How to Move the Elderly

Moving is challenging at any age, but for elderly family members, it can be especially difficult — both physically and emotionally. Whether your parent is downsizing from the family home, transitioning to assisted living, or simply relocating to be closer to family, the process requires patience, careful planning, and a deep respect for what this change means to them.

Updated for 2026 — this guide reflects the latest moving tips and pricing for the Greater Vancouver area.

At Simple Moves & Storage, we have helped many families navigate senior relocations across British Columbia. This guide covers everything from having the initial conversation to settling into the new home.

Starting the Conversation About Moving

If the move is motivated by health, safety, or practical concerns, broaching the subject requires sensitivity. Here is how to approach it:

Use “I” Statements, Not “You” Statements

Avoid phrases like “You have to move” or “You need to sell the house.” These can feel controlling and dismissive. Instead, frame the conversation around your own feelings and concerns:

• “I worry about you managing the stairs by yourself.”
• “I would feel so much better knowing you had help nearby.”
• “I have been thinking about ways we could make life easier for you.”

Listen More Than You Talk

Your parent may have fears about losing independence, leaving a home full of memories, or becoming a burden. Let them voice these concerns fully before offering solutions. Feeling heard is often more important than hearing the perfect argument.

Involve Them in Every Decision

The entire moving experience can feel like a loss of control. Counter this by involving the elderly person in every decision — choosing the new home, selecting the moving company, deciding what to bring and what to give away. Empowerment makes the transition feel like a choice, not an imposition.

Have Multiple Conversations

This is rarely a one-conversation decision. Bring it up gently, give it time, and revisit the discussion over weeks or months. Rushed decisions lead to resentment; gradual conversations lead to acceptance.

Choosing the Right New Home

The new living arrangement should be chosen based on the individual’s specific needs, preferences, and level of independence:

• Independent living community: For seniors who are active and self-sufficient but want to be around peers, with access to social activities and some maintenance-free living.
• Assisted living facility: For those who need help with daily activities like bathing, medication management, or meal preparation, but do not require full-time medical care.
• Smaller home or apartment: For seniors who want to remain fully independent but need a more manageable space — single level, closer to family, or in a walkable neighbourhood.
• Moving in with family: For situations where the senior needs regular support and the family has the space and willingness to provide it.

Key Factors to Evaluate

• Proximity to medical care: How close is the nearest hospital, family doctor, and pharmacy?
• Accessibility: Does the home have step-free entry, wide doorways, grab bars in the bathroom, and adequate lighting?
• Transportation: If the senior no longer drives, is public transit or HandyDART service available nearby?
• Social opportunities: Are there senior centres, community groups, churches, or recreational facilities within easy reach?
• Familiar services: Can they keep the same doctor, barber or hairdresser, and other service providers, or will new ones need to be found?

Downsizing and Sorting Belongings

This is often the most emotionally charged part of a senior move. A lifetime of possessions must be sorted, and every item carries memories. Here is how to make it manageable:

Start Early — Very Early

Begin sorting at least two to three months before the move date. Doing a little each day is far less overwhelming than trying to pack an entire home in a week.

Use the Room-by-Room Approach

Tackle one room at a time, starting with the least sentimental spaces (storage room, garage, spare bedroom) and working toward the most personal (master bedroom, living room).

Create Four Categories

1. Keep: Items that will move to the new home.
2. Gift: Items to pass on to family members, friends, or neighbours.
3. Donate: Items in good condition that can go to charity (Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, local church thrift shops).
4. Discard: Items that are broken, expired, or have no practical or sentimental value.

Respect the Emotional Process

Do not rush through sentimental items. If your parent wants to spend an afternoon looking through photo albums, let them. The goal is a move that honours their life, not one that erases it. Consider photographing items that cannot come along — a digital album of the old house, the garden, or a favourite chair can provide comfort after the move.

Hiring Movers Who Understand Senior Relocations

Not all moving companies are equipped — or temperamentally suited — for senior moves. Here is what to look for:

• Patience and compassion: The crew should understand that this move is emotionally significant and be willing to work at a comfortable pace.
• Experience with medical equipment: Hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, mobility aids, and lift chairs require careful handling and may need to be set up immediately at the new location.
• Full service capability: A full service moving company that handles packing, loading, transport, and unpacking is ideal for senior moves. The less the elderly person (and their family) has to do physically, the better.
• Insurance and licensing: Ensure the company is fully licensed and insured in BC. Ask about their claims process for damaged items.
• Flexible scheduling: Senior moves sometimes need to be adjusted based on medical appointments, energy levels, or facility move-in schedules.

At Simple Moves & Storage, our crews are experienced with senior relocations and treat every client’s belongings with the respect they deserve.

Moving Day: Keeping the Senior Comfortable

• Assign a companion: One family member should stay with the elderly person throughout the day, away from the chaos of loading and unloading. A quiet room, a favourite chair, and a cup of tea go a long way.
• Pack a personal essentials bag: Medications, glasses, hearing aids, phone and charger, a change of clothes, important documents, and comfort items (a favourite blanket or photo) should travel with the person, not in the moving truck.
• Set up the bedroom first: At the new home, prioritize getting the bedroom functional — bed made, nightstand in place, lamp plugged in, medications accessible. If the senior is tired, they can rest while the movers handle the rest of the home.
• Recreate familiar layouts: To the extent possible, arrange furniture in the new home the way it was in the old one. Familiar spatial arrangements help with orientation, especially for those with cognitive decline.
• Label everything clearly: Use large-print labels on boxes so the senior can identify their belongings and feel in control of the unpacking process.

