Tips for Moving Elderly Parents

As someone who is going through it, I believe I can offer some useful organizing tips.  The processes will be long, confusing, stressful and painful for your parents.  You too will have feelings of frustration, stress, and nervousness. 

First tip is to offer your help in eliminating what will not be going on the move.  Most parents are probably downsizing and will not need everything they currently possess.  Know that more than needed is usually taken.  You can not always get them to realize it but try to gently persuade them to eliminate as much as possible.   

Second tip to offer to take the items to a charity they feel good about.  You will find that if you let your parent know that someone else could really use it, they are more likely to let it go.  Find a few different charities in the area. If needed for larger items, arrange for pick up.   

Another tip is that is they are moving to another state, movers will put restrictions on certain items.  You might have to find a place for household cleaning supplies and weed killers.  Do your homework before you get there so you know exactly where to take it.

Fourth tip is more then likely, you will need to find either a junk hauling company or possibly order a dumpster because you will find certain items that have been kept will not be able to be moved and they will not be useful to others. 

Lastly, plan ahead and do as much as you can to help but ask what they need instead of telling.  If you are not able to help on the other end, arrange for someone to unpack their boxes in their new location.  You do not want them falling over boxes for days and most of the boxes are heavy because they are made for the movers to lift and carry them, not your parents. 

Need help with a parent move?  I can help with suggestions or packing and unpacking.