Moving for Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide

Did you know that one in seven Americans, or around 16%, of Americans, are over 60? Seniors are more active than ever, and with retirement approaching, many are considering moving to a more senior-friendly location. Are you over 60 and considering moving? Do you have unique needs or are looking to downsize or move to a senior living community?

At Denver City Movers, we understand the unique needs of seniors and provide comprehensive senior moving services that are guaranteed to provide you with a stress-free transition. Whether you are moving to a retirement community, a new house, a townhome, or an apartment, we are one of Denver’s best long-distance moving companies.

Introduction: Understanding the Unique Needs of Senior Moves

Planning a successful move at any age can be very tricky, especially if you are planning a long-distance move. Moving as a senior poses some unique challenges – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Understanding these needs and challenges and learning how to overcome both is the best way to plan a successful senior move.

Preparing for the Move

As with any relocation, preparation for the senior move is key. However, proper preparation is more than ensuring boxes are correctly packed, and you hire a cleaning service to ensure the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms are neat and tidy. The moving process is a journey, and you must find the ideal guide to help you every step of the way. These guides are professional movers specializing in senior moving services for older Americans.

The Emotional Journey: Preparing for a Big Change

Many focus on the logistical and physical challenges that come with moving – and overlook the moving process’s emotional journey. As a senior, having that emotional support system is integral throughout the process. This could be your adult children, grandkids, other friends and family members, or neighbors.

Lean on this support system to not only help you declutter and pack but also to be there for your long-distance move becomes too emotionally overwhelming. Remember, sometimes, simply walking away and getting some fresh air or enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend can help reenergize you and prepare you to conquer your move.

Choosing the Right Time to Move: Timing is Everything

As with most decisions in life, when it comes to planning a local move or a long-distance relocation, timing is critical. The winters in Denver can be brutal, making it difficult to move boxes out of your home. Moving during the summer is ideal. However, moving prices are typically higher in the summer because this is the peak season.

Instead, ask for free moving quotes from several senior moving companies during the spring and fall. The moving process is cheaper, and the weather will be more cooperative. If you want to save even more money on your moving expenses, schedule the moving truck to arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday rather than the weekend.

Deciding on the Perfect Destination: Assisted Living Facility

In 2019, over 95,000 senior citizens flocked to the Sunshine State. Florida is the preeminent retirement destination, as are Texas, Arizona, South Carolina, and Georgia. Whether you are moving to Texas, moving to Arizona, or any of the other top ten destination states for former Denver residents, you must research the senior living facilities in each state.

Unfortunately, not all private or publically-funded assisted living facilities are created equal, and you need to find a facility that meets your unique needs. For example, if you have a chronic illness, you need a facility that provides medical care. Here are a few of the most popular senior housing options to consider when making your senior moving checklist:

• Assisted living facility. If you require a little assistance but want more freedom, an assisted living facility is a great option. Most facilities have on-site medical care, chefs, and scheduled activities.
• Independent living facility. Unlike assisted living, independent living provides a great combination of freedom and essential services, including meals and cleaning services. Independent living is the best option if you want to come and go as you please, but would love to share a prepared meal with your new friend.
• Residential care home. Residential care is ideal for any senior requiring minimal care but with specialized medical needs, such as diabetes. This is the perfect living arrangement if you need on-call medical services but want to maintain your freedom.
• Retirement community. Unlike an assisted living community, which typically provides on-site care, a retirement community is more akin to a neighborhood where all your neighbors are older adults! Most retirement communities have recreational opportunities, including senior centers, pools, and planned activities.
• Skilled nursing home. If you require full-time care, skilled nursing services are the best choice. A nursing home provides round-the-clock care, planned activities, cleaning services, and meal services.

Before committing to a new location, tour the facilities. If this is not possible, ask for a floor plan of a typical unit. If you have too much stuff, downsizing is critical, especially if you are moving into a residential facility with limited space.

