What should you consider the next time you move long distance, especially as an older person with a lot of belongings?
Three Movers, a top rated long distance mover, is going to let us know today what to consider when moving for seniors.
You may have not thought about all these details yet, but with Three Movers’ help, it’ll be much easier to move long distances, anywhere in the world.
How to Move Long Distances for Seniors
1. Consider selling most of your belongings
If you’re a senior, aged over 65, it’s more than likely you’ve accumulated a vast amount of belongings throughout the years. This includes junk as well, depending on how long you’ve lived in your home.
It can be difficult to pack, ship, and handle many decades' worth of belongings. That’s why it’s a good idea, as a senior, to consider selling most of your belongings, or sell as much as possible during the move.
Not only will you be able to move for cheaper, as costs are by weight, but you’ll have some extra funds to go to wherever you’re headed. You may want to also consider giving away some belongings as well if there are items left over that you don’t think are worth selling.
2. Always vet your moving company.
What’s very common is that seniors are targetted for scams, or artificially raised pricing because of old age. While it may not work on every senior as they vary from differing mental clarities, seniors are always a target when dealing with large sums of money.
That’s why it’s best never to sign any contract or give money for a deposit until you’ve been given the full quote amount for the entire service. You do not want a situation where you’re all packed up, but the moving company driver comes and gives you the bill, only to realize it’s been bumped up by 25-50%.
Always vet your moving company, for example, Three Movers has an online presence as well as many reviews by real people. They’ve been running for many years and can help anyone around the world from point A to point B.
But not all moving companies are the same, and it’s important to verify the company you are working with is legit. Otherwise, you may fall into a bait-and-switch scam, which not only happens to seniors but anyone who tries to work with movers.
3. Plan your move well in advanced
It’s no surprise that a move can be a huge headache. What’s even worse is an unplanned move. It’s best to plan your move at least 2 to 3 months in advance, or even more if possible. Avoid moving during the winter months, as it can be a bit uncomfortable if you’re doing it all on your own.
If you’re hiring movers, there are high seasons and low seasons. The busy season of moving is around May 15th to around the 15th of September. If you can avoid moving during these times, you’ll be able to net yourself discounts on movers, hauls, and even packaging supplies.
With a well-timed move, you won’t need to worry so much about the small details while they pop up along the way. A well-trained team will make it super easy to move long distances, and leave you with only letting the crew know where to place your belongings.
4. Be patient
The best word of advice when it comes to long-distance moving for seniors is patience. It may be a difficult time as the move can involve many emotions. Some may be moving to care homes while some may have to leave behind many nostalgic items that hold a lot of sentimental value.
Always give yourself time to relax, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you can, plan well in advance to avoid any last-minute hiccups or price surprises. Once everything is in order, all that’s left to do is unpack and enjoy your new home!
Conclusion
Three Movers provides crucial insights for seniors facing long-distance moves, addressing specific challenges associated with age and accumulated possessions. Their guidance centers around key principles:
Firstly, advocating for the consideration of selling or giving away belongings not only streamlines the move but also reduces costs based on weight, allowing for a more affordable and financially efficient transition.
Secondly, the emphasis on thoroughly vetting moving companies is paramount, with Three Movers advising against signing contracts or providing deposits until a full quote is disclosed. Their established online presence and positive reviews attest to their reliability.
Additionally, planning the move well in advance—preferably 2 to 3 months ahead—mitigates complexities. By avoiding peak seasons and winter months, seniors can secure service discounts and minimize discomfort, ensuring a more organized experience with a trusted moving team like Three Movers.
Lastly, the importance of patience is stressed, acknowledging the emotional challenges of such moves for seniors. Three Movers advises seniors to allow time for relaxation, plan ahead to avoid surprises, and ultimately relish the excitement of settling into a new home.