Whether moving to a smaller, age-appropriate apartment, into assisted living or in with a family member: a move in later life brings particular challenges. After many years in the same home, every piece of furniture holds memories, and the physical effort should not be underestimated. This guide shows how to manage a senior move – calmly, respectfully and well organised.
Plan early and calmly
Time is the most important ally in a senior move. Start planning several weeks in advance so nothing has to be rushed. A realistic schedule with small stages takes off the pressure: one day a cupboard is sorted, another day the kitchen. This keeps the move manageable and avoids exhaustion.
Involve relatives early if possible. Many decisions are easier when children or grandchildren help. At the same time, it is important that the person concerned decides for themselves what comes along and what does not. This preserves independence and makes the farewell easier.
Decluttering with heart and reason
After decades, a lot accumulates. Decluttering is not about parting with everything, but about consciously selecting what matters. A division into four groups has proven effective:
- Take along: favourite items, important furniture and mementos that will fit in the new home.
- Pass on: things that family, friends or charitable organisations will appreciate.
- Sell: well-preserved furniture or collector's items that have value.
- Dispose of: what is defective and unusable – here a professional disposal with value credit helps.
Proceed gently: mementos take time. Photos of cherished items that don't come along preserve the memory, even if the object itself moves on.
Furnishing the new home for later life
When moving in, it pays to focus on safety and comfort from the start. Short distances, easily reachable cupboards, sufficient light and removing trip hazards such as loose rugs improve quality of life. Familiar furniture and personal items help you feel at home quickly – people with early-stage dementia in particular benefit from a familiar environment.
Professional support for the senior move
A specialised senior move takes the physical and organisational burden off you. An experienced team handles packing, transport, assembly and dismantling of furniture and, on request, unpacking in the new home. This way, you or your relatives don't have to carry anything heavy and can focus on what matters.
An all-round package often makes sense: move, final cleaning of the old apartment with handover guarantee and the disposal or clearance of items no longer needed – all from a single source. This reduces the coordination effort to a minimum.
When choosing a moving company, look for experience with senior moves, patience and respectful treatment. A personal contact who accompanies the move from the inspection to unpacking provides reassurance.
Don't forget the formalities
A senior move also involves the usual formalities: registration with the municipality, change of address with the health insurer, bank, pension fund and AHV compensation office, a forwarding order with the post office, as well as re-registering the GP and Spitex if the location changes. A moving checklist helps keep track. Relatives can provide a lot of relief here.