Seniors in Transition: Organizing to Move From Your Home

Most seniors have a good idea of where they want to live. If your wishes involve a voluntary home relocation, planning is essential. Get organized ahead of time by studying how relocation will affect your long-term needs. You need to get started in a way that will minimize your stress and help you to maximize your peace of mind about such a big life change.

Area Services
Visit the area beforehand. Take an inventory of the types of services you now use and those that are available where you are headed. How far is the nearest airport, hospital, physician's office, grocery store or place of worship from where you are thinking of living? If you must rely on public transportation, what options are available, and how much would a ride to the grocery store cost? Factor these considerations into your plan.

Cost of Living
Investigate any difference in the cost of living. Go to the grocery store and compare prices of foods you commonly buy. Check the price of gasoline and the cost of car registration, and talk to your insurance provider to see if your rates will go up or down after a move. Each state has different rates for sales tax. Insurance costs are affected by local statistics; your total cost of living may be less or more.

Medical Care
Since the United States does not have a national health program, you will need to do all of the legwork to find necessary medical providers in the new area. Make sure the medical services you need will be available to you and convenient to your new residence. Health problems may arise with the disruption of your routine and numerous physical activities relating to moving. Line up specialists, pharmacists and others who can replace those you now use ahead of time if possible. Meeting in advance with prospective providers ensures that you will receive timely access to care. Taking care of this business is well worth an extra trip before your move.

Professional Access
Plan your move as if it is a permanent relocation. You may be leaving behind useful counselors you will need to replace. Thinking with this perspective helps you to create a comprehensive list of those persons and professional institutions you now rely upon, so you can investigate if those same services exist in the new location. If you wish to continue a relationship with your accountant, attorney or investment counselor, find out how you can do so after you move. Ask if these professionals are licensed to operate in the state you are considering. These professionals often have recommendations for contacts near your new home.

No amount of information, planning or education about a new place to live is too much. In fact, the process of getting organized for moving can be fun and exciting if you give yourself time and do a thorough job of understanding what you will need and where you are going ahead of time.