Watching parents age isn't easy, but when it gets to the point in which you're constantly worried about them being in their home alone, it's time to consider making a change. The change is moving them out of their home where they are unsupervised, into a home with someone that will be there for them. Someone that will help them up when they fall and ensure that they are taking the medications that they need each day to stay in good health. When this day comes, it is up to you to help them through it. It is up to you to move their things from the home that they've likely lived in for many years and help them transition into a different type of home. Here are a few tips to help you all through such a difficult change.

Start with Conversations

Don't just start packing up boxes. Instead, start with having a few conversations with your parents and siblings about what is about to happen. Take the time to really listen to everyone involved. So many families fall apart after the parents move into a retirement or care home because nobody takes the time to listen to how the others are feeling.

Talk with your parents about what they want to keep, what they are unsure that they are ready to get rid of and what you can find new homes for. Write down their wishes so you know what is going on with the household goods.

Rent a Storage Unit

Those things that your parents or siblings aren't quite ready to part with will need a place to go. Don't make the mistake of taking it all home with you and putting it in your garage to deal with at a later date. Oftentimes, when this happens, you have a mountain of stuff in your garage and can't use it for much more than storing your family's items. Rent a storage unit for a year. If in a year, nobody has claimed what is inside, go through the boxes and decide what can go and what should be held onto for a while longer.

Settle In

This is a time-consuming process. Help your parents get settled into their new home. There will be certain things that they want or need from the moment that they move in so that it feels like home for them. Once you have unpacked what they wanted to keep, you will likely have a few more boxes to go into storage. Just make sure to listen to what they are saying to make this as easy of a transition for them as possible.

Enlist the help of professional movers like a local moving service company. They will be able to assist you and your family in making this transition as easy as it can possibly be.