After the Move: Helping Them Settle In

The move does not end when the truck leaves. The first few weeks in a new home are critical for a senior’s emotional well-being:

• Visit frequently in the first two weeks. Loneliness is the biggest risk after a senior relocation.
• Help them explore the neighbourhood: Walk to the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop, and park together.
• Introduce them to neighbours: A friendly face next door can make an enormous difference in feeling at home.
• Connect them with community programs: Senior centres, library events, faith communities, and exercise classes provide social structure and purpose.
• Watch for signs of depression: Loss of appetite, withdrawal, excessive sleeping, or expressed hopelessness after a move should be discussed with their doctor.
• Be patient: Adjustment takes time. It may be several months before the new place truly feels like home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I plan a senior move?
Start planning at least two to three months ahead. This allows time for the emotional adjustment, downsizing, facility coordination, and booking movers during a preferred time slot.

How much does it cost to move an elderly person?
Costs vary based on the size of the move, distance, and services needed. A senior downsizing from a two-bedroom apartment typically costs less than a full house move. Request a free quote for an accurate estimate.

Can movers set up furniture at the new location?
Yes. Simple Moves crews will reassemble beds, reconnect appliances, and arrange furniture according to your instructions as part of our full service moving package.

What if the senior has mobility issues on moving day?
Plan for the senior to be at the new home (or with a family member elsewhere) while the crew loads the old home. They can be present for unloading to direct furniture placement without navigating the loading chaos.

Financial Considerations for Senior Moves

Senior relocations often involve financial decisions that go beyond the cost of movers. Understanding these costs helps families plan effectively:

Selling the Family Home

If the senior owns their home, selling it is typically the largest financial component of the move. Consider:

• Hiring a real estate agent experienced with estate or downsizing sales
• Getting a pre-listing home inspection to identify issues before they become negotiation problems
• Timing the sale to align with the move-in date at the new residence
• Setting up a bridge loan if there is a gap between selling and buying

Assisted Living Costs in BC

Assisted living costs in British Columbia vary widely depending on the level of care and location:

• Publicly subsidized assisted living: Available through BC Housing, with rates based on income (typically 70% of after-tax income). Wait lists can be long.
• Private assisted living: Ranges from $3,000 to $8,000+ per month depending on the facility, location, and level of care required.
• Home support services: If the senior is moving to a smaller home rather than a care facility, home support workers can provide in-home assistance. Costs range from $25 to $45 per hour for private providers, or may be subsidized through the local health authority.

Tax Considerations

If the senior is selling their principal residence, the sale is typically tax-free under Canada’s principal residence exemption. However, if they own a secondary property or investment real estate, capital gains tax may apply. Consult a tax professional before making decisions about property sales.

Technology Setup at the New Home

Staying connected is especially important for seniors who may experience isolation after a move. Ensure the following are set up before or on moving day:

• Phone service: Whether landline or cell, ensure the senior has a working phone from day one. If they are moving to a care facility, check whether the facility provides a phone line or if one needs to be set up.
• Internet: Many seniors use tablets, video calling (Zoom, FaceTime), and email to stay connected with family. Set up Wi-Fi and make sure they know how to connect their devices.
• Medical alert system: If the senior lives alone, a personal emergency response system (like Lifeline or MedicAlert) provides a wearable button that connects to emergency services. Set this up before the move so it is operational on day one.
• Television and entertainment: A familiar TV setup with their preferred channels or streaming services provides comfort and routine. Set it up in the living room on moving day.

Legal and Administrative Tasks

A senior relocation involves several administrative updates that should be completed as soon as possible:

• Change of address: Update the address with Canada Post, the bank, pension providers (CPP, OAS), ICBC, BC Services Card, and any subscription services.
• Healthcare providers: Transfer medical records to a new family doctor if the senior is leaving their current doctor’s catchment area. Update the pharmacy and any specialist offices.
• Power of attorney and will: If these documents are not already in place, a move is a good time to establish them. If they already exist, review them to ensure they are still current and appropriate.
• Insurance: Update home or renter’s insurance to reflect the new address. If moving to a care facility, discuss whether tenant insurance is needed with the facility administrator.
• Driver’s license: If the senior still drives, update the address on their license within 10 days of moving (BC law). If they are giving up driving, help them obtain a BC Identification Card as an alternative form of ID.

Resources for Senior Relocation in BC

Several organizations in British Columbia provide support specifically for seniors who are relocating:

• BC 211: Dial 2-1-1 or visit bc211.ca to find local services for seniors, including moving assistance programs, community support, and social services.
• Seniors First BC: Provides information, support, and advocacy for older adults in BC, including help with housing transitions.
• Better at Home program: Funded by the Government of BC and United Way, this program offers practical help (including moving assistance) for seniors who want to continue living independently in their communities.
• Local senior centres: Most communities in BC have a senior centre that offers social programs, exercise classes, and information about local resources. Connecting the senior with a centre in their new neighbourhood is one of the best things you can do for their adjustment.