Seniors and Moving: How to Ease the Transition When Downsizing
With proper planning, downsizing to a smaller home can be a rewarding experience.
The Okanagan is widely recognized for its great weather, convenient amenities and abundant lifestyle opportunities. As such, many seniors are moving to the area from places like Alberta and the Lower Mainland to enjoy their retirement years.
While this is certainly something to look forward to, it also comes with challenges. Many seniors will have been living in the same home for many years, and the prospect of leaving can be an emotional experience. The logistics of downsizing present another complication that must be dealt with.
Here are some tips that might help ease the transition…
Get the Family Involved
Your parents have done so much for you over the years. Now it’s your turn to give back. You undoubtedly have a lot on the go with your own family and work life. You may even live in a different community, but your aging parents will appreciate having the support of family as they move on to the next phase in life.
While it will require a lot of work, you can also use this time to visit with your parents and reflect on old times, especially if their home is where you grew up.
Purging Possessions
It can be surprising just how much stuff one can accumulate over the years. It can be equally alarming just how little of it will fit into smaller dwellings, such as:
- Condos
- Bungalows
- Townhouses
- Seniors facilities
Deciding what to do with your belongings is something that needs to be addressed head on. Once you know the size and layout of your new home, you can start planning what to bring. For the things that just won’t fit, you have several options:
- Pass heirlooms and valuables on to relatives
- Donate items to charity
- Host a garage sale
- Sell items on Kijiji and other auction sites
It’s worth noting that many seniors’ facilities are fully catered, meaning you’ll no longer have need of your kitchenware and dishware. Furthermore, the more you decide to purge, the lower the quote you’ll receive from moving companies in Kelowna, as estimates are based on weight.
Choosing the Right Moving Company in Kelowna
As with any move, it’s worth doing a little research to see if the firm you’re about to contract has experience in helping seniors move. Be sure to ask things like:
- Are they familiar with local seniors facilities and their operating hours?
- Do they offer specialty services (piano movers, hot tub movers etc.)?
- Will they take the time to educate clients about the process of moving?
For more helpful advice on this topic, read: Downsizing: Tips for Your Long Distance Move.
For friendly, professional service for your next move, call Bekins Moving & Storage. We’re regarded as one of the top moving companies in Kelowna, offering a full range of services at competitive prices.