Without a comprehensive plan, families often scramble to
identify and qualify the various resources needed to manage a move for senior
loved ones. They must locate and hire trusted realtors, movers, downsizing
experts, estate sale professionals, consignment shops, packing material
suppliers, junk haulers or dumpster companies, housekeepers, repairmen, home
stagers, financial advisors, attorneys, caregivers, pet sitters, and more!
On the other hand, when families work with a “total
solution” organization like Caring Transitions®, they need search no
further. See tips gathered from experts
to create a plan that can help you manage a move for an older adult.
- Don’t make seniors feel guilty.
Avoid saying things like “Why did you hold on to this for so many years?” while
sorting through belongings. Statements like this can cause stress and make
seniors feel like a burden.
- Save photo albums for LAST.
They can surface too many memories at once, which slows the process and
triggers waves of emotions.
- Set a timer. Grab a kitchen
timer or your phone and set it for one hour. Take a break once that hour is
up.
- Color-code with Post-It Notes.
Seniors have a tough time reading small writing. Color-code with post-it notes
so PINK is pack, GREEN is sell, and BLUE is give away.
- Bring a door stopper. Doors
get in the way, especially for older folks. Bring door stoppers to prop doors
open to allow for easy room access for Grandma, and for large boxes and
furniture.
- Consider online platforms for
estate sales. Most seniors are not internet savvy, but their
children/grandchildren usually are. There are many online estate platforms like
CTBIDS.com, that sell everything online as buyers bid. No in-person estate sales with strangers
walking through the home and haggling over prices. The online estate sale
platform handles it all, allowing the family to make money from hidden
treasures around the home.
- Best Sellers: Electronics, jewelry, collectibles, and
durable medical equipment.
- Items That May Not Sell Well: Large
off-trend furniture, off-trend or well-worn clothes and kitchen utensils.
- Keep a schedule. Many seniors like a
routine and stress if it’s altered. If the senior goes to bed at 10pm every
night, don’t try to keep packing late at night.
Caring Transitions® takes steps to train and screen every
employee and has developed estate sale standards that uphold the values of
integrity and honesty for over 10 years. Since many of our clients are older
adults, each of our offices are independently certified to support a “senior
move” and help mitigate the effects of stress, health and common cognitive
issues which are frequently challenges for late life relocations.