Accessibility and Mobility: Key Features in a New Home

You need more time to be ready for senior care and would instead work with a real estate agent to enjoy the privacy of your own home. Most seniors would prefer a smaller space – but square footage shouldn’t be the only consideration. Your needs will change as you age, and although you might not require certain features now, you might have mobility issues later.

Look for these senior-friendly features in your new home:

• Nonskid floors
• Open floor plan
• Adequate lighting
• Walk in bathtub
• Programmable door locks
• Multilevel countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom
• Grab bars in the bathroom

Ideally, choose a home that is constructed with the unique needs of seniors in mind. For example, pay attention to the outlet placement while touring the home. Choosing a home with higher wall outlets will eliminate the need to bend over to plug in your lamps or smartphone.

Proximity to Essential Services: Healthcare, Groceries, and More

Purchasing a home that meets all your needs is critical. However, how close is that home to your nearest grocery store? Will you need to drive several miles to visit your regular doctor? Choose a home that not only accommodates your unique needs but is also in close proximity to your everyday essential needs.

If you choose not to reside in a senior community or assisted living, proximity to the nearest hospital is critical, especially if you have ongoing health issues. As a rule, try to find a home that is at most 5 to 10 miles from the nearest hospital.

Staying Connected: Proximity to Family Members and Friends

One of the best aspects of aging is understanding the importance of relationships. Many seniors are moving out of the Denver area to escape the harsh winters and live closer to their children, grandchildren, or other family members. In addition to having that emotional support system, moving closer to your adult children is often a matter of necessity.

Are you ready to plan a cross-country move and want to work with a full-service moving company that understands the unique needs of older adults? Look no further than the pros at Denver City Movers. We can help you through every step of the way – from packing to removing the burden of moving boxes and furniture out of your home.

The Moving Process

After some extensive conversations with your spouse and kids and a lot of soul-searching, you have decided to relocate! This is an exciting time that can, unfortunately, feel very overwhelming. As a senior, you need to find a moving company that understands your needs and can accommodate you through every step of the moving process.

Friendly Senior Moving Services: What to Look For

Whether you have only moved once or you are something of a moving expert, relocating as an older Coloradan is a unique experience. If you have issues with limited mobility or chronic health issues, you must hire movers to provide a full-service experience. Finding a full-service moving company is critical, but what does that mean?

Typically, full-service movers offer packing services, short-term or long-term storage, and packing supplies in addition to the services you would expect from any local or long-distance moving company. As a senior, look for a mover that can provide you with a senior moving manager. Senior move managers specialize in coordinating a relocation with the needs and limitations of seniors in mind.

Hiring Local is Best: Calling a Moving Company in Denver

You are ready to plan a full-service move, but there is one lingering question: Should I hire a company based in Denver, or should the movers be based in my new hometown? Whether you are moving to Illinois or moving to Ohio, always hire movers that are headquartered near you.

When you relocate, whether across town or the country, a moving representative will visit your home to inventory your belongings and talk to you about your needs and expectations before providing a free estimate. Hiring movers that are based several thousands of miles away is impossible because the representative cannot conveniently visit your property.

Packing 101: Simplifying the Process for Seniors

Did you know that the average American spends at least four to six hours packing up every room of their home? If you don’t have a family member living close by, packing can feel like an overwhelming experience. Luckily, whether you are on your own or have an army of helpers, there are several ways you, as a senior, can make packing much more accessible.

Downsizing Dilemmas: Making Tough Decisions

Whether you are moving to a new home or a senior facility, you will likely need to downsize your belongings. How do you decide what you should keep and what you should sell or give away? A vital part of the decluttering process for seniors is deciding which items are necessary and which are unnecessary.

Items of sentimental value, including family heirlooms and pictures, are a must-keep. Other goods, such as cleaning supplies, holiday decorations, and extra clothing, don’t need to be packed and moved to your new home. Hosting an estate sale or yard sale is a great way to make some extra cash while getting rid of unwanted items.

Estate sales are typically held to clean out entire states, from the furniture to the appliances and dishes. A yard sale is the better option if you are not selling your first home. This is a more informal way to eliminate unwanted items while leaving the essential items in your home where they are.

