Senior Moving

As life evolves, so do our living needs. Many seniors find that their current home no longer aligns with their lifestyle—whether it’s due to the maintenance demands of a large yard, the challenge of navigating stairs, or the desire for a more convenient location. Downsizing can be a smart and rewarding decision, but the moving process itself can feel overwhelming.

To simplify your transition, we’ve broken the process down into six essential steps.

Follow these steps and use the checklists to ensure a seamless and stress-free move.

Step 1: Assemble Your Moving Team

Once you’ve decided to move, the first step is to build your support system. Managing everything alone can be daunting, so enlisting help is essential. Your team might consist of family, friends, or our Johnson & Daly  professional senior moving specialists.

There are two key aspects to consider when selecting helpers:

• Packing: If you need help sorting and organizing, ask close friends or relatives who are both meticulous and familiar with your preferences.
• Moving: For heavy lifting and transportation, reliable individuals who can handle furniture and drive a moving truck will be invaluable.

In some cases, an impartial outsider can provide guidance when it comes to sorting through sentimental belongings. According to Dave Dembinski, Vice President of Operations at Grasons Estate Sales, hiring professionals can be a great way to alleviate stress: “Bringing in experts to handle packing, moving, and estate sales allows seniors to focus on other aspects of the move while ensuring a smoother transition.”

Step 2: Decide What to Take With You

Before you start packing, take time to evaluate what you truly need in your new home. If you’re downsizing—whether moving into a smaller house, an apartment, or a senior living community—you’ll need to be selective.

• Compare the layout and dimensions of your new space to your current home.
• If moving to a senior community, inquire about available space-planning resources.
• Create an inventory of your belongings to determine what to keep, donate, sell, or gift.
• If needed, hire a service to assist with cataloging your items while you retain the final decision.

Step 3: Organize and Declutter

Decluttering early can make packing more manageable. Start by removing items you no longer need, making space for what matters most.

Dembinski advises: “A lifetime of belongings can make moving overwhelming. Identify treasured memories to keep and let go of items without sentimental value by donating, selling, or gifting them.” Many charities even offer home pickup services for donations.

If you have valuable items to sell, consider holding an estate sale. Working with a professional estate sale service can streamline the process. When choosing a provider, look for:

• A full range of services, including appraisals and cleanup.
• Positive reviews and a strong track record.
• Proper licensing and insurance.

Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll have a clearer idea of how many boxes you need and how long packing will take.

Step 4: Start Packing Early

Packing always takes longer than anticipated. To avoid last-minute stress, start well in advance. If you’re hiring a full-service senior moving company that includes packing, this step may not apply.

Packing Tips:

• Use standard-sized boxes for easier stacking and transport.
• Buy extra boxes—you’ll likely need more than expected.
• Clearly label boxes so they can be placed in the correct rooms upon arrival.

Step 5: Prepare for Moving Day

Beyond finishing packing, there are practical tasks to handle before moving day:

• Update your mailing address with the post office.
• Notify relevant institutions (banks, insurance, subscriptions) of your address change.
• Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home.

Additionally, prepare a “Last-Minute Box” containing essentials for moving day and the first few days in your new home. To make sure nothing gets left behind, use our Last-Minute Box Checklist.

Step 6: Unpack and Settle In

After a long moving process, unpacking can feel like an overwhelming task. While you don’t need to tackle everything at once, start by setting up key areas—like your bedroom—to create a comfortable environment.

To make unpacking easier:

• Designate “Unpack First” boxes for priority items.
• If you hired movers, inspect your belongings for damage immediately to ensure timely claims.
• Follow community guidelines for recycling moving materials.

Moving to a new home is a big transition, but with careful planning and the right support, it can be a smooth and positive experience. By following these steps, you can reduce stress and focus on making your new space feel like home.