Making a golden years move easier
We are in our 70s and were moving to a retirement community at the end of next month.
DEAR HARRY: We are in our 70s and we're moving to a retirement community at the end of next month. Both our children and our friends are urging us to take steps now to make the move easier. We know it's tough physically and emotionally. Are there things that you can recommend to help us?
WHAT HARRY SAYS: Most of coursely! There are organizations that will pack for you, supervise the move and unpack. They are not inexpensive, but many people have found them very helpful.
There are other things you can do. Get your insurance set for the transfer to make sure you don't have a gap. Interview at least two moving companies. Try to move midweek to avoid the extra cost usually charged on weekends. Get boxes that are free and sturdy from the state liquor stores near you. Get your utilities on board to ensure continued service and a termination of old service. Lay out exactly where your furniture will go in your new place. Be sure it will fit by using a floor plan and templates. Consume the food in your pantry to as great an extent as possible to give you less to pack and move. Try to avoid taking old appliances. Moving can create new repair problems. Get rid of whatever items you are not taking by selling them at a garage sale or donating them to a charity.