Local Moving in Los Angeles: Tips for Seniors

Moving to a new home in the Los Angeles area sounds simple enough, especially if you’re only going a short distance, but even a local move can have its challenges. Whether you’re downsizing to a smaller home or relocating to a comparable one, there’s a lot to consider when planning your relocation.

If you’re a senior citizen, you may be moving out of a home you’ve lived in for years, which could mean you’ve accumulated a lot of things, including heavy furniture.

It’s a good idea to get help with the actual move, but there are also several things you can do in advance to prepare for your move and stay organized throughout the relocation process. Our Los Angeles local movers have extensive experience moving families and individuals around the area, and we’ve compiled this list of moving tips to help make your upcoming relocation a smooth one.

Choose a Space with Long-Term Needs in Mind

One of the first decisions you’ll make when planning your move is choosing your new home, and there are a few structural things about your new home to consider, especially if you’re buying instead of renting.

For example, today’s savvy buyers are thinking ahead and purchasing homes with few or no stairs or steps and modification-friendly bathrooms in case of future physical limitations. The size of the lot may also be a consideration. For example, if you like to travel and are thinking about purchasing a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motor home, you may want to select a location with space for your RV. On the other hand, you may want a small lot to minimize landscaping care. Consider all the ways you’d like to make the coming years simpler.

Determine How Much Help You Need

Packing Services

If bending down to pack boxes and sliding them across the room is physically challenging for you, you may want to consider hiring local Los Angeles movers like Suddath to do the packing and unpacking. But, even if packing wouldn’t be too strenuous for you, there’s still the convenience factor of having your belongings professionally packed and unpacked.

Moving Services

If you’re planning to move your own belongings, please keep in mind that loading and unloading heavy furniture without proper training and equipment can result in serious injuries. Although moving yourself can save money, it’s always best to leave the heavy lifting to professionals.

Get an In-Person or Virtual Video Quote

The most important tip of all when hiring a moving company is to contact a reputable company and get either an in-person or virtual video estimate. An interview where a moving company representative actually sees your belongings will be far more accurate than a phone interview. Our virtual interviews are similar to a Facetime or Skype call, and we can also estimate your move in person if you prefer.

Consider Downsizing

Over time, we tend to accumulate more and more stuff, and sometimes getting rid of things can be challenging. Perhaps you are moving away from the home where you raised your children, and there’s an emotional attachment to items you’ve had since those days. Or maybe you just aren’t sure about giving up things you’ve carried with you through life for so long.

Thinking about the benefits of downsizing can help motivate you to make those tough decisions. Downsizing to a smaller home can not only save you thousands on large and expensive Southern California homes, but it can also lead to more free time due to less maintenance. In addition, the time and money you save by moving to a smaller home can free up money for travel and other activities you may have been putting off.

If you have kids or grandkids who live nearby, there may be items in your current home that they would be happy to take off your hands. Even if you aren’t moving to a smaller place, it’s always a good idea to do some decluttering rather than paying to move items that you no longer need.

Follow a Moving Timeline

After you’ve hired a reliable moving company in Los Angeles, the best advice we have for you is to stay organized and start chipping away at your to-do list. Even with a local move, deadlines can be tight with moving out of one place and into another. By doing some advance planning and keeping to a timeline, you’ll avoid any unexpected stress that could result from having to scramble at the last minute. Following our suggested timeframe will help give you an idea of what to do and when to do it:

Two Months Before the Move

Movers get reserved quickly in the L.A. area, so be sure to book your local move as far in advance as possible to ensure that you are able to move on your desired date.

If you are doing your own packing, it’s time to take inventory and decide which items you will be bringing to your new home. You will then need to gather packing materials such as boxes, labels, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Once you have these items, you can begin to pack rarely used or seasonal items that you won’t be using during the next couple of months. Consider selling, giving away, or donating unwanted items as you begin the preliminary decluttering and packing stage.

One Month Before the Move

One month before the move, it’s time to get more serious about packing (unless you are paying an L.A. moving company to do that for you just before the move). It is also possible that you just now found out you need to move.

If that’s the case, you’ll need to work fast. People tend to underestimate the amount of time it takes to box everything up, so it’s important to get started before your move is imminent. When you sit down to take a break from packing, use that time to change your address with the local utility companies, loan companies, insurance providers, and everyone else who sends you mail. Don’t forget to also notify the Social Security Administration and your employer or pension plan provider.

Remember, if you are feeling overwhelmed or just running out of time, Los Angeles local movers like Suddath can do the packing and unpacking for you. Getting help with packing can free you up to focus on other important aspects of the move.

One Week Before the Move

A week before the move, you probably still have a few items out that you’ve been hesitant to pack. One way to overcome this reluctance is to set aside things you know you will use before and during the move.

These items will probably include moving documents, prescriptions, toiletries, a few changes of clothes, and pet care items. Place these everyday items in an overnight bag and pack an “essentials box” with things such as cleaning supplies that you will pack last and open first. Setting aside essential items will free you up to pack up the rest of your belongings more easily.

It’s also time to arrange to have the post office forward all mail to your new address if you have not already done so. Another arrangement you may want to make is to schedule a last-minute charity pickup of donatable items that you’ve decided not to bring to your new home. And of course, there’s also the matter of deep cleaning the old house. Hiring a professional house cleaner can save you a lot of work and ensure that the place is in tip-top shape for the new tenants or buyers.

Moving Day

By now, you’re probably packed up and ready to go, but there are a few things to remember on moving day:

• Check I.D.s and look for company logos when the movers arrive.
• Do a final walk-through of the home to make sure you or the movers didn’t forget anything.
• Leave the keys and garage door openers on the counter or with the property manager for the new residents.
• Review all moving documents before signing them.

Make Your Move More Manageable by Choosing Experienced Los Angeles Movers

Convenience and preventing injuries are important priorities when planning a move, which is why enlisting the help of Los Angeles local movers is vital. If you’re looking for senior moving services from a local moving company, Suddath can help. Our L.A. moving crews are experienced with the many unique needs of seniors as well as individuals and families of all ages.

Suddath’s team of moving experts is standing by to answer all of your questions, and as one of our valued customers, you’ll be assigned a move coordinator who will work with you every step of the way, giving you with peace of mind throughout the moving process.

Suddath has been a trusted moving, storage and logistics provider in Los Angeles since 1991. While our roots run deep in Southern California, our extensive U.S. network and global partnerships provide the local, national, and global reach necessary to meet a complete range of moving needs.

Contact us today for a free moving quote, or check out our Ultimate Los Angeles Moving Guide for moving information specific to Los Angeles.