It’s a perennial question for many of us: Should we stay or should we go? The thought of moving can be overwhelming to many and, in fact, data seems to show that 70% of baby boomers plan to retire in a home they’ve already owned, rather than move elsewhere. While traditionally many in their 60s and 70s would think to relocate to warmer climates and smaller homes, these days the decision to pick up and move is not so clear cut. Between more erratic weather due to climate change, a tight and expensive housing market that makes it harder to move, and a change in family dynamics (with many in younger generations joining forces to live with older relatives), the desire to move seems to be on pause. For those older adults who do think about moving, the impetus appears to stem from a desire to be closer to children and grandchildren. Recent surveys seem to suggest that older adults in recent years have moved farther than typical movers so they can be closer to family, even if such a move may not always make economic sense.

If you are thinking of moving, to be closer to younger generations, or to downsize, or even to join a retirement community, there are a lot of considerations and plans that have to be put in place. As a recent article by Paula Span from The New York Times put it, “Moving is a monumental task.” In fact, moving for older adults often involves so many pieces (and emotions) that a whole industry has developed to assist in what may be a watershed moment in your later years. There are now Senior Move Managers who can sort through your stuff, pack up your belongings, deal with the movers, and unpack and set up your new home. There are also Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists who may serve a range of functions, including addressing the legal and financial aspects of a move, finding the right retirement community for you or even dealing with the psychosocial aspects of moving, which often involve highly emotional family dynamics. In fact, among real estate agents, there is a certification called a Seniors Real Estate Specialist– someone who has gone through extra training and certification to be able to attend to such senior move concerns as finding a place that meets your needs for safety and comfort, navigating mortgage applications which may be more difficult for older clients and ensuring that older adults don’t get scammed or defrauded in the process of relocating. While it’s never easy to move, no matter your age or your location, the challenges can become that much more exhausting when layered with later-in-life concerns. For a comprehensive guide to all aspects of moving- from preparing to move to settling into your new abode, put your moving box aside and read here.

And what about all your stuff? We’ve certainly addressed the challenges of sorting, selling, and giving away your possessions in previous posts. The Downsizing Institute offers older adults ways to take the stress out of dealing with possessions when downsizing. If you’ve lived in your place for any extended period of time, no doubt you’ll be challenged to determine what comes with you and what stays or gets sold or donated. A recent post in Next Avenue suggests you find a pal to help with the process and even make a competition game of the decluttering and downsizing as you get rid of stuff, whether you’re moving or just trying to simplify your life and cut down on your possessions. You may even opt to take a break from the sorting and selling to watch the recent streaming television production on Peacock of The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning.

For those who want or need to get rid of furniture that can’t be sold or given to younger family members, there are charitable organizations that may come pick up your items, depending on where you live and what you’re offering. But for many of us, the biggest challenge is what to do with all of our books. For some reason, many of us have a unique relationship with the books we own and have difficulty parting with them. If you plan to take them with you, it’s suggested that you purchase heavy-duty boxes, such as Bankers Boxes, that you can carefully fill but still hold yourself. If you find that you can winnow out some of your collection but then have the challenge of getting rid of some books, it’s recommended that you consider such options as Half Price Books, which may be willing to buy your books, or you can donate to Books For Prisoners programs which would welcome your donations. For all the hassles of planning and executing a move, it’s good to know that someone else may benefit from possessions you need to discard.