You're Never Too Old To Relocate: A Guide to Moving as a Senior
- American National Movers
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
If you’re between the ages of 65 and 75 and want to relocate to another state to move closer to friends and family, you are not alone. Relocating at an older age or even 70+ years is not too old — in fact, it’s common. This is something many people will eventually have to face as they age.
While moving to another state at 70 isn’t too old, there may be some challenges. If you decide to relocate, the move needs to be planned carefully. However, these challenges aren’t necessarily age-related; they are stresses that even college students and busy professionals face between the ages of 25 and 55. When you’re relocating much later in life, these challenges remain the same, but how you handle them is what makes the difference.
Key Points Of This Article
Please keep reading this article for more information on:
✔️ Why 70 Years Old Is Not Too Old To Relocate
✔️ Potential Challenges You May Face When Relocating in Your Older Years
✔️ How To Relocate Later In Life With Minimal Stress
✔️ Long Distance Movers To Contact To Help With Downsizing & Moving
Why Moving At 70 Years Old Is A Smart Decision
Moving at 70 is not too old; many times, it’s the next step you need to take to make your life easier.
Closer To Family
Many seniors are moving to another state to be closer to their loved ones. While change can be scary for the elderly, in this case, it’s for the better, as it transitions to a daily support system. This outcome is also good for your mental health.
Improved Lifestyle
No matter the age, moving is generally stressful, but many people relocate for a fresh start and to improve their quality of life. These lifestyle changes include improved social life, cleaner, newer homes, and a change of scenery.
Assisted Living & Active Senior Communities
An assisted living facility is a true game-changer for older adults. These facilities are far from nursing homes, and you get a private unit designed to support your comfort, safety, and mental health. These facilities host social events for seniors and provide immediate assistance if you need help in your private unit.
Potential Challenges With Relocating At 70 Years Old
While many moves are positive, there are still some potential hurdles, but in the end, it boils
down to your mental strength.
Emotional Toll of Downsizing
After relocating over 1,000 seniors, downsizing is very challenging for many. Many of these items hold great sentimental value, but unless you’re getting an entire house to yourself, taking everything is not ideal. Especially because long distance movers bill based on how many items you have, so if you have a lot, the total cost can become unaffordable.
Physical Limitations
Packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading are physically draining for everyone, but they can be dangerous later in life. Now, if you’re moving as a senior, you're likely hiring movers, as recommended, but this is still worth mentioning.
Assisted Living Logistics
If moving to an assisted living facility, please be advised that there are building restrictions and insurance requirements that may pose challenges for some movers. Assuming your long distance movers are insured, the main hurdle is delivery windows and elevator restrictions.
Consumers have reported challenges finding a long-distance moving company that can assist with their senior relocation while providing a dedicated truck and a guaranteed delivery date. Carriers like American National Movers can help refine your delivery window and accommodate building restrictions through their dedicated truck service. However, be advised that this service comes at a premium, with an average cost of $7,000.00
How To Relocate As A Senior With Minimal Stress
Whether you're 70 years old or 50, the key to a successful state-to-state move is planning ahead (30-60+ days) and hiring movers.
Downsizing & Moving Services
Unless you have friends or family to help donate or dispose of your unwanted items, the best way to go about this is to hire movers who offer moving and downsizing services. Carriers like American National Movers offer relocation and downsizing services. This service involves movers bringing 2 trucks — one for loading the items you’re taking to your new home, and the second for transporting and disposing of your unwanted inventory.
Pay For Packing Services
It’s best to invest in packing and unpacking services to prevent physical strain or injury. Packers and movers make the relocation process much easier and greatly reduce the stress on a senior.
Relying On Family For Emotional Support
Plan ahead: if you can’t stomach the thought of moving everything you own from one state to another, perhaps a friend or relative can be present during the move to help with payment and logistics. In fact, this method is highly recommended, and if possible, it may be best for the elderly to keep away from movers while they pack and load to reduce stress and anxiety.
Consider Dedicated Truck Services
A dedicated truck service is a premium service because it offers an exclusive truck, not a combined shipment. Although it costs more, it is very worth it for individuals who cannot afford to wait up to 3 weeks for their furniture. Please be advised that standard shipments that are not dedicated generally take 10-15 business days for delivery, in some cases 21 business days. Opt for a dedicated truck and get your delivery within a week, and receive a guaranteed delivery date.
Best Long Distance Movers For Seniors & Elderly Persons
While there are hundreds of moving companies in the United States, only a select few specialize in senior long-distance relocations. Please see the content below for information on the best movers for seniors.
American National Movers offers senior moving discounts and, for an added fee, guaranteed delivery dates/dedicated trucks. Compared to many national brands, American National Movers has very minimal complaints about hidden fees, delivery delays, and damaged items.
Average Cost: $5,000-$8,000.00
Cheaper options may be available if you are flexible with delivery, and for small long distance loads.
Bekins has been in the moving industry for over 130 years and has built a strong reputation for handling delicate moves. They are one of the few major van lines that have specific programs designed to assist the elderly.
Average Cost: $7,000 to $9,500.00
Bekins is moderately priced and can be expensive but a good choice for those who want specialized senior moving services.
If budget is not an issue and you are willing to invest in hiring one of the largest moving companies in the U.S.A., United is a premium option.
Average Cost: $9,500-$15,000
United is one of the most expensive long distance moving companies in the nation, but it may be worth it for those who prefer to work with major brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see the content below for frequently asked questions and answers for individuals between the ages of 55 and 77 years old.
1). Is 70 Years Old Too Old to Change Houses and Relocate?
Moving at 70 isn't too old, as long as you can afford long distance movers and are moving closer to family. The key to moving between states successfully is recognizing your physical limitations, hiring reputable movers, and remaining calm in stressful situations. Remember, moving is stressful for just about everyone, not just the elderly.
2). Can Movers Also Help With Downsizing?
Yes, national moving companies like American National Movers offer packing, transporting, and downsizing services so that you don’t have to lift a finger. The starting cost for this service is approximately $6,000 and can go up to $10,000.00 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the move.
3). Can Movers Offer a Guaranteed Delivery Date For An Assited Living Relocation?
Most movers can't guarantee a delivery date, but some carriers, like American National Movers, can. Many brands prefer to combine shipments in a semi, which is why they can't provide a concrete date, but if you opt for the dedicated truck service with American National Movers, you can get a tighter timeline or a guaranteed delivery date.
4). Do Long Distance Movers Offer Senior Discounts?
Yes, reputable moving companies understand that many seniors are on a fixed retirement income. American National Movers proudly offers tailored senior citizen discounts for long-distance and cross-country relocations. Always ask your moving coordinator about applicable discounts before signing a binding estimate.