This is an interesting read by a new guest writer on the AP3 blog, Sharon Wagner. She provides very good information about moving during difficult times and potentially with elderly folks.
It was a goal to move away from home when we were younger, to be independent and make our own futures but now that distance between you and your parents may be problematic.
Your parents may have reached a point where it’s no longer ideal for them to be alone or far from family.
Maybe they’re not ready for an assisted living facility but need more help than the occasional friend stopping by. They might be widowed and feel lonely. Or maybe they’re getting a bit forgetful and you worry that could portend something disastrous.
Moving your parent closer to you is one option, but often older people don’t do well when they’re moved to a new environment. If they’re already forgetful, that issue will only worsen. And maybe they’ve lived in that home for decades and you know it will break their heart to leave it.
So, you may have come to the conclusion that it makes more sense for all concerned for you to move back to your old neighborhood to be near them. Now what?
Looking for a Place of Your Own
If your job allows you to work from home, the location isn’t as critical as it would be for someone who needs to look for a place with a large pool of employment options.
If you’re able to live in the same neighborhood as your parents, that can be a mixed blessing. You and they may want to retain as much independence from each other as possible, but you’ll still want to be near enough to check in often if you feel the need for that is there.
Contacting a real estate agent early will allow you to gauge the market, both in terms of housing availability and costs. That way, you’ll be able to put together a workable budget.
When you’re looking for a new home, there are wonderful new technologies that allow you to view your home and area without having to leave where you are. Most real estate agencies have 360 views of the homes they represent and offer drone photography, giving you the feeling like you’re there yourself.
In Hudson Valley, New York, and Northern New Jersey, AP3 (Ariel Photo Platform Productions) creates drone photography views of homes that make you feel like you’re walking through the properties themselves.
The Move
Movers are a big part of your relocation expenditure. There are so many things that can go wrong during a move, and it can be difficult to find a mover who will handle the job well. Ask for references and make certain they’re insured and licensed.
Pack clothes in sealed plastic bags for easy unpacking. Put fragile items like glassware, china, and ornaments in sturdy boxes or bins, and pack any electronics in bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
A few things that you should consider taking with you are important documents such as birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, prescription medications, and of course, cash, credit cards, and checks.
Put belongings in storage that you won’t need right away to give yourself time to get moved in and adjusted. You can decide to store them either in your old place and move them separately later, or in your new town and access them when needed. The cost might be a factor, so check the rates in both cities. For instance, a 5x5 unit in Upper New Jersey can cost $79, while that same unit in Jacksonville, Florida, might only be $49.
If You’re Moving Your Business
You’ll need even more time than you would if it was only a personal move. When you have a plan in place, it can streamline the move, minimize downtime, and reduce stress.
Give any staff time off for them to prepare for the move as well. If you can arrange for both you and them to work remotely, you won’t suffer too much downtime.
Both IT and tech are areas that can cause issues when relocating a business. Arrange proper transportation of electronic equipment and plan with your IT department about how you’ll get back up and running.
Ensure your clients and vendors are notified as early as possible so they won’t be inconvenienced and have your address updated on all your business and marketing materials.
When you move near your elderly parents, you’ll be able to help them during their time of need. You can visit them every day and help with daily tasks that they may not be able to do on their own and lessen the amount of stress that they and you might be going through.
Plan your move early and hire reliable movers. Use storage to help make the move easier and less stressful and arrange with your real estate agents to give you the best view possible of any properties you’re interested in and your move can be almost stress-free.
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