By Diane Bjorkman
Gentle Transitions

"I want to move. I need to move. But with so many arrangements to be made, people to contact and belongings to deal with, where do I begin? "Overwhelmed" is the sentiment expressed by many seniors who are considering a move.

No matter the age, moving is no one's idea of fun. Most are just happy to survive the experience. Moving however, is particularly troublesome for seniors.

First, when a senior moves, it usually means leaving a home of many years. It can be an emotional experience where all that is familiar is uprooted.

Secondly, when a senior makes a move, it most often includes downsizing. This means decisions, decisions, decisions...what will go and what will be left behind. 

Lastly, while most seniors maintain the spirit, "I want to do it on my own," many have diminished physical challenges that make the physical component of moving undesirable or at times impossible.

Here are some of the more important tips that can ease the stress of a move.

Draw a floorplan. Don't just "eyeball" it or think it will just work out on moving day. In addition to the floor plan, measure the space yourself, as a few inches difference may mean that a sofa won't fit through a front foyer area.

Sorting and decision making. Don't look at your current home as one gigantic project. Break down the sorting into pieces. Start the decision-making process in an area that is not used often (e.g. spare bedroom). Have some success behind you before taking on the tougher things (e.g. the office, documents and paperwork).  

When sorting, it's helpful to use round colored stickers (e.g. green "go," yellow "undecided," red "stop-trash")   to place on items.

Disposing of unwanted items

Giving to family. Be specific with family members about what items are available to them and a specific date as to when they need to pick them up.

Conducting an estate sale. If an estate sale is appropriate, Realtors, community newspapers and churches are good sources to locate reputatable estate sale planners.

Donating to charities. If items are going to a charitable organization, call them in advance to learn their criteria: What will they accept? Do they pick up? etc.

Utility changes. A checkbook is a good place to start making a list of companies you need to notify of your address change.

It's paramount to have phone service in both places on moving day. Start the new phone service the day before you move and discontinue the old service after moving day.

Packing. Finish sorting and decision-making before starting to pack. It's too much to pack and make decisions at the same time. It's important to keep daily medications in an identifiable place and accessible at all times.

Selecting a moving company. Check with neighbors, and realtors for names of reputable movers. Research how long they've been in business and if they are licensed, bonded and insured. Request a complimentary, on-sight estimate prior to the move. Movers charge on an hourly basis for local moves and by weight on distance moves.

Moving day/resettling. Recruit all the help you can get. The sooner things are unpacked and put away, the sooner you'll feel settled.

These seemingly minute details hold the seeds for where stress can grow. Early planning, preparation and attention to detail can make for a smooth move day.

Diane Bjorkman and her husband own Gentle Transitions, a company that for 16 years has been recognized nationally for its innovative senior service. They provide hands-on expertise to seniors and their families with all aspects of the moving process.  They can be reached at 952/944-1028 or 651/224-0335 or visit them at www.gentletransitions.com.