Courageous, inspiring, full of chutzpah! These are the words that come to mind when I meet octogenarians who take on the challenge of moving. I can only hope that, when I reach that stage of life, I’ll have the same resolve to follow my heart’s desires. Moving is not for the faint of heart at any age, but taking it on in your eighties is truly a warrior’s task—especially if you’ve lived in the same home for decades. It’s a physically and emotionally demanding journey, even when there’s a strong desire to move toward something better.

Whether "better" means moving closer to family, relocating to a place with a lifestyle that better suits you, or finding a home that accommodates your needs, everyone’s reason for moving is deeply personal.

From my experience working with clients in their eighties, I’ve compiled a few tips to help make the transition smoother if you or a loved one are considering a move.

Build Your Team

Even the most independent do-it-yourselfers need support when moving. Unless you plan to  your belongings, hop in your car, and ride off into the sunset, you’ll need a team. Think about family members and friends who can assist with organization, packing, and emotional support. Surround yourself with people who are resourceful, organized, and have a positive attitude. There are also professional organizations that specialize in helping seniors transition. Hiring experienced help can make a world of difference. If you’re selling your home or searching for a new one, work with a compassionate and knowledgeable realtor who understands your goals.

Create a Plan

Work with your team to outline key tasks and decisions. Here are some questions to consider:

• Your Next Home: Where will you live? Is it a permanent move or temporary housing? What are your specific housing needs? What kind of community do you envision for yourself?
• Downsizing & Packing: Who will assist with sorting, decluttering, and packing? How will you dispose of unwanted items? Will you need temporary storage? How will your vehicle(s) be transported?
• Finances, Legal & Medical: What costs will be involved in your move? Which service providers (utilities, doctors, insurance, DMV, voter registration) need to be updated with your new address? Are all your legal documents current?
• Your Transition: How will you travel to your new destination? What essentials should be in your overnight bag? If you have a spouse, what arrangements need to be made for their care during the transition? Who will help unpack and settle you into your new home? Are there any pets to consider?
• Keeping Your Sanity: Where will you keep your essential documents, medications, keys, and valuables during the move? How will you track passwords as you set up new accounts and close old ones?
• Maintaining Your Community: Who do you want to say goodbye to? Who do you want to stay in touch with? Schedule time to connect with loved ones before you leave and update contact information so you can keep in touch.

Give Yourself Time

Take your plan and create a realistic timeline. Even if there’s urgency, having a schedule helps keep things manageable. Mark key milestones and allow time for goodbyes with friends and family. Moving is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself. If you start feeling overwhelmed, lean on your team—they may have solutions to keep things on track while giving you a chance to rest and recharge.

Give Yourself a Break

Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Moving is messy, and there may be moments of frustration. Take things one step at a time. Stick to your daily routines as much as possible—if you walk every morning or attend a weekly yoga class, keep doing it. Maintain your self-care habits, eat well, and get plenty of rest. A wise nonagenarian client of mine swore by ending his day with a little digestif of cognac. Find joy in your routine and allow yourself moments of pleasure.

Embrace the Next Chapter

Moving in your eighties takes bravery, but it’s also an opportunity for renewal. You are stepping into a new phase of life, filled with possibilities. With the right mindset and support system, the process can be less daunting and even exciting.

If you or a loved one are considering a move, I’d love to help make the transition smoother. Whether it’s finding the perfect next home, navigating the sale of your current property, or simply offering guidance, I’m here for you every step of the way.

Let’s make your next move one that leads to a fulfilling and joyful new chapter!