Statistics show that about one third of Baby Boomers plan to move to a new home during retirement (according to a 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey). There were approximately 76 million births in the US during the “Baby Boom” years, so a rough estimate would say that around 20 million Baby Boomers are likely to relocate during their retirement years – which, for many of the Boomers, technically began at the end of the last decade.

This means there will probably be more senior relocations occurring in the next 10-20 years than ever before!!

Some seniors relocate due to retirement, change of lifestyle, or a desire to live in a warmer climate. On the other hand, more and more senior relocations happen due to poor health and the need to live where emergency help is at the push of a button.

As professional movers, we understand the special considerations when it comes to assisting an elderly client with their move into a retirement community. Below are several factors to keep in mind if you are ever called to assist a family member with their transition into a retirement community.

Special Considerations for A Senior Relocation:

• Realize the difference in generational ideals; understand that they may not communicate in the same ways that a younger generation does and always speak clearly and without euphemisms and slang
• If you’re hiring a company to assist with the move, ensure that they understand exactly who is coming into their home and handling their prized possessions. Make sure proper introductions are made between your family member and the moving crew
• Understand and respect the stressfulness of the situation. They may have lived in their current home for 30, 40, 50+ years and are now transitioning into a retirement community or assisted living facility and are having to deal with a major downsize of their belongings
• During a senior relocation, the individual is dealing with more than just moving their belongings to a new place, they also have to grow accustomed to: 1) a new lifestyle with a different daily schedule and activities and 2) a new and probably much smaller living space.

The main tip to remember: always show the utmost respect while handling and moving their furniture and personal items. Due to the nature of this transition, having patience with the client is our employees’ number one recommendation.