I am just back from using my vacation days to move (what a horrible waste of “free days”!).  But I feel good that we can now function in our new house.

I have to say that the hardest part was going thru everything as I packed (which is why I chose to pack the house instead of paying to have it done). I wanted to clean things out!  I was so careful and sensible at the beginning. Had we used/worn the item in the past year? If not, in the charity pile it went!  Or is it a keepsake (move to Keepsake box area). But even though I thought I had given myself enough time to pack, I found myself dumping drawers in boxes and handing them to the movers as they loaded the truck.  Thank goodness we only moved a few miles away and have a couple weeks to truly vacate the old house.  At one point my husband said, “Can you imagine if we were leaving the house for the last time today, moving out of state or something?” I can’t! As I’ve already been back twice (one or 2 more to go). I would have left many things behind not to be seen again! It made me think of when we will have to move our parents, which will most definitely involve downsizing!

What can you do to make this easier for new residents and their families?

Recommended movers, local storage centers, downsizing, estate sales, donation pick-up services, etc…? Are these providers in your network? They should be! You could be a great referral source for them, so they should be helping you!

How about a checklist of items the resident will need and more important, not need in their new home?

A checklist of things for the family/senior to do (turn off utilities, change of address, update driver’s license, etc…)

Packing list for “move bag” – personal items, medications, clothing with shoes, etc…

A floor plan with measurements so the family knows what will fit in the new residence?

A suggested timeline for the move: Maybe a room a day to go thru, then another day to pack it and another day to un-pack?

Maybe even some funnies about moving? There are anecdotes & jokes about moving all over the Internet! Just search Google.

Tips to make the move easier on the senior, like setting things up similar to their original placement, 

How else can & do you help senior & their families moving in to your community?