Safe Packing Practices: Protecting Your Belongings

First and foremost, before you can safely pack your belongings, makes sure you have all the necessary packing materials on hand, including:

• Bubble wrap
• Packing peanuts
• Strong packing tape
• Cardboard boxes
• Packing paper

With all these necessities in hand, it is time to start packing. Here are a few simple packing tips that are guaranteed to protect all your treasured belongings:

• Pack plates individually. Always pack glassware, plates, picture frames, mirrors, or anything that could break individually.
• Fill the empty spaces in boxes. Shove newspaper, paper towel, or packing paper into any open spaces in cardboard boxes. Household goods that are tightly packed are less prone to breakage.
• Pack boxes and totes evenly. Mix light and heavy items to ensure the boxes are evenly packed and not too heavy for you or the movers to handle easily.
• Pack important documents separately. Pack sensitive information separately, including your up-to-date medical records, bank statements, and tax records.

Don’t have the time to pack properly? Ask the team at Denver City Movers about their amazing professional packing services! Want more packing tips? Here are some additional suggestions to help you transform from a novice to a packing pro!

Moving Day: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors

Whether you have movers pack up your belongings or you took on this task yourself, you need to be ready for moving day – which will arrive faster than you think! One of the most dangerous aspects of senior moving is moving day itself, especially if you want to actively participate in the process. Protecting yourself from injury is critical, so in addition to recognizing your limitations and letting the movers do most of the heavy lifting, here are some simple tips to help you stay safe on moving day:

Health and Safety on Moving Day: Essential Tips

Read any senior moving guide, and the author will tell you the best thing you can do is let the movers handle the bulk of the work. You have never been one to stay on the sidelines and want to ensure that the move is handled to your exact specifications.

It is possible to actively participate in the move if you take the proper precautions. Follow these tips to prevent injury while the moving trucks are loaded:

• Use a dolly. Load boxes onto a dolly rather than carrying them outside or down the stairs. This evenly distributes the weight and helps avoid any injury caused by lifting heavy boxes.
• Lift boxes properly. Avoid lifting overweight boxes. Instead, leave this to the trained professionals. If you do lift any box, stand over the box with your feet planted firmly. Lift the box upwards and slowly walk toward the moving truck.
• Wear the proper clothing. Avoid loose-fitting clothing, as you can easily tear the clothing or get your pants caught on your shoes, resulting in a fall.

Remember you did hire movers to carry to load for you. The best way to ultimately avoid injury is to stand back and delegate rather than get your hands dirty!

Setting Up the New Space: Making it Feel Like Home

No matter how much space you have to fill and how many packed boxes there are, arriving at your new home or senior living community can feel overwhelming. Start unpacking the essential items – medications, linens, and clothing. Hiring a professional organizer is a great way to avoid clutter and ensure your new home is as welcoming as possible.

Post-Move Adjustments

Ask anyone who has recently moved, and they will tell you that one of the most overwhelming aspects of the journey is the time after the moving trucks pull out of the driveway. Adjusting to your new life is tricky, but it is possible.

Staying Social: Joining Community Activities Post-Move

Adjusting to a new environment can be extremely tricky – especially if you are the new kid in the community and don’t have a lot of friends and family nearby! Creating a new social network is critical for mental, emotional, and physical health. Follow these senior-friendly tips to find new friends in your new neighborhood:

• Visit your local senior center. Your local senior center is a fantastic place to meet your friends or make a connection with friends you haven’t seen in years. Many centers organize events, including day trips, planned lunches, cooking classes, exercise and wellness classes, and support groups.
• Get involved in your neighborhood or senior community. Volunteer in your community or take a class at a local recreation center. Most senior communities host activities that allow you to connect with your new neighbors.
• Consider a part-time job. Approximately 73% of part-time workers are over the age of 55! A part-time job at your local bakery, boutique, or coffee shop is a great way to make extra cash while forming relationships with coworkers!

