How to Help Your Aging Parents Move [Relocation Checklist]

At some point, the tables turn. It’s the children that are taking care of aging parents. One aspect many adult kids face is rehousing their aging parents.

Chances are, though, that your parents have been living in their current dwelling for a long time. It’s where they started and raised a family, perhaps. It’s where they built a life and created infinite memories. It’s cozy, familiar and amongst friendly neighbors. It’s at the heart of their daily routines and activities. It’s home.

Understandably, it may be really hard for parents to leave their beloved nest and all it represents. It’ll probably be a significant period of adjustment — for everyone — but moving your parents can be done with great success.

We at West Coast are here to support you during this transition. Keep reading for expert tips and our handy checklist. They’ll help ensure your parents’ whole relocation process is as streamlined and stress-free as possible.

 

Start Discussing Now…Like Right Now

Moving your parents is a big deal. It can be emotionally charged and logistically complex. So, the best time to start talking about this momentous life event and making decisions is way before you need to take action.

• Have a Q&A Session.

  • You and your parents need to have some serious heart-to-heart conversations. From these discussions you should establish:
    • What kind of budget you’re working with
    • Where your parents want to live (especially important if they’re out-of-state)
    • What kind of housing/community parents prefer (e.g., assisted living community, living with you in your home, downsized condo nearby)
    • If your parents have any special requirements (e.g., access to certain healthcare facilities)
    • Any other factors that will make a new living situation feel like “home” (e.g., proximity to friends, nice climate, green space or walking paths close by)

 

• Prioritize & Set Expectations.

  • Based on your parents’ preferences and the realities of residential costs and availability, make a shortlist of actual housing options that meet their needs. Rank order the options from most to least desirable. When everyone has the same information and is on the same page, you will likely have fewer unpleasant surprises downstream.

 

Learn More

Starting the discussion will take you a long way, but it’s not enough. For your parents to feel safe and happy in their new digs, it’s a good idea to have as much knowledge of a residence before deciding it’s “the one.”

• Tour & Explore.

  • If it’s possible, take a first-hand look at the places you’re considering. (Barring that, try to go on a virtual tour.) Get a feel for what the homes and grounds are like. See if you can get a vibe for the other residents or community. Wander around the neighborhood to see what amenities (e.g., services, restaurants, shops, parks, etc.) are available. You and your parents should try envisioning them in that scenario — take stock of the thoughts and feelings that arise.

• Dig deeper.

  • After your preliminary experience of housing possibilities, look into online reviews, business ratings, and any other applicable credentials the facility or community should have. See if you can get references and talk to current residents.

• Narrow Down the Choices.

  • From all your research, you and your parents will likely have strong ideas on which housing options are viable. This is a good, helpful thing to know. Consider creating a pros and cons list for each of the top contenders, to help you further winnow it down or determine the two or three you really intend to pursue. (Definitely have at least a couple back-up options, in case the most preferred housing isn’t available when you need it.)

 

Planning Your Parents’ Move

You’ve done a ton of work already but haven’t even started on the actual move process yet! No worries. West Coast Moving has you covered. We’ve helped many families relocate parents, even to another state.

Based on our extensive experience, here are our best tips for making the “moving” portion of your parents’ resettlement as hassle-free as possible.

• Start Early & Allow Plenty of Time.

  • There are a lot of moving pieces to this sort of move. And, often communication and decision-making can take a little longer because more people are involved. Long-distance and peak-season moves can take longer to schedule due to the availability of moving crews and trucks. You also need to consider that many residential communities and assisted living homes have waitlists. Furthermore, it may take some time for your parents to downsize or store their possessions, arrange their financial affairs, etc. If your parents’ move necessitates and renovations, take that turnaround time into account as well.

• Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.

  • Chances of success are vastly improved when there are open lines of communication from start to finish. Feedback loops, involvement every step of the way and just checking in with each other on a regular basis can make both you and your parents feel heard.

• Get Professional Help.

  • Moving parents is tricky business. So, relying on experts is a smart move. Professional movers can facilitate logistics, help with packing and take care of all the lifting and delivery. Similarly, there are professionals to help you with the financial planning, healthcare, social services and other aspects of moving. Take advantage of all this knowledge and experience so you can accomplish your parents’ move with confidence and ease.

• Be a Smart Mover.

  • You may find some of our other blog posts about moving, long-distance moves, downsizing, speedy packing/unpacking, and how to make your parents’ new abode feel homey in no time.

 

Your Smooth Move Checklist

Print out this checklist to keep your parents’ move on track. Staying organized will help with communication and planning. A thoughtful and thorough exploration of options, followed by a well-executed relocation and settling in, will make the transition easier on your aging parents.

• Discuss.

  • Talk with your parents about their move needs and preferences.
  • Create a list of realistic options based on your parents’ needs, budget and housing availability.

• Research.

  • Narrow down the options.
  • Tour the facilities or communities to see what your parents like.
  • Learn more about the top choices by talking to current residents, reading reviews and other quality ratings.

• Make Final Decision.

  • Select the housing option that is the best fit and feel.
  • Have a couple back-up options ready in case the first choice doesn’t work out.

• Arrange Personal Finances & Logistics.

  • Start decluttering your parents’ home.
  • Secure any financing needed for the move or new home.
  • Take care of any paperwork or other requirements (e.g., application, down payment, etc.) for the new housing.
  • Consult with any other agencies or services that facilitate moving older people.

• Plan Move Logistics.

  • Engage a reputable professional moving company.
  • Make travel plans.

• Prep For Move.

  • Update your parents’ address with the post office, credit cards, etc.
  • Update any other legal, insurance or financial documents.
  • Get any required packing or moving supplies.
  • Pack and label your parents’ belongings.
  • Send items to storage, as needed.
  • Do any other tasks needed to organize this move.

• Move!

  • Liaise with the movers.
  • Provide support to your parents.

• Settle In.

  • Unpack and arrange belongings.
  • Get any new furnishings or decor that are required.
  • Start exploring the new neighborhood.
  • Meet the neighbors.

 

Hire Movers to Help

You want to make sure your parents feel comfortable and settled in their new home, so while you’re handling details and emotions, getting help from professional movers can put your mind at ease knowing moving day will go smoothly.

West Coast Moving is experienced in residential and long-distance moves, offering a white-glove full moving service so you can focus on what’s important— your parents. Contact us for a free quote today!