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3 Tips to Help Seniors Reduce Moving Stress

 

If you’re a senior who is planning a move, you likely have a bit of anxiety about what it might entail. First, it’s important that you consider all your options. While this probably isn’t your first move, maybe it’s been a long time, or perhaps you’re unsure how to navigate today’s ever-changing service options. Here, Myrtle Beach Real Estate shares some tips that can help make your move as simple and painless as possible.

 

1. Choose the Right New Home

Concerns about your new home can compound the stress of moving, so invest time and research into finding the right home for your move. First, think about what you want and need in your next home. Do you have special needs or health concerns? You may want to look for a single-level home with an open floor plan that’s easy to navigate. How much space do you need? For decades, it’s been common practice for people to downsize their homes after retirement. However, a recent study indicates that more and more seniors are choosing to move to larger homes instead.

 

Whether you intend to stay local or move cross-country, thoroughly researching the current state of both local and national housing markets can give you a good idea of what to expect and help you spot a good deal. During your housing research, focus on key metrics such as median home prices, the average number of days homes stay on the market, and inventory levels, including the number of homes for sale and the current “months’ supply,” or how many months it would take to sell all the available homes.

 

2. Take Advantage of Senior Moving Services

As the average American age increases, more moving companies are beginning to offer or specialize in moving services that specifically address seniors’ unique needs and concerns during a move. Examples of these services can include:

  • Sorting through, packing, and labeling belongings

  • Assisting with selling or donating items during downsizing

  • Scheduling and overseeing moving-day logistics

  • Helping you unpack and settle into your new home

 

A senior move manager is a professional who specializes in coordinating, overseeing, and facilitating these services on your behalf. Not all companies that offer senior moving services offer move managers, and working with a move manager isn’t required. However, it can be helpful to have a single point of contact for move-related issues.

 

To find and hire a senior moving specialist, an internet search is a good place to start. Research your potential options. Ideally, try to find a company that has the experience, insurance, and references. The National Association of Senior Move Managers, an organization that certifies and accredits senior move managers, is another helpful resource.

 

3. Keep Estate Planning and Long-Term Goals in Mind

Concerns about your future may also be adding stress to your move. Fortunately, this is an ideal time to consider estate planning issues such as who should inherit your new home, so you can ensure your new deed is drafted accordingly. This is also a great time to review the guidelines for Medicare and other programs to ensure that your assets don’t jeopardize your plans.

 

Whether you’ve acquired a lifetime’s worth of belongings and are ready to downsize, or you’ve waited your whole life to move into your dream home, moving to a new place has the potential to cause anyone substantial stress. Fortunately, with careful research and thorough planning, your move can be the enjoyable experience you’ve been waiting for. 


The experts at Myrtle Beach Real Estate are here to assist you in making the best decision for you and your family. Call 843-222-8566