Financial Planning for a Move: Budgeting Basics

As with any significant financial expense, budgeting for your relocation is essential. The first step is to contact at least three to four moving companies in your area for a free estimate. With those cost estimates in mind, do your homework to determine which moving company is not only available and affordable but also understand about seniors moving and the inherent obstacles they face.

Understanding Moving Costs: Breaking Down the Expenses

Before contacting any long-distance movers in your area, you must understand long-distance moving costs. A typical long-distance mover charges based upon the weight of your household goods, the distance the moving trucks are traveling, and any additional charges that are either naturally incurred during the move or add-ons requested by the customer.

Additional moving charges can include:

• Packing
• Packing supplies
• Furniture disassembly and assembly
• Specialty moving services – including moving bulky items like pianos or appliances
• Temporary storage

Be aware of unexpected fees. For example, your movers may charge a fee for moving boxes or furniture up and down stairs or in the elevator.

Financial Assistance for Senior Moves: Exploring Your Options

Many seniors are on a tight budget, making affording professional movers seem impossible. Several charitable, state-funded, and private organizations offer assistance to seniors who cannot afford the total cost of their move. For example, your local chapter of the Salvation Army or YMCA might provide grants to seniors. The Federal Relocation Assistance Program is another excellent option, as is the USDA Rural Housing Service and the Travelers Aid Society. Contact these organizations to determine if you qualify for moving assistance.

Insurance and Moving: What Seniors Need to Know

All cross-country or interstate moving companies are legally required to offer some sort of moving insurance. This basic form of insurance is called “released value protection.” This protection is free and will be included in your overall moving quote. With released value protection, you will receive a set value on-the-dollar for damaged, lost, or stolen goods during the move.

The next insurance tier is called “full value” or “full valuation” insurance. This insurance provides a set amount per pound of all the items you have professionally moved. For example, if the full valuation is $5-$8 per pound, and your belongings weigh 1,000 pounds, you will be compensated up to $5,000-$8,000.

Third-party insurance is not provided by the moving company. Because it can be very expensive, it should be reserved for items of great value, such as electronics, furniture, artwork, or jewelry. From the value of your items to your budget, there are several things you should consider when purchasing moving insurance.

Dealing with Surplus Items: Sales, Donations, and Disposals

Most seniors who move downsize simply because their kids have moved out and their needs and priorities have changed. Unless you’re blessed with too much space in your new home, chances are you need to eliminate the clutter in your home. The easiest method is dividing your belongings into three categories: keep, sell or donate, and throw away.

Parting with your treasured belongings can be tricky, so ask yourself a simple question: Will this object serve me in my new environment? If the items aren’t necessary or superfluous, they should be tossed, sold, or donated.

Moving with Pets: A Guide for Senior Pet Owners

More than half of adults between the age of 50 and 80 own a pet! If you are a proud pet lover, ensuring your pet is comfortable throughout the process is a top priority. Check with the retirement home or community to determine their pet policy. Many communities are pet-friendly, but you may need to pay an extra fee.

Protecting your pet during the move is also a top priority and needs to be at the top of your state-to-state moving checklist. Ask a nearby friend or a trusted family member to keep your pet while the movers load your items onto the truck. If possible, drive instead of flying to your new home or apartment, as this is the safest and most comfortable form of pet transportation.

Address Change: Updating Your Details Post-Move

Luckily, while compiling your state-to-state moving checklist, changing your address is one of the most accessible aspects of moving. Visit your regional post office or the USPS website and apply for a change of address. Within the first year, you also need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles, Veteran’s Benefits, and Social Security Office to update your address, as well.

Utility Setup: Ensuring Comfort in Your New Home

Before your move, contact the utility company in your new hometown to ensure the utilities, including electricity, gas, and water, are transferred to your name. If you are moving to a residential senior facility, nursing home, or another type of assisted living, this is typically not necessary. However, this will be required if you are moving into a new home or apartment.

