do this before!
The only people I have ever known who have had a mover pack them were in the military and or were very very wealthy and moving into multimillion dollar homes.
Congrats on negotiating such a valuable brand deal!
We have moved many times due to my husband’s employment. I learned some things along the way. One thing that made a huge difference to unpacking at the other end (I never had it done by the moving company, usually because rooms never quite matched up from old home to new home). I took anything “decorative” and put everything on the floor of a room that was smaller and had fewer items anyway, for the pros to pack. This helped immensely at the other end, because decor was not essential to every day living like the kitchen and baths were. And, as many times as we relocated, I would always forget that the packers would pack everything in their paths, even if it was obviously out of place. Once the infant Tylenol was packed with tableware and knives because that was where I set it down after using it! I feel one of my badges of honor as a mom was awarded for moving across 5 states with four daughters 2, 8, 10, and 12 years old. We haven’t moved in 18 years now, and are facing one final relocation, and I dread it because we probably won’t use pros for all the parts. also, the purging seems unsurmountable at times. Good luck!
I have moved too many times in the last ten years. Once we had movers move us but the other times we packed ourselves and hired people to fill the truck. Each time I moved I got rid of more and more. How many coffee mugs do I need! I still have more than I need.
I packed myself every time and took it one room or one closet at a time. The basement and garage are the worst that is what my husband packed.
Just take it a day and a week at a time.
Well, I can assure you, Chris that we are not multi millionaires!! I am sitting here laughing! God provided almost the exact amount of the move in a surprise way.. He is good to all…even to the middle class.
The purging did seem insurmountable at first, but the more I do it, the more I want to keep purging. Still a lot ahead of me but I make myself have progress every day! Thanks for your tips, Paula.
Exactly what I am doing! I must make progress every day. Actually by not going too quickly, I am willing to let go of more. Thanks Paula!
After moving, I ended up replacing most of the furniture moved from our old house because I just didn’t like the scale and look in our new home!
I agree with the comment that movers will pack everything in their path. Our military daughter’s movers actually packed the kitchen trash! I did all of our packing and organizing and it went so smoothly. Everything was labeled with the intended room as well as the contents of each box. We actually moved four days before Christmas and I was able to decorate a tree and have a family Christmas dinner.
Good luck with your move, Pamela! New adventures are always fun.
Movers will pack the trash too, literally!
Take anything super valuable with you in your cars. Jewelry, guns, art, etc., as these may get stolen during the move.
When my Mother moved she didn’t pay for the packing service and it was not fun for my Sister and I! She had a terrible time parting with things.
I think the moto “we are paying them to pack” is a very good one that you can use to offset sentimentality when you’re thinking about memories.
You are moving closer to your “memories” and will have happy years ahead to find new treasures. Send the old treasures to Goodwill, a place you have loved to shop for years, and let someone else enjoy them.
It’s probably also a good time to offload large family gathering stuff to your Daughter and Sons. Of course you can cook and take food over to ease their load at holidays, but maybe they could be the keepers of those large dishes and pans.
We used a local company for our move back into town from the ranch four years ago, and because they were such great guys, we hired them again when we needed to move my folks just across town, and a couple of times to pop over and move bulky furniture for us. They took extra good care moving my baby grand. My best tip is to pack one box each: yours with personal essentials and a coffee maker, 2 mugs and makings; and for Mr. B’s box, his personal essentials, a box-cutter, screwdriver, and a baggie with the little pieces from your bed frame so that can be set up straight away. Oh, how I wish we all lived close by and could pepper you with casseroles and well-wishes that first week! 🤗💕🏡
Be sure and ask for a Senior Discount with your movers. Ours offered us one and we sure took it. Every little bit helped!
You are very wise to use a moving company for packing & moving. The last time we moved, we had someone move the large items but did the rest ourselves. It was exhausting, & I was much younger. Even though I am not moving, I am going into purge mode myself. After my living area refresh, I realize I still have way too much stuff, so before I take on my next project, I need to shed some of it. Maybe a lot of it. Good luck!
