October is the season of pumpkins, costumes, and things that go “bump” in the night — but for seniors planning a move, the scariest thing isn’t Halloween. It’s making mistakes that turn a move into a nightmare.
At Ideal Move, we’ve seen how stressful moving can be for older adults and their families. The good news? With the right planning and the right help, you can avoid the most frightening pitfalls. Let’s look at a few of the most common “scary” moving mistakes — and how to keep them from haunting your move.
Moving Mistake 1: Choosing Movers Based Only on Price
It’s tempting to pick the lowest bid, but beware: a suspiciously low estimate can be a red flag. Some movers underquote, then add hidden fees later, or worse — they don’t show up at all.
✅ What to do instead: As part of working with Ideal Move we recommend movers that are reliable, high-quality, and priced appropriately. We work closely with these movers, we know which ones to avoid, and the entire process is improved by our close relationship. You can benefit from our years of experience with movers.
Moving Mistake 2: Trying to Do It All Yourself
For younger families, a DIY move may be possible. But for seniors, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. From packing heavy boxes to navigating what to keep and what to let go, doing it all yourself can leave you exhausted.
✅ What to do instead: Get professional support. Senior Move Managers are trained to handle both the logistics and the emotions of downsizing and relocation.
Moving Mistake 3: Not Planning Ahead
Waiting until the last minute can create chaos and surprises: not enough boxes, misplaced documents, or discovering that the new home can’t fit your favorite furniture. These surprises can be truly frightening.
✅ What to do instead: Start early. A clear timeline, combined with space planning, ensures you’re ready and avoids costly last-minute changes. An significant benefit of working with Ideal Move is our planning expertise.
Moving Mistake 4: Forgetting About What Happens After the Move
Many families think the job is done when the movers leave. But living surrounded by unpacked boxes is no way to start your next chapter.
✅ What to do instead: Use new home set up services to set up your new home quickly. The goal is for you to feel comfortable, safe, and settled right away.
Don’t Let Your Move Become a Horror Story
Moving doesn’t have to be scary. With guidance from a trained, certified Senior Move Manager, you’ll avoid the “tricks” and get all the “treats” of a smooth, stress-free transition.
If you’re planning a move in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, or anywhere in Northeast Florida, we’d love to help. Call us at 904-826-7055 or visit www.myidealmove.com for a free consultation.
