Senior Moving Guide: Storage and Housing Assistance

Moving Advice for Seniors

The signs it’s time to downsize

Although it can be hard to admit that the time has come to move on from one home to the next, there are some tell-tale signs that indicate it’s the perfect timing:

What to look for in a new home

Once you’re ready to look for a new place to call home, it’s important to know what it is that you want and need. Be sure to consider not only your current needs but any that may arise in the near future. Let’s go over a few things that should not be overlooked during your search for a new home:

Moving in with loved ones

If you’re considering combining households with a family member or group of relatives, you’ll need to take some time to think about all that would entail. It can be a great option for people who are open and willing to blend their lives back together or to start a new adventure. Here are a few questions to answer individually and then discuss as a family:

Safety improvements to consider

Whether you’re moving into your own place or with a relative, there are some safety measures you can employ to improve the overall comfort of your home as an aging adult. As we mentioned above, keeping accessibility in mind is a great place to start. Zero-threshold walkways allow for free movement within the house on foot or wheelchair without the risk of tripping. Installing extra shoulder-level storage options decreases the need to bend down or reach high up to grab items. Removing obstacles and making daily tasks a little easier creates a predictable environment and prevents injuries and falls.

Bathrooms can be a precarious place for seniors with the potential for slippery soapy floors and navigating in and out of tubs or showers. Walk-in bathtubs or showers with seats are a good option for comfortable bathing without the hassle of climbing over the edge of a tub. Many people choose to install grab bars near their shower or toilet to help with changing their position from standing to sitting and back up again. Non-slip mats or a non-slip food texture can be applied to hard surfaces to prevent any chance of slipping or losing balance.

Look into safety options with the use of new technology. Medical alert solutions have given a sense of independence back to people who need an extra layer of support at home. One safety feature available to seniors is a personal emergency response system (PERS). These devices range in price and complexity, but most come with a fall-detection sensor and an easy-to-press button in case of emergency. Some devices are connected to 24-hour call centers while others can be routed directly to 911 or emergency contacts. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, these companies have designed their equipment with seniors in mind.

Tips for a seamless senior move

Create a simpler moving process and reduce your stress level by keeping a few things in mind:

Self Storage Units for Seniors

The unique needs of seniors

Seniors who need storage are going to have different requirements than a college student looking to store their stuff for the summer. This stage of adulthood often comes with a lot of accumulated furniture, heirlooms, and hand-me-downs. You’ll likely need more space than the standard 100-square-foot storage unit.

For people transitioning from one home to another, a storage unit will most likely be a temporary solution. It can provide a place to safely store everything you want to take with you to your new home. If you’re making a move from a home to an apartment or assisted living, storage may be a great long-term solution to house all of the extra furniture and items you still want to keep but can’t fit into the new space.

Because moving is so labor-intensive, hiring movers or getting a few helping hands from your family is the way to go. If you can’t get help with your move from relatives or friends, check out our list below of senior-specific moving companies and “silver certified” movers who specialize in helping aging adults move.

Things to consider for senior storage

When looking for the perfect place to store your belongings, you’ll need to think about which features are most important to you. As a senior, your priorities will be different than most. Here’s a list of considerations to get you started:

What to look out for

There are plenty of reputable storage companies out there, but there are bound to be a few you want to steer clear of. Sometimes it’s hard to tell just by looking at a website if the location and facility is right for you, so you will want to make time for on-site visits. Here are a few red flags to recognize during your storage search:

Where to find self storage units for seniors

The hunt for your storage facility can begin online. A simple internet search for local storage facilities will bring up most of the locations available near you. If you need a unit that will be closer to your new home, begin your search centered in that area. Ask a relative or friend who may be closer to the facility than you to stop by and do their own investigating. Review each website and collect information on all the amenities, restrictions, pricing, and unit sizes available.

Comparison shopping, plus questions to ask

Once you’ve compiled a good list of potential facilities, it’s time to make a few phone calls to get more information. You can schedule a tour or show up unannounced to see how the site is run when they are not expecting visitors. Be clear about why you’re there and that you’re shopping around the area. Use this time to really get a sense for the location, security measures, and overall size and layout of the facility. Prepare questions beforehand to ask the manager during your visit. Here are some example questions you can use:

• Does the site offer extra-secure storage options for valuable items such as jewelry collections, art, or military medals? What about insurance on these items?

• Does this facility report unusual events, such as fires, leaks, or break-in attempts to residents in a timely manner? How will you be informed of such events? Are police reports or other formal documentation of these events available for customers to see?

• If a senior client falls behind in their payments, how long is the grace period before the facility seizes their stored items?

• Are on-site staff available to assist seniors with limited mobility? Will they help carry items out? Are there fees for this service?

• Does this facility limit the frequency of visits?

• Has this facility ever had an issue with bedbugs, toxic mold, or other hazardous materials that could damage a senior’s cloth furniture, clothing, or other personal items?

• Can vehicles be stored at the location? Is there a parking space right next to the rented unit or are there units large enough to accommodate vehicles and personal belongings? Is there a discount available for this?

• Can people other than the listed renter, such as a senior’s next of kin or caregiver, collect items or access the site without the senior being present? How are those permissions granted and documented?