It seems like it was just yesterday when you were a child, sitting in your mom’s and dad’s lap, getting all cozy inside your home full of love and memories. Now that things have shifted, you are the one to take care of your loved ones. If your elderly parents are moving to a new home, that can be an emotionally consuming time for both them and you. As you want all the best conditions for your loved ones, here are some tips on how to make the relocation go smoothly and the most comfortable for them.

The Big Purge – Get Rid of the Unnecessary Things

If your parent(s) are relocating to a smaller home, you will undoubtedly need to lose many items they don’t need anymore. Any excess furniture that is still in good shape can be donated or even sold, depending on its condition. On the other hand, if your loved ones are still not ready to get rid of some things that are valuable memories, you can provide storage for them via Chicago moving companies.

Decluttering can be an emotional process for elderly parents, as many items hold sentimental value. Approach the task with sensitivity and allow them to decide which belongings to keep, donate, or store. Encourage them to focus on items that are practical or hold the most cherished memories. If certain keepsakes are difficult to part with, consider creating a “memory box” or digitizing photos and documents to preserve their legacy while saving space.

Use the Blueprints

Successful relocation of your elderly parents can be done if you check the space beforehand via blueprints. Measuring the space and the furniture will provide you a perfect insight into the space and its usage. Knowing the dimensions of the new living space helps you plan furniture placement and identify any potential issues with accessibility.

Create a detailed floor plan that includes measurements of doorways, hallways, and rooms. This will help you determine what furniture will fit and where to place it, reducing the stress of rearranging on moving day.

Doctor In a New Area

If you are relocating your elderly parents to a new area, you should find the new doctors for them for regular check-ups or eventual prescription refills. Start by researching healthcare providers in the new location, including primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies. Check reviews, and if possible, schedule a consultation to ensure they are a good fit. Transfer medical records ahead of time to avoid delays in care. Additionally, familiarize yourself with nearby hospitals or urgent care centers for emergencies.

Plan the Relocation Beforehand

Since your elderly relatives’ relocation is a huge step for both you and your loved ones, you should plan the big move way ahead. The travel itself (especially if they are moving to a different city or state) should be carefully planned because the elderly might have a fragile health condition and need some special circumstances for travel of any kind.

Consider the mode of transportation carefully. For long-distance moves, flying may be faster and less exhausting, but driving allows for more flexibility and comfort. If traveling by car, plan frequent rest stops and ensure your parents have essentials like medications, snacks, and blankets easily accessible. If needed, consult with their doctor for travel tips or assistance.

New Home Preparation

The new living area should be adjusted for the senior’s needs. Some additional helping gadgets like night lights, a stool inside a shower or bathtub, access to the shower made easy (like a walk-in bathtub), etc. We all know that with age, strength slowly fades away and we will all need some extra help. So, make sure to make your parents’ life more comfortable with the home prep.

Ensure the new home is safe and accessible by:

  • Installing grab bars in the bathroom.
  • Placing non-slip mats in high-risk areas.
  • Ensuring pathways are clear and free of tripping hazards.
  • Adjusting lighting for better visibility.
  • Arranging furniture to allow easy movement, especially for parents using walkers or wheelchairs.

Taking these steps will make the new home welcoming and easier to navigate.

Professional Moving Companies to the Rescue

When you are moving elderly members of your family, hiring professional movers in chicago will be the smart thing to do. You want someone responsible and skilled for relocating the valuable (or possibly antique) goods they own. Many caring children don’t want their parents to get overwhelmed with carrying bulky items or packing and unpacking. That is why professional movers (including us) offer all these services.

When you get an on-site estimate, you will be able to calculate the overall cost for the help your loved ones need. Moving your elderly family members can be emotional and stressful, but you can avoid the stress. We wish you the best of luck using these tips and a happy move.

Conclusion

Moving elderly parents to a new home can be an emotional and logistical challenge, but with thoughtful planning, it can be a smooth and positive experience. By decluttering with care, using blueprints for space planning, finding new healthcare providers, and preparing the new home for their needs, you can ease the transition for your loved ones. Hiring professional movers ensures their belongings are handled with care, allowing you to focus on supporting them emotionally during this significant life change. With these tips, you can create a comfortable and stress-free move for your elderly parents. Best of luck with the relocation!