This has become an all-too-familiar activity for many of us over the years as we pack up all of our belongings to move into another home rather than making the choice to age in place where we are.
Is moving really fun?
Most of us have moved at least once in our lifetimes. The home we are in now is likely not the one we were born in or occupied in our early years. We may have moved a few to as many as several times to arrive at where we are now. We’d like to think we are done moving, but we might still have one or two moves left for various reasons.
So, how much fun or enjoyable it might be to move depends on our age, our perspective, where we are moving, why we are moving, where we are in life, what we are giving up or changing to make the move, how much time we have to prepare for the move ahead of time, and how easy it will be to adjust to the new surroundings after we move) – in other words, our perspective.
Moving may be something that is long-anticipated and looked upon as a solution for many issues. It may represent a new opportunity for a job or to be closer to employment or family. It might mean more space and a better layout. Moving might truly signify a major, positive step in our life. It might not.
However, the process of moving might be looked upon less positively and with reservation – as something that makes sense to do on one level but is emotionally taxing in getting ready for the move and actually going through with it.
What happens before the move
At some point before making the decision to move – whether from a rental or a dwelling that is owner-occupied – there needs to be a conscious consideration of everything involved. Even when the move is made quick quickly, there still are many logistics to accomplish.
The current home or apartment needs to be inspected for any issues that need to be repaired to restore the dwelling to the condition it was when it was originally occupied – or even better. Then the repairs, general maintenance items, painting, cleaning and disinfecting, and other such items need to be undertaken. This needs to be factored into the overall cost of the move itself, no matter how necessary the move itself might seem. This could take a few days or weeks depending on what needs to be done. Hiring an inspector for their independent opinion may be advisable.
After the home is ready to put on the market or vacate in terms (if it’s a rental), everything must be packed carefully to prepare it for the trip to the new home whether it is close by or miles away. Some items will be discarded and not make the trip to the new home.
The move itself
Then, once at the new location – whether down the street, across town, or in a different state or nation – the process of adjusting and orientation begins. Some of becoming acquainted with the new neighborhood may have been accomplished prior to the move, but once in the new home, this begins in earnest. Finding new services, routes to frequent activities away from home (such as work, worship, recreation, shopping, doctors, family, and friends),
The moving van will arrive and everything needs to be offloaded and placed in the new home – figuring out where the boxes and furniture should go initially. There will be changes, and many boxes will remain untouched until much later.
As much fun as a move can be in terms of a new opportunity and adventure, it can be bittersweet. Depending on how long we occupied the previous home, there can be some separation anxiety in closing that front door for the final time and turning our backs on the chapter of our lives. As much as we want the new home, part of us is still emotionally attached to the home we are leaving.
Skipping the move
The alternative to moving – or even considering a move to another location – is remaining in the present home and aging in place. This saves the time and effort of needing to adjust to new surroundings, or taking everything we own and relocating it to a new location, and being in a state of transition for days or even weeks while the current home is made ready for the move and we are adjusting to the new home.
Aging in place is extremely practical. We know our surroundings – even to the point of being able to perform common activities or find our way in low light situations without even thinking about it. We feel comfortable and secure in our present home.
Of course, we may want to make a few improvements and tweaks to our existing home environment, but if we were to do that, we would be starting from something we know and are familiar with rather than beginning anew in another home. We could do as much or as little as we desired – even nothing at all – and we would always have our current home without leaving it.