Preparing yourself or a loved one for a big move like transitioning to independent living can be equally exciting and overwhelming. There are many practical reasons why summer is an ideal time to plan a big move.
This summer, our expert team at Epworth Villa is sharing some helpful tips for a smooth process, including some of the benefits of a summer move, how to get organized and what steps you can take to beat the heat.
Why Planning a Summer Move Is a Smart Move
For young families, summer is traditionally a good time to move because it allows kids to get settled in between school years. That rationale obviously doesn’t apply to most seniors (unless they’re engaged in adult education), but there are plenty of other factors that make summer a great time to look forward to transitioning to independent living.
Longer, brighter days offer several benefits.
First, more daylight means more time to get the job done with ample lighting. Another advantage of the longer days is the added pep and energy you may experience due to extended hours of bright, mood-boosting sunshine.
Weather tends to be favorable.
In Oklahoma City, your odds for pleasant weather tend to be favorable during the summer months, so you won’t have to worry about the dangers or discomfort associated with ice or snow.
Help may be more readily available.
If you’re planning on enlisting help from family members, you may find they have an easier time getting off work or being free of school obligations in the summer.
Social options are much broader.
The summer months are ripe for all kinds of activities. While independent living residents can count on community social events year-round, summer provides an array of options to make friends with your new neighbors. For example, exploring Epworth Villa’s 40 acres of beautiful grounds with gardens, walking trails, a lake and a gazebo is a great way to strike up a conversation with a fellow nature enthusiast while getting familiar with your new home.
Tips for Organizing a Smooth Move
Planning ahead for a big move is the best way to make such a big task more manageable. In many ways moving to a senior community is similar to any other move, but there are some aspects of senior living that make this experience different from moves you might have planned in the past.
Sort belongings.
Transitioning to independent living doesn’t always mean moving to a smaller space, especially if you’re planning to live in a private cottage, but it’s often the case by design. Many seniors appreciate the idea of a smaller living space and fewer housekeeping responsibilities. If you are downsizing, an important part of your move will be sorting your belongings to determine what you’d like to keep, give away, donate and discard. Using your new floor plan as a guide can help you make decisions about your furniture, but all of the smaller belongings you’ve accumulated over the years are likely to require more time.
Start early.
Sorting through a lifetime of belongings is more than a big physical task; it can be an emotional one, too. Giving yourself plenty of time will ease the pressure of time so you can navigate through the process at a moderate pace and keep your stress levels under control. We often recommend new residents give themselves at least three months to get everything in order. If you’re already within that window, you can aim for steady progress without a frenetic race toward moving day.
Celebrate milestones.
Breaking such a big job into smaller pieces can be an effective way to approach sorting and packing, especially if the project has you feeling overwhelmed. Tackling one small room, like a bathroom, can feel more doable. Starting small will help you discover a comfortable rhythm and let you celebrate a victory before you move on to the next space.
Anticipate emotions.
Even if you’re excited about transitioning to independent living and looking forward to this new stage of life, preparing for the move is likely to rouse some emotional moments. You’ll encounter years of memories as you pack your belongings, and you may have mixed feelings about leaving your familiar surroundings. Allowing yourself to process those emotions as they come, rather than suppressing them to get the job done, will help you feel more mentally and emotionally ready to fully embrace your new home once moving day arrives.
Enlist help.
No matter your personal circumstances, moving doesn’t have to be a solo adventure. Nor should it be. Asking family members or friends to help will make the job more enjoyable and allow you to celebrate the memories you uncover together. A helper can also protect your safety by reaching, lifting and carrying things that may be difficult for you to navigate. If you don’t have loved ones nearby to help, there are companies dedicated to helping seniors move, and your new community may have resources to share as well.
Stay Safe During a Summer Move
While moving during the summer offers numerous advantages, it’s more important than ever to stay cool and well-hydrated so you don’t get run down. If you’re planning on transitioning to independent living during the summer, heed these safety tips:
Stay well-hydrated.
Older adults are more prone to dehydration due to changes in their body’s water content, organ function (especially the kidneys), medications that act as diuretics and health conditions that affect their risk. In addition, older adults commonly do not feel thirsty as quickly as they did in their younger years, so they may not easily recognize that they’re becoming dehydrated. On moving day, keep a water bottle or electrolyte drink handy (but avoid caffeine or alcohol; they can actually increase dehydration rather than helping).
Allocate plenty of time.
You can avoid fatigue and overheating by taking frequent breaks. This may seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to get the job done, but stopping periodically to rest will help prevent conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which would derail the entire project.
Time your day wisely.
Plan your move to maximize your active time before and after peak sunshine hours, especially mid- to late afternoon. That may mean focusing on less strenuous indoor activities when the sun’s rays are strongest, or taking a break to eat, rest and recharge.
Keep cool.
Dress in loose, comfortable clothing that will let air circulate freely. Also know that your home may be warm with lots of in-and-out traffic loading a moving van; you may want to designate a room where you keep fans running, lights off and the door shut to trap cool air. Misting fans and cool rags over the back of your neck can also provide quick relief if you get too hot.
Protect your skin.
Remember that your skin is thinner and more susceptible to burns as you age. Apply a generous layer of sunscreen to any exposed skin to start the day and reapply as needed, at least every couple of hours, if you’re outdoors for an extended period. A wide-brimmed hat can also help protect you from the sun.
Delegate work.
Act as the job superintendent and rely on others to do the strenuous tasks that could wear you out and put you at risk for injury or illness. That might mean you focus entirely on directing traffic from indoors. Once you arrive at your new home, you can focus on unpacking essentials so you’re still contributing but out of harm’s way.
There’s still plenty of time to plan your summer move. Schedule a tour at Epworth Villa to begin envisioning how transitioning to independent living could be a smart move for your retirement lifestyle.
