For many people, a residential move is a family affair. As a result, it’s common for an older parent or a younger adult to ask for assistance in the packing and relocating process.
As a relative, you want to provide as much help as possible without creating problems. So here are a few tips to make more progress and minimize conflict.
1. Help With Research
As you’re helping someone to move, you may realize that you know more about the process than they do. As a result, you may be better positioned to help them research their options and make decisions.
When possible, consult your relative on their moving plans. Make sure that you understand all the relevant details. That way, if you invest some time into getting quotes or scheduling moving services, you’ll have the relevant information.
2. Designate Tasks
The best way to help someone is to find out which kinds of help they need and provide it. For example, some people may need assistance with planning, while others may find sorting and packing overwhelming.
Talk with your relative about their goals for each room. As you discuss the plan, write down several tasks you can work on.
Make sure to get their buy-in before you begin. You don’t want your relative to feel like you’re trying to take control away from them.
3. Provide Support
Even if you aren’t there to orchestrate the moving process, you can still provide practical support. People tend to underestimate how long it takes to source packing supplies and run other errands. An extra adult to help makes a big difference in progress.
When you can, offer to handle some of the tasks related to preparing for the move. For instance, picking up extra moving supplies on your way home from work could save a lot of time for your relative.
4. Be Careful When Sorting
Helping someone move often reveals differences of opinion in household decor and organization. Plan to take your relative’s lead to avoid conflict when deciding what to keep.
If one of your tasks is to help your relative sort through items, allow them to decide what they want and don’t want. You can also ask about working in rooms where they don’t care as much about their belongings so that they can focus on the most important rooms.
5. Pack With Care
It can be easy to rush the packing process when it’s not your belongings. However, you still need to ensure that each item receives the proper care.
Stock up on packing supplies, and don’t forget the packing paper or bubble wrap. Protect delicate glassware or ceramic figurines.
When you put items in a box, don’t overload it. A box that is too heavy is more likely to break open and can be awkward to stack.
Helping a relative move is daunting, but it can provide excellent assistance. Contact us for a free quote and more information about simplifying an upcoming move.