We took clothing and electronics and wedding album in our vehicle when we moved from Des Moines, IA to Buena Vista, CO in 1995. For some reason we got half in about a day after we arrived and the rest took two weeks. When we move down to Canon City, we used a local company here in town in 1999. They moved us down the mountain 7 miles when we built this house 9 years ago. We did the packing but I couldn’t do it now. Don’t forget, you will be doing all of the unpacking when you get there. Don’t forget your air mattress and linens as you may need it for a few nights.
Thank you…I will make sure to empty the trash!
Just saw that Mary Ruth…I don’t need to pay to move trash…I appreciate everyone who is sharing their experiences.
We do plan to do that. I will not trust my computer to anyone but me. We keep telling the dog not to worry!
You may be surprised, but it has actually been more difficult for Mr. B to let go of some things than me. I have to confess that I have donated just a few items and not told him. He is more of a sentimental soul…but we are working on it.
Part of our deal is that they set things up…so I hope we won’t need to do that. I do like the idea of our individual boxes planned ahead of time. Thanks Connie.
Wow…I do not believe that was mentioned. Thanks Beverly I am going to text the guy right now.
Hi Becky…as I do this, I regret not purging sooner. It is what it is, but I would advise anyone to begin to purge right away.
We don’t have an air mattress, but after this discussion, I think I will get one!
Between the time I saw your announcement and today, my life has taken an unexpected turn and we will be moving in the next few months, too! We’re downsizing from our 4-bedroom family home to a 3-bedroom villa (townhome), losing about 1,000 square feet, but also losing a HUGE amount of outside maintenance which has been weighing on our minds. I’m looking forward to reading your tips and experiences. We’re moving a few miles away from our current home, and I’ve spent the last year decluttering our house, but I expect it will still be a challenge to further downsize. If I come across any suggestions I haven’t already seen here, I’ll be sure to share. Looking at this as an adventure that will eventually greatly simplify and improve the quality of our lives. (Though I’m sure quite a few tears will be shed in the process…we’ve lived here since our son was two years old and this has been the hub for all out-of-town family and holiday gatherings.)
You’ll be grateful you opted the movers pack you. Reliable, fast. Also recommend professional cleaning service following move out. One less stressor hard on the body and spirit. I too am moving the last week Sept as a single retiree, only 10 miles within North Scottsdale to a lovely Active 55+ resort community. Thanks everyone for these helpful tips based on real experience. What a special community of readers our beloved Pam has cultivated!
Purge, purge, purge – it is the most freeing feeling to donate “stuff”. Our rule is if we still have half of what we started with, we didn’t purge enough. GET RID OF IT!! You’ll be so glad you did on the other end of your move, and you won’t miss what you’ve donated.
I haven’t moved in eighteen years, but helped my daughter move throughout her college years, as well as twice during her marriage. One thing that made a big difference in all those moves was having ready access to a clock, phone charger, toilet paper, and paper towels. You might consider adding those items to your personal box, or even packing a separate box that stays with you, marked “Unpack First!” I really appreciate your wise admonishment to start purging sooner, rather than later. I have started a major house purge in preparation for visitors from New Zealand next January. They will be staying three weeks, so I feel like the entire house must be organized and as decluttered as possible. I made a great start last week when my nephew was coming to stay for the weekend, but there are lots of things stashed in closets and my office that still need to be dealt with. Seeing your positive attitude helps me maintain mine, and I’ll be praying for your smooth transition to Abilene. If I am able to find a historic home I can afford next year, I want to be ready to put my house on the market on short notice, so purging now makes even more sense.
Having recently down sized and moved to a retirement community, I agree with your decision to hire movers and have them pack you. I would suggest an additional service, an organizer or clean up company, to help dispose of unwanted items. As you are finding, our kids and even thrift stores do not take much off our hands. Energy conservation is the name of the game. The emotional stress is enough on its own but hopefully once installed in your new home , it will all be worth it. Good luck!
Thank you, Penelope!
Having just moved my son and his partner into a new apartment, I suggest hiring cleaners to clean your new place from top to bottom before you arrive. I think you can leave your old place “broom clean” as that is usually the tradition. Cleaning after arriving with my son was not really what we had in mind! Not fun.
I will address things like this soon. Thanks Susan.