Essential Moving And Packing Tips For Senior Citizens
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An old couple is packing for a house move

Essential Moving And Packing Tips For Senior Citizens

Dec 23, 2019 Over the years, a significant number of seniors have relocated in Gold Coast. As per the census of population and housing (2016) by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 16.4 % population of Gold Coast is aged 65 years or older. By 2031, the population is expected to double and account for 20% of the Gold Coast’s overall population. It is estimated the figure of senior relocations is set to rise, as the government introduces new incentive schemes to free large family houses occupied by seniors. Even reputed removalists in Gold Coast report assisting an increasing number of senior citizens in moving to accommodations more suited for their needs.

Reasons To Move For Senior Citizens

The reasons for seniors of Gold Coast moving vary from being emotional to practical. Some of the most commons one are listed as follows. • Need for a smaller home that requires less maintenance • To become a part of a retirement village • To be close to family members and friends • Obtaining a space in a residential park • Be close to facilities offering aged care services

Essential Moving And Packing Tips For Senior Citizens

Moving is a challenge at any age. However, it becomes especially tricky for people who are aged 65 years or older. Moving as a senior is not easy. Therefore, the need for adequate planning and proper execution of tasks is high. So, if you are a senior citizen, here are essential moving and packing tips that can help.

Downsize

Downsizing is a fantastic way to reduce the number of things to pack and move. Many seniors move from houses that were family homes. However, with the children gone, the homes are too big and require more maintenance. Therefore, the need to move to a smaller home arises, which involves downsizing. You can start by removing duplicates. For example, if there are three wardrobes downsize by taking only one or two of them to the new house.

Learn About Incentives

As of 1st July 2018, senior citizens who downsize are eligible for incentives to sell their homes. According to the new government plans, if you have a house for ten or more years and sell it, you can get allowances and capital tax gains. In addition, you can get $300,000 in your superannuation fund. The amount doubles for couples. The government aims to help senior citizen move into ‘age-friendly’ accommodations and free up houses for younger families.

Plan Everything

Moving house is a big transition. It would help if you started planning for the move at least 2-3 months in advance. Start by preparing a moving checklist of tasks you need to do. Create a timetable of these tasks and assign ownership. Also, put deadlines to ensure timely completion of the task. If you are tech-savvy, you can install apps that help in organising and planning for house moves.

Ask for Help

Moving is physically strenuously and mentally taxing. As an elderly, you may not be able to do specific tasks due to physical limitations or disability. Therefore, it is best to ask your family members or friends to help you. In most cases, when senior citizens move, their children help manage the move and make it as smooth as possible. Avoid trying to do it on your own as it can cause serious complications.

Hire Professionals

Even if you have family members and friends to help you move, it is best to hire professional removalists in Gold Coast. The experts are well-versed and manage numerous removal jobs every day. They are adept at packing and moving all kinds of items. They can even help you downsize. Additionally, reputed removalists have senior citizen discount offers which you can avail.

Be Ready to Compromise

Whether you are moving to a smaller house, a residential village, or any other place, be ready to compromise. As a senior changing the way you live is difficult. However, if you are flexible, transitions can be smooth and rewarding.

Invest In Packing Material

According to reputed removalists in the Gold Coast, to ensure your belongings are packed securely and reach your new accommodation without damage, it is essential to invest in the right packing material. From small items like glasses to heavy objects like furniture, you can get a variety of packing boxes. Besides the boxes, buy padding supplies, tapes, labels, scissors, Ziploc bags etc. If possible, try to find the original cartons and packing supplies for items.

Label Everything

Label all the objects in your house. From cutlery to dismantled furniture items, make sure you label them to help your hired removalists in Gold Coast to pack them properly and avoid damaging delicate items. You can colour code the labels to know which article belongs to which area. For example, if you put green labels on all items of the kitchen, then it will be easy to know which items to unpack when finding kitchen supplies.

Seal Pack

Save space by sealing certain items in plastic bags with the help of a vacuum cleaner. Seal items like clothes, toys, documents, toiletries, or anything else you think can be securely packed in this manner. You can easily find reusable space saver bags in different sizes to seal a variety of household items.

Pack Documents First

When you pack, it is essential to sort and pack important documents like identity proofs, medical reports/records, qualification certificates etc. It is best to organise all the documents and pack them securely to ensure they don’t get lost during the moving process.

Learn About The Best Time to Move

To make moving easy, check the weather and the availability of professional removalists in Gold Coast. Know when will be the best time to make the move. Most people move during the summer. However, during summer, the availability and affordability of good removalists in Gold Coast reduces. So try to move during spring, as the weather is pleasant and you can get the removalists of your choice to do the job for you.

Endnote

Moving houses as a senior is difficult. However, ones you move the desired accommodation, your life can become a lot easier. So, if you are thinking of moving, don’t hesitate. The process may be tricky or challenging, but it is rewarding in the end. Make sure you get the support of near & dear ones and don’t forget to hire professional removalists in Gold Coast to make your relocation smooth.