Four Moving Strategies

Want a Smooth Move?

When a loved one relocates to a new home, apartment or care facility, a great deal of care is required. As a caregiver, you can help him or her adjust to the change with as little stress as possible.

Planning in this case – as in most situations - will be an asset for all concerned. Even moves that are desired can create uncertainty and anxiety. Try to eliminate the rough edges of that by mapping out a game plan. For details, you can check out my earlier post Plan to Downsize. Once you have developed your plan and have had a chance to make decisions with your loved one about what to take and what to leave behind, you can go onto the next big phase.

Caregiving.org has prepared a guide with many useful tips. Here are a few that I think are very helpful.

Know what will go where. Create a basic floor plan that includes where doors, windows, shelves, closets, heating vents, etc. are located. With a degree of accuracy, you can find out where best to place furniture, floor lamps, mirrors, etc.

Don’t forget the cat. Be prepared to move your loved one’s pet with food bowl and litter box ready to go upon occupancy. This will alleviate the animal’s stress as well as reduce its owners loving concerns.

Boxes. Labeled boxes (category of contents and room designation, such as kitchen, bedroom) will help make the move smooth. Also, know where to get the packing containers and where to take them once they are no long needed.

Leave the lights on. Pre-arrangements with utility service providers can be made so that electricity and gas are ready at the new location.

Remember, physical changes can take a while to get used to. Patience and understanding will go along towards your efforts to help your loved one settle into the new place.

To read the full Caregiving.org guide, click here.

J. Dietrich Stroeh is author of Three Months: A Caregiver’s Journey from Heartbreak to Healing (2011 FolkHeart Press) and three free ebooks. For more information, click here.

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