30 December 2009

Moving itself is a stressful procedure. Doing it with senior parents and citizens makes it even more stressful. So if you have senior parents, here are some tips to make your relocation much easier and less stressful.   1. As moving is a difficult and emotional process for them, you have to inform them about it well in advance. They need time to adjust to the move, and to sort and pack their belongings.   2. It is better to start organising your move a room at a time, preferably starting from the basement or attic where there are minimal sentimental items. This helps them adjust to the concept of the move, and the need of giving things away.   3. As it is not always possible to take all your possessions to your new home, things of sentimental value that your parents find difficult parting with should be given to a grandchild or another sibling. It is always better to give things to family members than selling them.   4. If you do give things away, it's better to take photographs. Your parents will let go of these things better with some mementos captured out of the item you gave away.   5. Things that your parents find too difficult to give away are best stored in rented storage units to be dealt with later.   6. As much as possible, arrange all your furniture in the new house in the same order as before. This makes the place more comfortable and more like home to your parents.   7. Work at setting up the new place faster so that your parents may also have a quicker appreciation of the new neighbourhood.   Always make your senior parents feel that they are involved in the moving process. They too can be very emotional about it.