5 Easy Ways to Move to a New Home for Seniors

Updated on January 11, 2022

Around one-third of UK seniors want to move for various reasons, but financial and logistical issues often keep them stuck where they are. If you’re one of them, you should know that you don’t have to settle for staying put. These five easy moving methods for seniors should help you figure out the best way to get settled into your new home instead.

1. Downsize and Move Yourself

Now that you’re not as young as you used to be, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to safely move large pieces of furniture from one place to another. If you’re careful and take your time, however, you may be able to manage some things like light chairs and small boxes – and that may be all you need.

Downsizing is a very popular trend among UK seniors. You probably don’t really need all of the things in your home, so consider choosing a smaller space and leaving some of your possessions behind. Stick to the essentials to keep things manageable, and if you need any heavy furniture or appliances, consider whether it might be easier to just buy new ones; your old ones might be close to failing anyway, and if you do replace them, delivery might be free. If not, try to find a furnished home to move into instead so that all of the heavy items will already be in place.

This may not be a realistic option for all seniors, but if you’re able to pull it off, this is a straightforward and inexpensive way to move. You can do it at your own pace without having to work around anyone else’s schedule, and you’ll enjoy a simpler lifestyle afterward too.

2. Get Help From Friends and Family

If you’re not feeling up to moving all on your own, you may be able to get some friends and family members to lend you a helping hand. Your younger and stronger loved ones will probably be glad you asked; if they do the job themselves, they can make sure it’s done right. To sweeten the deal for your helpers and keep them motivated, you may want to offer them some food or drink throughout the day. Other than that, however, it will probably cost next to nothing to do things this way.

This option is both cheap and pleasant, but it isn’t available to everyone. Many seniors do not have friends or family members living close to them, or may only know people who have limited physical strength. If that’s the case for you, there’s no way around it – you’ll have to cross this option off your list.

3. Hire a Helper

Don’t know anyone who can help you? You can always hire someone to do it instead. Many people are looking for a few hours of casual work like a moving job, and the satisfaction of helping a senior move safely is often an additional motivator for them.

You can look for candidates online, through a temp agency, or in the classified ads of your local paper. Be sure to set the wage you offer at least slightly above the current minimum wage rates: you want to work with someone reputable who you can trust with your precious personal objects, not someone who is desperate to take any work they can get. Don’t forget to factor the cost of the moving van into your budget as well, since your helper probably won’t have one of their own to drive.

This option is inexpensive, but there are risks involved with it as well. You don’t necessarily know what kind of person will take you up on your offer; they may be unreliable, unable to do the job properly, or even dishonest. You also might have trouble finding someone in time. Be sure to start looking early and take your time screening candidates if you choose this moving method.

4. Use a Moving Service

Hoping for a service that lets you sit back and watch as the work gets done for you? A traditional moving company might be the way to go. These companies are happy to take care of your entire move for you – for a fee, of course.

This option will almost certainly cost far more than any of the other ideas listed here, but it comes with many advantages as well. As we previously mentioned, it requires very little input from you; just tell the movers what you want done and they will do it, from packing to driving to unloading. You’ll be sure not to overexert yourself either physically or mentally. Further, moving companies are professional businesses with trusted and capable staff to call on as needed.

5. Use a Man and Van Service

Maybe the idea of a moving service sounds good to you, but it’s a little out of your price range. In that case, a man and van service might be for you. These services are like miniature moving companies, giving you a small crew and an appropriately-sized vehicle to get your move done.

Accordingly, you can learn more about whether a man with a van service could be the right solution for your needs by taking a look at some of the helpful resources on websites such as: www.suprememanvan.com.

This option strikes an excellent balance between the two previous ones we’ve discussed. It’s easier and safer to hire a service like this than to take your chances with whatever solo helpers you can find, and it’s significantly cheaper than hiring an entire moving company for the day. Services like Shift also make it easy to get a quote or book a timeslot online for extra convenience. This is arguably the best moving method for the average senior of limited means.

Moving Into Your New Home is Easier Than You Think

No matter how old you are, you should never feel trapped in your own home. If you want to move, there is always a way to get it done. Weigh your budget against your needs and consider which of these five options is the best one for you – one of them is sure to suit you perfectly.

+ posts

Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.