6 Tips to Help a Senior Manage Moving Anxiety  Everyone knows how stressful moving can be. Packing someone's whole life in boxes, leaving memories behind, cleaning out all the rooms, arranging countless fine details – it can be very challenging. Moving can take a physical and emotional toll on anyone, especially an elderly loved one. If you are moving a senior to an assisted living facility, recognizing and understanding the emotional roller-coaster they will experience is key to helping them overcome the struggle. Along with the following tips, consider hiring a reputable Senior Move Management Company to assist you with your move. They will take the stress out of moving so you can focus on supporting your elderly loved ones. Here are a few more ways to help lower moving anxiety! 1) Focus on the positive Moving doesn’t have to be a bad thing! Moving can actually be very exciting and offer many benefits. It can be a huge relief to start fresh in a home with less maintenance to worry about. Do your best to remind your loved ones of these benefits and get excited with them. Don’t be afraid to laugh things off. Humor is the remedy to frustration. 2) Discuss the decisions Its important to include your loved ones in the decision making process. Allow them to maintain their sense of control and independence. The only scenario where you can’t fully include them in this process is if they have a health condition which impairs their judgment and limits their ability to participate. Otherwise, trust their judgment and do your best to find a balance between including them, without overwhelming them. When deciding on a facility, make sure it is close and convenient for you and other family members to make regular visits. If your beloved senior is simply downsizing, finding the right neighborhood is crucial to their happiness and satisfaction. Would they prefer a bustling neighborhood with lots of activities or would they prefer a more serene environment? Consider the distance to medical facilities, grocery stores, banks, and other necessities. These are all important factors to discuss together. 3) Make compromises Be prepared to make compromises while downsizing. Packing up an entire home often leads to a few disagreements. This mostly happens while decluttering. Something that you deem unnecessary could be of immense sentimental value to your loved one. To relieve some of the pressure caused by downsizing, consider renting a storage unit until you’ve decided what to do with the remaining items. 4) Be prepared Preparing for a big move can be stressful for everyone. Creating a moving day checklist well in advance will significantly ease the negative feelings. Allow for enough time to complete your move and remember to stay organized. Packing is a process that requires a systematic approach. Make sure you have enough quality moving supplies and label all the boxes. Pack carefully to ensure that nothing breaks during transit. Prior to moving day, remember to pack three different bags or boxes to keep with you for easy access during your move; Personal care box, which should include medications, personal hygiene items, etc. An essentials box with items needed on a moving day – coffee, tea, some snacks, towel, cloth, etc. Also, include things necessary for the first night in the new place, such as pajamas, pillows and blankets. All valuables and crucial documents need to be set aside, packed carefully, and kept close to you on a moving day. 5) Let them know you’re there for them To help a senior manage moving anxiety listen actively to their concerns. Allow them to speak freely. They might feel scared, confused, sad, nervous, or even agitated. Be open to their questions, be patient and let them know you are there to support them however they need. Don't just tell them that everything will be okay - talk them through every step of the process, and address each obstacle or concern. Make time for them. Evoke happy memories from the past to make them smile and feel more at ease. 6) Keep them busy Get their mind off the big move! Spend time together. Get outside for some fresh air and Vitamin D. If they are mobile, go for a short walk. Exercise will have a positive impact on their physical health as well as their mental wellbeing. Conclusion Its normal to feel overwhelmed and worry that something may have slipped your mind; do your best to stay organized, use online resources, and consider hiring a Senior Move Management company to assist you. Remember to keep a positive mindset, stay organized and be supportive of your loved one to help manage the anxiety that comes along with relocating. We hope you can use all of these tips to help your loved one manage their moving anxiety!