TWD #25 Making the Move with Grace – Step Four

Hello and heartfelt greetings. I am Carol Phillips, your trusted Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, and the author of “Transitions With Dignity – A Six Step Blueprint To Help Your Loved One Embrace Change.” In today’s blog, we’ll navigate the exciting yet challenging Step Four of our journey – making the move!

As Nicole Johnson once said, “Happiness doesn’t have just one address.” With this wisdom in mind, we embark on our journey, armed with the philosophy of William Morris: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

The Art of Deciding What to Move and Where to Put It

Congratulations! You’ve chosen the next “forever home” for your loved one. Now, the tangible journey begins. This is where NASMM, or the National Association of Senior Move Managers, comes to your aid. They’re like the choreographers of the moving dance, skilled in directing the intricate ballet of sorting, decluttering, downsizing, and transitioning to a new residence.

NASMM’s certified move managers are both experienced and affordable. They’re adept at curating the clutter, identifying what needs to be done, and ensuring your loved one can either stay safely in their current home or move comfortably to their new one. Visit TransitionsWithDignity.com/Resources for a link to the NASMM website.

But if you’re a hands-on family, ready and willing to orchestrate the move yourselves, I highly recommend Barbara Morris’s workbook, “Moving for Seniors: A Step-by-Step Workbook.” Also, don’t forget to gather all essential documents before going any further. The Essential Documents Planner is available on the Resources page of my website.

Creating Your Customized Space Plan

The next task is to create a “to-scale” layout of your unit in the destination community. This is your blueprint for what furniture will fit in each area. For this, you can find useful templates on my website.

In my own experience with my mother, I measured each wall, windows, and the distance from the floor to the window ledges. I also noted the locations of all the electrical outlets and the cable outlet. This allowed me to understand what furniture could fit, and where we could hang artwork.

By considering each room, piece by piece, you can thoughtfully decide what to take, what to buy new, and what sentimental items will fit into your loved one’s new “forever home.”

Assembling Your Moving Team

This process isn’t a one-person job. It takes a village, or at least a team of people or companies, each excelling in different areas of the process. It’s a beautiful ballet of “divide and conquer,” ensuring a seamless and stress-free move.

My Personal Moving Experience

When my mom moved into her new home, we had to consider various factors such as furniture sizes, her vision impairment, and her inability to cook. We ended up purchasing a loveseat and two smaller recliners instead of moving her oversized living room furniture. We managed to make her space feel like home with carefully chosen pieces and artwork.

The lessons we learned were invaluable. We found the perfect balance between comfort and practicality, ensured she had the necessary amenities, and even arranged for a headset for her TV due to her macular degeneration.

Every detail matters, right down to the shower curtain size and the choice of bathroom artwork. And don’t forget about pets if your loved one has one. Make sure their health checks and vaccinations are up-to-date.

The Final Stretch

As we wind up, remember to inform all friends and relatives of the move and the new address. In my case, since we manage my mother’s accounting, we did not change her address at the post office. Instead, we sent out change-of-address cards to all her loved ones.

The Move – An Opportunity for Growth

Ultimately, this transition, like all significant life changes, is an opportunity for growth. A new environment can bring renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and unexpected joys. Embrace the journey, taking each step with grace and patience. Remember, the goal isn’t just to move, but to move with dignity, love, and respect.

As we embark on this journey together, I hope my insights will guide you through this challenging yet rewarding process. Here’s to finding joy in new beginnings, to embracing change, and to making your loved one’s transition as smooth, comfortable, and dignified as possible.

I am Carol Phillips, and I am here with you every step of the way, helping you navigate the transitions with dignity. Visit TransitionsWithDignity.com/Resources for more information, resources, and links mentioned in this post.

Until next time, remember, we are not just moving houses; we are moving lives, cherishing old memories and making room for new ones.

Warmest Regards,

Carol Phillips
Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist in Phoenix
Author of “Transitions With Dignity, A Six Step Blueprint To Help Your Loved One Embrace Change”

[email protected]
CarolPhillips.exprealty.com
TransitionsWithDignity.com