Medical Considerations: Preparing for Healthcare Needs

Many seniors suffer from chronic health issues that cannot be overlooked while you are moving. Work with your doctor to find a new primary health provider in the area. Your doctor can also provide references for any other specialized services you might need. If you have an emergent condition that might require a trip to a nearby urgent care clinic or even the emergency room, familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital.

Transportation in Your New Area: Getting Around Post-Move

For many seniors, transportation to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, or even to a local mall to do some window shopping is a huge consideration. Luckily, whether you are moving to New York, Alabama, Washington, or any other state, there are resources for seniors. In addition to public transportation, many communities offer senior shuttles, specialized medical transports, or ride-share programs. In most cases, these transportation options are very low-cost or completely free!

Emergency Services: Knowing Your New Area

Unfortunately, being a senior places you at higher risk for serious medical complications. Knowing the quickest route to the hospital is critical if you are living on your own. The American Hospital Association offers terrific information about the hospitals in your area. If you have a car, take a drive to the nearest hospital with an emergency room. This will ensure you know the quickest route in an emergency.

Community Resources for Seniors: What’s Available in Your New Area

In addition to the local senior center, several excellent organizations offer community resources for seniors. One great source of information is your local area agency on aging or AAA. This fantastic organization provides several services to seniors, from information on healthcare benefits to community activities and grants available to older Americans.

Staying Healthy During the Move: Physical and Mental Health Tips

Moving can be stressful, and unfortunately, it can take its toll on a senior’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Here are a few simple tips to help any senior stay healthy during a long-distance relocation:

• Maintain a healthy diet. Avoid eating quick convenience meals and instead put down the packing tape and take the time to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid the overconsumption of caffeine and drink plenty of water instead!
• Avoid getting overwhelmed. Create a packing schedule. Gather all the necessary packing supplies long before you start filling boxes. Hire professional movers that offer packing services.
• Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask your supportive loved ones for support throughout the whole process.

Remember, the key to staying sane during a move is to hire the right Denver local movers – like the team at Denver City Movers!

Keeping Family Involved: How Loved Ones Can Help

As an independent senior, asking for help, particularly from your adult kids, can be challenging! Don’t hesitate to ask for help planning every stage of the relocation, from finding trustworthy long-distance movers in Denver to packing, purchasing moving insurance, or even finding a new place to live. If you are the adult child of an older person, it is integral that you are involved in the process. This will ensure your parents can find a new apartment, home, or senior living facility that meets their needs.

Avoiding Moving Scams: Protecting Seniors from Fraud

Unfortunately, seniors are particularly at risk of falling victim to a moving scam. The best way to prevent this is to know how to find reputable movers in the Denver area. For example, ask friends and neighbors for a reference. Do your homework and research moving companies in your area. Learn to recognize the common red flags of a suspicious moving company, including:

• No internet presence. Almost every company has a prominent online presence – including moving companies. Use caution if the company doesn’t have a website, phone number, or even a physical address.
• A price that is way too good to be true. Be wary of a moving company that offers a very low price. Chances are they don’t have the proper licensing, equipment, and insurance to handle your belongings legally.
• An over-the-phone estimate. Reputable movers will always perform a thorough walkthrough, as moving costs are primarily based on the estimated volume of your household goods.

Important: Only work with a local company offering a free in-home estimate and are not asking for extensive deposits!

Post-Move Reflections: Sharing Stories and Experiences

As a senior, you need to consider moving the start of a new and exciting journey. Relocating to a new state can be amazing – although it is also a little scary. The best way to avoid missing out on the experiences that come with living in a new state is to share your stories, experiences, and anxieties with your loved ones!

Conclusion: Embracing the New Chapter in Your Life

Congratulations! You are starting a whole new chapter in your life and should be excited to move. At Denver City Movers, we are here to ensure that every aspect of your relocation is as easy and stress-free as possible. In addition to providing comprehensive moving services, we know a lot about finding a new zip code to call home.

Want some answers to the most common questions when moving out of state? Or which states have experienced a home price increase? We can help with that too! When you are ready to retire and make the move out of Denver, give us a call!