Well, hello there! If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you know is thinking about packing up and moving to greener pastures. Now, moving can be trickier than a carnival game when you’ve got a few miles on the odometer if you know what I mean. But don’t you worry I’m here to walk you through picking a moving company that’ll treat you right and one that specializes in moving seniors around.
Understanding Senior Moves: What makes them different?
Emotional aspects
Let me tell you, leaving a home where you’ve lived longer than some folks have been alive – it’s no walk in the park. It’s like saying goodbye to an old friend. You’ve got memories in every nook and cranny, you’ve possibly even selected the materials to create your own custom rug and that can make packing up feel like you’re leaving a piece of yourself behind.
Physical considerations
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m not as spry as I used to be. These days, my knees crack louder than my grandkids’ video games! That’s why it’s important to find local or interstate moving companies who understand that we might need a little extra help getting around or handling our belongings.
Special needs
Some of us might have medical equipment that needs special care, transportation of mobility equipment or we might need help setting up our new place just right. A good house mover should be ready to lend a hand with all that, no questions asked.
Essential Qualities of a Moving Company for Seniors
Experience with senior moves
You want a company that’s been around the block with folks our age. They should know senior moves like the back of their hand. Moved us out of bigger homes and into smaller homes.
Patience and compassion
I once had a mover who was so impatient, you’d think he was trying to beat a world record! That’s not what you want. Look for professional movers who move at your pace, even if that pace is slower than molasses in January. But why? Because a good mover respects your needs and ensures your treasured belongings and memories are handled with care.
Comprehensive services
The best moving companies offer the whole kit and caboodle – packing, unpacking, arranging furniture, you name it. You might even need a boat transporter if you’ve got a boat that needs to be moved to your new property and the right company can help you arrange all that. It’s like having a personal assistant, only they’re stronger and can lift heavy boxes!
Licensed and insured
This is as important as remembering to take your pills. Make sure they’ve got all their papers in order. You don’t want to end up in a pickle if something goes sideways. Like can you imagine saying to the movers ‘What do you mean you forgot to take my dog’s ashes?’
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Moving Company for Seniors
What experience do you have with senior moves?
Don’t be shy – ask them straight up how many gray-haired customers they’ve helped.
What services do you offer?
The more they can do for you, the better. You want a one-stop shop, not a bare-bones operation. It’s not going to do you any good if they leave the bed disassembled in the garage and not fully assembled in the bedroom.
Can you provide references or testimonials?
Nothing beats hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth. Ask to chat with some of their past clients.
Are you licensed and insured?
This ain’t negotiable, folks. You’ve accumulated some valuable belongings up to this stage and it didn’t come easy, so make sure you fully understand what is covered under the mover’s insurance but also what isn’t and what extra coverage you need from an insurance broker.
What are your pricing and payment terms?
Get all the nitty-gritty on pricing. No one likes surprise bills, except maybe the electricity company. If you’re on your own and you know paying and carrying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in cash is not a very wise decision. Ask if they are flexible with wired transfers or cards, a mover that works for you should be very accommodating no matter the payment method.
Red Flags to Watch Out For When Hiring a Moving Company
Lack of clear Information
If they’re being as vague as my grandson trying to explain why he needs to “borrow” twenty bucks, that’s a no-go. You want all the fees laid out and written down on paper.
No references or poor Reviews
If they’ve got more bad reviews than a restaurant with lousy food, keep looking. You have to be able to read between the lines in reviews, but if it’s all bad, then it’s most likely all going to be bad.
High-pressure sales tactics
If they’re pushing you to sign faster than a fella trying to sell ice to Eskimos, well, you best mosey on outta there. We’ve been through enough life to know when the situation calls for us to take a step back and not get pressured.
Tips for a Smooth Senior Move
- Start Early You didn’t collect all your cherished possessions overnight so you can’t expect to pack up a lifetime overnight. Give yourself plenty of time.
- It’s your move, after all! Don’t let anyone push you into choices you’re not comfortable with.
- Downsize your inventory if you are downsizing your home. Make yourself a checklist and stick with it, at the very least it’ll keep you organized.
- If you’ve got an unpacking team, it’ll make it 5 times faster if they know exactly what is in each box. Mark your boxes as if your future happiness relies on it. “Kitchen – Coffee Mugs” beats “Kitchen Stuff” any day!
- Consider hiring a senior move manager, these moving consultants have seen it all before and frequently moved for the disabled, underprivileged also seniors and they are like fairy godmothers for moving. It’s like having a personal moving concierge!
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks. Moving might seem like a mountain to climb, but with the right help and a positive attitude, it can be more of a pleasant stroll. Take it from someone who’s been there – with a little planning and the right moving company, whether you are moving locally or interstate, you’ll be settling into your new home before you know it, ready to make a whole new set of memories.
Remember, it’s never too late to start a new chapter. So go on, take that first step towards your new adventure. Who knows? It might just be the best move you ever made!
