Preparing for a Move: A Checklist for Caregivers

A move is stressful no matter the situation but once it has been decided that a move is necessary, use this checklist to help you move through the process.

Declutter

If you are able to, start this process ahead of time and do it gradually. By doing this incrementally over time, you can ease into it and will have more time to deal with the emotional aspect that accompanies downsizing.

• Discard or give away obvious items that are not being used and have no sentimental value such as clothes, food, medications, and household items.

• Shred unneeded paperwork.

Collect Documents and Information

Compile and store all important documents and information in an accessible location. Examples include:

• Legal documents such as deeds, wills, power of attorney, and trusts. This is also a good time to review them to make sure they are current.

• Financial information including bank names and account numbers, investment accounts, retirement accounts, safety deposit boxes, and sources of income.

• Healthcare documents such as healthcare directives, medication lists, medical records (as needed), and insurance cards.

• Personal records such as military records, birth certificates, and IDs.

• Note accounts that will need to be canceled or transferred. This includes items such as utilities, home and car insurance, and home maintenance services. Don’t forget automatic payments that may not be needed in the future.

Plan for Healthcare Provider Changes

• Insurance: If your loved one is moving to a new city or into a facility, check their insurance to see if they will still be covered, especially if they have private insurance, supplemental insurance, Medicare Advantage or Medicaid. If they won’t be covered, determine whether you can apply for a new plan before they move.

• If they won’t be able to see their current healthcare providers, identify a new primary physician and schedule an initial appointment for once they have moved.

• Refill prescriptions ahead of time and determine if you will need to find a new pharmacy.

Plan the Move

• Get estimates from moving companies. You’ll need to have an idea of how much you will be moving. Be sure to get a written contract from the moving company and know their coverage for lost or damaged possessions.

• Set a date for the move.

• Make a floor plan of the new home, even if it is only one room, and ensure measurements are accurate. Decide where furniture will go and involve your loved one in this process if appropriate.

• Give away items as designated and donate the remainder of items to charities that will pick them up.

• If you think there are items of value to sell, get an appraisal from an expert.

• Make a plan for where your loved one will be and what they will doing on move day since this can be a stressful time.

• If pets are involved, create a plan for them to be moved and accommodated in the new home.

Update the Address

• Complete a mail forwarding request with the post office either online or in person.

• Change the mailing address for:

  • ​Credit cards

  • Bank accounts

  • Investment and retirement accounts

  • Social Security (this includes Medicare)

  • Social clubs and places of worship

  • Subscriptions such as newspapers and magazines

  • Online shopping accounts

• Update voter registration

• Change car registration address, if applicable

• Inform family and friends of the new address

• Notify lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, and other professionals

Identify Community Resources and Support
Knowing about community resources can help your loved one transition to a new setting, especially if they are moving to a new and unfamiliar area. Identify the following, as appropriate:

• A new place of worship. If possible, talk with someone there so that they can help to welcome your loved one into the congregation.

• Social or community activities your loved one is currently involved in and opportunities for similar activities at their new residence

• Nearby grocery stores and other shops

• Transportation options if they no longer will be driving

• Support at home such as meal services or in-home care

Moving Day

• Confirm a firm time for the mover’s arrival, at both the old and new residences

• Have payment ready if not already paid

• Have someone to meet the movers at the new residence and check inventory lists

• Arrange furniture and unpack most of the items before your loved one moves in

After the Move
Remember that it can take weeks or months before your loved one has settled in and feels at home. Schedule frequent check-ins with them to see how they are doing.