Making a move at any age can be hard work, but when you’re a senior, it can be overwhelming to think about packing up all the belongings you’ve collected over the years and moving into a new place. Once you’ve made the decision to move, there are so many things to think about, including finding a mover, securing help from friends or family, and deciding what to take, especially if you’ll be downsizing to a smaller place.

Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful undertaking, however. With a little planning and preparation, you can find the right place for you and start the process with ease. Here are a few of the best tips on how to go about it.

Find the right mover for you

It’s important to find the right movers for you, so do some research before hiring a company . If you have big, bulky furniture or expensive antiques, you’ll want to make sure they can handle them and have the right equipment to haul them. Shop around to find the best option within your budget.

Prepare

Before you begin packing, make sure you have all the tools you’ll need, such as cleaning supplies, garbage bags, various sized boxes, tape, a marker, and some pieces of paper to create packing lists on. These can be taped to the outside of each box so you can easily find items once you’re in the new place.

Having a variety of different sized boxes on hand will be helpful when it comes to packing up small or fragile items, because you’ll want to keep those in small containers. Large boxes should be reserved for bulky items like pillows and blankets, which are big but not so heavy that you won’t be able to move the box.

Clean as you go

Keep cleaning supplies handy so you can tidy up as you pack, and make piles for things you want to keep, toss, and donate. This will be necessary if you’re downsizing, but it’s helpful during any move to ensure there will be enough room and that you aren’t packing unnecessary items.

It might also be helpful to have a friend or family member there to help you pack. Loved ones can assist in going through prized mementos, such as photos and family mementos, and friends can go through cupboards and cabinets to pack up dishes and the like.

Keep the area clutter-free

Packing and moving can be chaotic, so make it a priority to keep the area clutter-free during the entire process. Once a box is packed, push it up against the wall to keep the walkways clear; keep trash bags handy in each room so refuse won’t have a chance to pile up. Stay organized and make sure you tell any helpers exactly what you need from them to prevent chaos. Too many cooks in the kitchen can be a bad thing.

Making the new place feel like home

It can be hard to move into a brand new place after living in the same home for several years, so make it a point to work on making the new house feel like a home. Invite family members over to help you celebrate, decorate, and break in the new space. Think about buying a few new things–a plant, some colorful dishes, a new comforter–to make the move feel more fun.

Moving is a big job, so make sure you take plenty of breaks and don’t worry about being in a hurry to get everything done. Ask for help when you need it and remember to stay hydrated and keep plenty of snacks on hand.

Written by Jim Vogel | Photo via Pixabay by Beeki