Your guide to moving house in later life

Moving house or relocating can be challenging at any age, but as people get older it can seem an impossible feat. From finding your next home to packing your possessions, it can feel like there are a lot of tasks to complete. However, this needn’t put you off; there are many reasons an older person may choose to relocate into a new home.

As we get older, many of us will want to, or feel they need to downsize into a more manageable property, better suited to our needs e.g. a retirement home. Others may wish to live closer to friends and family. Or it might be that you’ve decided now is the time to move to your dream location.

Whatever your reason for relocating, our tips below will help you in your move.

Things to consider before moving house in later life

As with any big change in your life, there are a number of things to consider, and that’s no different when moving house. Regardless if you’re moving into a retirement home or a new property, there are a few things you need to consider.

• Where are you going to move?
  
  Choosing where you are going to move geographically is just as important as the property you’re moving into. If you’re moving to a new area it’s important to familiarise yourself first. Spend a few days in the locale and see if it’s a good fit for you.
  
  
• Are you looking to move closer to family?
  
  Lots of older people feel they would like to spend more time with family, especially if they have grandchildren. If this is the case for you, talking to your family is an important consideration. Find out if they have any recommendations of places you should live, or whether they plan to relocate themselves in the near future.
  It would also be wise to discuss the purpose of your move so that the ground rules are set beforehand.
  
  
• Could you downsize your belongings?
  
  Streamlining the amount of things you take with you in a move can help reduce your levels of stress as there is less to think about. Spending time before you move deciding what you need to take and what you can toss (or donate) will help your move go smoothly.
  
  
• Have you thought about your health?
  
  It’s no secret that as we get older our health needs change. If you are moving into a new home consider the modifications you may need to make to ensure it’s practical for you. If you are moving into a retirement home consider a trial stay beforehand to give you added reassurance and confidence this is the right move.
  
  
• Are you being realistic?
  
  Relocating in later life can be a very exciting time and it’s easy to get carried away. Be realistic about the type or property you move into and where it’s located. Think about the level of upkeep you are willing to take on and whether the house is suitable for your needs as they change over time.
  
  
• Are you moving into a retirement home?
  
  If you have decided that retirement living is the best option for you then consider what type of service and support you would like. There are a lot of housing options available for older people so do your research to find out what’s best for you.
  
  At Abbeyfield we provide supported housing, independent living, residential care, dementia friendly care and care at home.