You may have moved several times in the past. Based on 2007 data, the Census Bureau estimates that Americans can expect to move 11.7 times in their lifetime.
However, no matter how many times you’ve done it, moving in your 50s or 60s is not the same as moving in your 20s or 30s.
This blog post will discuss the moving services people over 50 should look for when planning a move. You may have unique needs, making it necessary to find a moving company that can provide specialized moving services such as downsizing, packing and unpacking, and coordinating with family members or caregivers.
Are you an empty nester looking to replace your big house with a smaller apartment? Do you plan to move in with a family member? Perhaps you decided that a retirement community is the best option for you?
Whichever of these scenarios describes your situation, embrace the new chapter in your life and remain positive. Start planning as early as possible and focus on the task at hand. Have a moving checklist handy to help you organize the transition.
Moving can be physically demanding, especially for people over 50 and retirees. To stay healthy during the relocation, stick to your routine, eat properly, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.
Be aware that you may injure yourself and ask for help when lifting or moving heavy objects. Even better, let professional movers handle most tasks. And when they unload your belongings at your new home, don’t hesitate to ask them to arrange the furniture how you like it.
Choose a reliable mover who understands your needs and will help you get to your new address with minimal stress. Your mover should also be your professional consultant, able to provide guidance at every step.
The type of moving company you choose depends on your needs and budget. Some movers only handle the loading, transportation, and unloading. Others offer extra services that may not be cheap but can save time and energy.
People over 50 may want to look for companies that include the following specialized moving services:
For most people over 50 and retirees, moving means downsizing and decluttering. Imagine living in your new home. Then write down what you absolutely need, ensuring everything will fit in. Everything else can be given to family and friends, sold, donated, or thrown away. Specialized moving services can help with this, making the process much smoother.
And if you occasionally experience an emotional pang, remember that the less you have, the less there will be to pack and unpack. The shipping cost will be lower too!
Packing for a move is hard work. If you can’t count on family or friends to help you, engage a mover that offers packing and moving services. Full-service moving companies will also unpack your belongings and dispose of all packaging material.
Your mover should be able to provide sturdy boxes and other packing materials if you prefer to pack some items yourself.
You probably have a large mirror or a big vase that needs careful handling. Professional movers are trained to pack fragile items well so that they arrive at your new home in one piece.
Large pieces of furniture cannot be squeezed through a standard doorway. Disassembling and reassembling them can be a nightmare for you but is a breeze when done by professionals with the right tools and know-how.
Transporting large appliances such as a fridge or a dishwasher presents challenges that skilled movers are able to address. They will disconnect them at your old home, pack them well, and set up appliances at your new residence so that everything goes well and without incident.
If you must leave your old home before the new one is ready, look for movers that offer storage and moving services. The storage space should be temperature and humidity controlled to ensure your belongings do not deteriorate.
You can choose to drive to your new location. For long-distance moves, you may want to entrust the transportation of your car to the movers. Empty the vehicle of all personal belongings and ensure the gas tank is only one-quarter full because weight affects shipping costs.
You have spent many years working for what you have. When relocating, you want to be sure that your belongings are covered in case of any accidents. Carefully review your moving insurance options. The basic liability insurance that professional moving companies are obliged to offer will not go far in reimbursing you for possible damage or loss. The full-value cover is a better option, but if you have high-value items, you may want to get third-party insurance.
If you have a four-legged furry friend, look for a moving company equipped to relocate pets without too much stress.
Specialized moving services can provide a coordinator to handle the logistics of the relocation and ensure a smooth transition, keeping you or your family updated from start to finish.
Reputable professional movers ensure the safety and security of your belongings. They typically run background checks on employees, offer moving insurance, secure storage options, and have a simple and quick claims process.
You can speak with several companies and get quotes to compare their prices and the packages they offer.
Or you can save time and effort by contacting AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft.
AAPP Moving Services powered by Shyft is a platform created especially for people over 50. Here are some of the advantages of entrusting your move to Shyft:
The Shyft relocation tool is easy to use, even if you are not internet-savvy.
All you need to do is download the Shyft Next app on your iPhone or Android smartphone or tablet. Then schedule a video call online or by phone at 1-888-501-3181.
A Shyft representative, your dedicated Move Coach, will video-call you at the time you selected. During the next 30 minutes, walk around your house and point the camera on your device at the items you want to take to your new home. Your Move Coach will advise on various services available and approximate costs while taking your inventory with the help of the clever Shyft Next app.
When the video call is finalized, your Move Coach will put together the inventory list and send it to you within about half an hour. This inventory list is typically highly accurate. Review it carefully and add or remove items and services as you see fit. When you are happy with the list, send it back.
The Move Coach will forward your inventory list with details such as moving distance and moving date to a secure Shyft platform. This is where moving companies in the Shyft network bid for your business, each offering the best pricing possible.
You will get at least three top quotes to choose from. When you accept a quote, it becomes locked. That means that the price cannot change and ensures that you do not get additional fees and nasty surprises at the end of the process.
If you need to add or remove any items or services or the moving distance, you need to request a new quote. Note that moving quotes come with an expiration date, after which they are invalid. You are, however, welcome to start the whole process again. Your Shyft representative understands that sometimes life gets in the way of the best plans!
You (or your family member or caregiver) can call your Shyft 24/7 with any questions or concerns. There will always be a knowledgeable Shyft representative ready to help.
AARP members are also entitled to an exclusive discount of up to $250.
Book your move now with AARP Moving Services powered by Shyft and save time and money.
