If you’re getting ready to help an elderly loved one relocate — whether it’s just down the street or across the country — there are several things you can do to make the moving process move smoother.

At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we’ve been helping Twin Cities residents move since 1958, and one of our specialties is senior moving. We know how stressful and emotionally taxing the moving process can be for the elderly, so below, we’ve outlined a few tips you can implement to make the transition easier.

Measure and Plan for the New Home’s Layout

If your elderly loved one is moving to a smaller home, chances are they won’t be able to fit everything they currently own inside of it. So before you start the packing process, get the dimensions of every room in the new home, and measure your loved one’s existing furniture.

If necessary, draw a home layout on a sheet of paper and then arrange furniture and other items inside the drawing using the measurements you've taken. That way, you won’t end up packing a bunch of stuff that won’t fit in the new home. And your loved one won’t have to worry about getting rid of superfluous things after they arrive. 

Downsize Before You Pack

If your loved one has lived in their current residence for many years, chances are there’s plenty of stuff they no longer use or want. So before you start the packing process, help your loved one sort through belongings and get rid of unnecessary items.

Where do you even start if your loved one has tons of stuff? The easiest way to downsize is to create designated piles for items your loved one wants to keep, donate, and toss.

Once you’ve sorted through everything, you can contact a donation center or charity that offers a pickup service to come and collect gently used items that can find a new home. Or, if you’re up for it, you may want to help your loved one list some of their unwanted items on an online marketplace like Facebook Marketplace, LetGo, or Craigslist.

If their things are still in good condition, chances are they can make a bit of extra cash to help offset the cost of their relocation. If online listings don’t work for you, you may be able to take things to a pawn shop or consignment shop, depending on the types of items your loved one has and their current condition.

Not quite sure how to go about getting rid of stuff? Check out our top 8 tips for downsizing while you pack for a few helpful ideas!

Ask for Help!

Downsizing for an elderly relative can be overwhelming if you attempt to tackle the process on your own. Seniors accumulate plenty of stuff over the years, and unless you’re an organization expert or have ample time on your hands, you’re probably going to need to enlist some help.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask family members and friends to help you with sorting through the house. If your family is a tight-knit bunch, they’re probably more than happy to help! Just make sure you ask them well in advance, so they have adequate time to block off a few days on their schedules.  

Considering Hiring a Junk Removal Company

An essential part of the downsizing process is getting rid of old, useless junk your loved one no longer uses or even knows they have. There’s no sense in transporting broken, damaged, or nonfunctional items to a new home since they’ll only clutter up the space.

To help your loved one enjoy a clean, clutter-free, fresh start, consider contacting a junk removal service to schedule an at-home pickup. These services will come to collect just about anything you wish to get rid of and dispose of it according to local regulations. 

Rent a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Chances are your elderly loved one has a few items they don’t want to part with, but what if those items won’t fit inside the new home? Renting a climate-controlled storage unit is your best bet for keeping those items safe and intact. Plus, renting a high-quality storage solution gives your loved one peace of mind that his or her keepsake possessions are well protected.

What should you look for in a high-quality, climate-controlled storage unit? Here are a few non-negotiable traits:

  • Sturdy, well-constructed, secure units
  • Routine inventory inspection and verification
  • Regular security monitoring
  • Short- and long-term storage options
  • Clean, well-kept ground and interior spaces

At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we offer a variety of high-quality storage solutions to meet virtually any need. And because we know long-term storage can affect the health and appearance of your loved one’s belongings, we also offer professional packing services for long-term storage.

Pre-Arrange Travel for Move Day

Many seniors have mobility issues, which can complicate travel on move day. If you’re driving to the new home, make sure your personal vehicle is easily accessible and can accommodate your loved one’s needs.

If your loved one is making a long-distance move and you plan on flying, it’s always a good idea to request a wheelchair and any other airport accommodations well in advance.

Hire Professional Movers and Packers

Helping a senior move is no small undertaking. If you don’t have plenty of free time on your hands or your loved one has an overwhelming amount of stuff to move, hiring a moving company that specializes in senior moving can lighten your load tremendously.

At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we offer a variety of helpful moving services to expedite senior relocations, including:

If you need a compassionate experienced team to help your elderly loved one throughout their relocation, make us your first call! And be sure to also read up on our top tips for finding a reliable local moving company.

Pack an Essentials Bag

As you work through the packing process, make sure you have your loved one set aside all of the things they’ll likely need during the first day or two after they arrive at their new home.

You’ll want to pack these items into their own duffel bag or suitcase (called an essentials bag), so your loved one won’t need to go digging through dozens of boxes to find their most-needed things.

What should an essentials bag have in it? While your loved one’s needs are unique and the contents of their bag will ultimately reflect that, you’ll likely want to pack things like:

  • A change of clothing for one to two days (pajamas as well)
  • Daily medications and supplements
  • Basic toiletries
  • Wall chargers for phones and other electronic devices
  • A few basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, scissors, box cutter – small things that may be needed during unpacking)
  • Disposable dishware and cutlery (if all kitchen supplies will be packed up)
  • Important documents
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Toilet paper
  • Bedding
  • A shower curtain (if their new shower doesn’t have a built-in door)

If your loved one has a pet, be sure to also include the animal’s food, as well as food and water bowls, toys, a bed/blankets, and perhaps some treats or chews. A leash and waste cleanup bags are also great additions, especially if your loved one’s pet needs a daily walk.

For more useful packing tips, check out the 7 Packing Hacks Everyone Should Know. And if your loved one is moving with animal friends, read up on our best tips for moving with pets. 

Looking for Senior Moving Services Near Minneapolis?

If you’re getting ready to help an elderly relative relocate, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing for help. We’ve been helping senior citizens complete smooth, successful relocations since 1958, and we’re ready to help your family, too!

To learn more about our services or request a fast moving quote, give our team a call today at 763-755-2045. You can also get in touch with us via our contact form, and we’ll get back to you promptly.