There comes a time when families start to think about senior members moving. Factors such as retirement, finances, lifestyle, health or the distance between family members are just a few of the reasons why seniors may decide to relocate. Moving is a big decision especially when a senior has lived in one place for a very long time. Many things must be considered, including access to health care, recreation, social activities and practical concerns, such as grocery stores, libraries, climate, etc. Access to Quality Care For many seniors access to health care or options for health care assistance is the primary reason for moving. When considering options it is important look at the short-term solutions, but also consider long term scenarios. Options may include drop-in help, moving closer to a family member that can assist when needed or retirement communities that offer fully independent living to supportive assistance as required. Community Services It is also important to research the area community services. You will want to make note of services such as homecare, cleaning services, snow removal, transportation and home repair. Some individuals may want access to volunteer organizations or senior centers where they can be involved in the community. Support As an older adult, moving is an especially difficult transition. Finding the support the senior needs in the new community is imperative. Groups that seniors can connect with will help the transition go smoother. Connect with church groups, home visit solutions or perhaps meetings that would be conducted in a home setting. Here are some websites that may help you in your transition: •Eldercare Locator •AARP •Elder Web: Online Eldercare Sourcebook •American Society on Aging (ASA) •Senior Resource Housing: Information on Housing Options]]>
How Much Storage Do I Need?
Do you have too much stuff? Are you making a move and looking for storage options? If so, the fist thing you will need to determine is how much storage space you need. As you are going through your things ask yourself if you really need to store everything, or is it better to donate or sell some things. This could cut down on the amount of storage space needed and ultimately reduce the cost. Once you determine which items will be stored take an inventory of your items. Make a list and have this information ready when you start calling storage companies. So what size storage unit will you need? Here are some standard sizing options that most storage companies use. Always check with your company first.
- 5 x 5 x 10 = Small items, boxes, books, etc…
- 5 x 10 x 10 = Small 1 bedroom home
- 10 x 10 x 10 = 1 bedroom home
- 10 x 15 x 10 = 2-3 bedroom home
- 10 x 20 x 10 = 3-4 bedroom home
- 10 x 30 x 10 = 5-7 bedroom home
Beware of the Hidden Costs of Moving
If you are planning a move you are probably busy thinking about the new costs of living, how much the rental truck will cost, packing and how you will get there. What you may not be considering is the hidden costs of moving. Here just a few of the surprise costs of moving and some ideas on how to avoid them: Late Fees When you are moving things get lost in the mail or are slow to be forwarded to your new address. If you miss paying your bills on it can add up in unnecessary late fees. Switch all of your bills to online billing that way you are sure not to miss a payment that is lost in the mail. Overdraft Fees Don’t close that bank account just yet. You may have checks or bills still being drawn on that bank account. Leave your bank account open for approximately three months to allow all checks to clear. Doing this will help you avoid any overdraft fees. Contract penalties All of those contracts you have signed may come back to haunt you. Memberships at the gym, country club, day care facility, community association, etc. can cost you. Typically there is some type of annual or monthly contract associated with membership and cancelling early will usually cost you. Some of these contracts will have an exception for a move so read the terms and conditions before you pay a hefty cancellation fee. Auto insurance Part of the cost of your auto insurance is determined by your address. For example, moving from an area with less population, to a more highly populated area will cost you more in auto insurance. Different states also have different laws regarding insurance coverage. States have different minimum liability requirements so in some states you will need to purchase personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage and in others you will not. Health insurance Health insurance can also change when you switch states. Just like auto insurance, health insurance mandates vary among states, too. Some states require some types of medical procedures are covered while another has not mandated coverage. Be sure to comparison-shop for your health insurance. While adding up the normal costs of moving expenses like boxes and storage also be sure to check for these hidden costs and try to avoid losing money in your next move. ]]>