People say that home is where the heart is and we couldn’t agree more. A home is more than a location - it’s an expression of who we are and what we love; therefore, it can be made wherever we see fit. While moving is always a stressful process, it can be made easier via the assistance of devoted family members and caretakers.
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It’s true that moving at an older age poses more problems than just lifting boxes and packing up memories. It often means coming to live with extended family members or opting for affordable senior citizen housing, both of which could be difficult transitions. To make them easier, it’s better to think of moving as a new chapter in life, one that can be made into a positive experience.
Making a “home” requires creating comfort, coziness, and warmth, which can be difficult (if not seemingly impossible) when "home" is an impersonal room in a building or feels devoid of privacy when sharing a home with relatives. One of the ways senior citizens can feel more at home no matter where they are is to ensure that all of their highly personal possessions, such as photos, videos, arts and crafts, as well as meaningful items are moved first. If possible, set these items up before actually moving in so that the new living situation can feel "homey" the moment they walk in the door - replicating where these mementos and treasures were in the old home can make this transition feel less harsh.
If there are sentimental belongings that cannot be brought along and need to be left behind, perhaps opting for a storage facility is an option that is worth exploring. Alternatively, this is a good opportunity to leave extra special items with trusted friends or family. This option is also great for bringing close family members and friends together during a difficult period and having something special to talk about - plus, this is a much better option than waiting for a will to decide who gets what. Getting rid of prized possessions altogether may be psychologically difficult for senior citizens, and leaving valued items in the trust of others can be a way of reinforcing meaningful bonds later in life.
The main concern of all parties involved should be to make the move and the establishment of a new home as simple and as easy as possible. Material things must be handled with care, and the emotional impact that moving can create should be handled with integrity.
Navis Pack & Ship is the expert in the special crating and careful shipping of antique items, prized posessions, valuable objects, and anything you absolutely need to arrive in perfect condition. Our dedication to preserving your treasures is consistent and reliable, and we can even help facilitate storage options at our facilities if needed. If you have any questions about preparing for a senior move, contact us at (800) 344-3528 for personalized assistance.
By Steve Goble, VP of Marketing Communications for Navis Pack & Ship. When he's not spilling packing and shipping secrets, he's spending time with his family at a San Diego Padres or Chargers game. Connect with Steve on Google+ and LinkedIn.
