Later-life moves are about more than getting belongings from A to B. They are about keeping routines steady, protecting cherished items, and creating comfort in a new space from the very first evening. If you or a loved one is planning a move in Kent or the surrounding areas, this guide shares practical, UK-specific steps to make everything calmer, safer, and better organised. And where you need a careful hand, Crutch Bros is here to help with packing, storage, and thoughtful placement in the new home.
Why later-life moves are different
Older adults tend to have:
Established routines (meal times, medication, rest) that deserve protecting.
Mobility considerations that influence packing weights, walking routes, and where furniture is placed.
A lifetime of treasured belongings that need careful handling and, sometimes, sensitive decisions about what to keep.
A lower tolerance for disruption—too many changes at once can be overwhelming.
Treat the move as a managed transition rather than a single day. Clear communication, a gentler pace, and one point of contact for the family all make a real difference. At Crutch Bros, your move co-ordinator keeps details together and the day running to plan.
A simple timeline that works
Eight to six weeks out
Arrange a home or video survey and request a fixed quotation with what is included.
Map the new home. Measure doorways, stairwells, lifts and the footprint for the bed, favourite chair, and larger items.
Identify priority rooms (usually bedroom, bathroom, and sitting room).
Four weeks out
Begin dignified sorting: what to keep, gift, donate, recycle, or place in storage. Photograph sentimental items if space is tight.
Confirm access: parking suspensions, lift bookings, any timed entries or concierge procedures.
Book small handyman jobs for the new property (grab rails, curtain poles, raised toilet seat).
Two weeks out
Notify utilities and insurers of the change of address and moving date.
Set up Royal Mail redirection.
Prepare two special kits:
Essentials Box: kettle, cups, tea, milk, snacks, basic toiletries, bedding and towels.
Medical & Important Papers Pack: medication for a week, repeat prescriptions, glasses, hearing aid batteries, chargers, ID, and key documents. This stays with the senior, not in the van.
Moving week
Re-confirm arrival windows and access with the removals team.
Label boxes clearly by room and priority (e.g. Bedroom – Priority 1).
Make a calm space with a sturdy chair, warm layers, and easy loo access for regular breaks.
Moving day
One family member accompanies the senior; another liaises with the crew chief.
Keep pets separate or arrange day care.
Check nothing of importance has been packed accidentally (meds, glasses, walking sticks, mobile, keys).
First week after the move
Register with the GP and dentist; update care agencies, if any.
Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, heating, hot water, and telecare/pendant alarm.
Walk familiar routes to the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom to reduce falls risk at night.
Health, safety & accessibility
Falls prevention: keep walkways clear, tape down trailing leads, and avoid loose rugs. Our crews keep box weights modest and lay non-slip protection where needed.
Access measurement: confirm door widths for recliners, beds, and mobility aids. We can remove doors temporarily if required.
Lighting: fit higher-wattage bulbs and place night lights on the route to the bathroom.
Keep vital items with the senior: medication, aids, and paperwork travel in a labelled tote bag that stays in sight.
Decluttering with dignity
Decluttering is emotional when objects carry decades of memories. Use a kind, repeatable method:
Keep (for daily use or deep sentimental value)
Gift (to family or friends, with a note sharing the story behind the item)
Donate (to local charities—ask us about transporting donations)
Recycle (responsibly)
Photograph (for memory’s sake when space will not allow the physical item)
Agree a number of “memory shelves” or a display cabinet in the new home for precious small items. This keeps the space uncluttered and the stories visible.
Packing strategies that reduce effort
Colour-coded labels by room and big, clear writing. We are happy to provide labels and a simple inventory template.
Smaller cartons for heavy items such as books.
Extra protection for china, crystal, paintings, and antiques—double-walled boxes, tissue, and export wrap.
Comfort Box for the first evening: favourite blanket, cushion, framed photo, small lamp, biscuits, radio or tablet. A few familiar pieces instantly make a new room feel like home.
A calm moving-day plan
Keep kitchen and bathroom functional as long as possible at the origin address; set them up first at the destination.
Maintain the tea station—hydration and warm drinks make the day feel normal.
The crew chief will check the exit route is clear before moving bulky items and protect floors and bannisters.
We dismantle and reassemble furniture as agreed so the bedroom is ready on arrival.
Setting up the new home safely
Priorities for the first hours:
Bedroom
Assemble bed, place bedside table, lamp, clock, and any personal alarm within easy reach.Bathroom
Unpack toiletries, towels, and ensure non-slip mats and grab rails are in place.Sitting room
Position the favourite chair with good lighting, TV remote, reading glasses, and a throw.Kitchen
Kettle, mugs, toaster, and simple meals easy to hand.
Remove or secure loose rugs, keep pathways wide enough for mobility aids, and place frequently used items at waist height to avoid bending or over-reaching. Hang a few familiar pictures early—they are powerful for orientation and comfort.
UK admin checklist
Royal Mail redirection set for at least 6–12 months.
Council Tax and electoral register updates.
TV Licence address change.
GP and dentist registration; transfer repeat prescriptions.
Banks, building societies, pensions, and insurance providers.
DVLA for driving licence and vehicle logbook (V5C).
Utilities (consider the supplier’s Priority Services Register for extra support).
DWP/State Pension and any benefits letters.
Blue Badge scheme and concessionary bus pass, where applicable.
Subscriptions, clubs, charities, and deliveries.
Keep a running list and tick off as confirmations arrive.
How Crutch Bros can help
Personal move co-ordinator: one point of contact from survey to set-up.
Full or part packing: from a few fragile items to the whole home, with room-by-room labelling.
Specialist protection: export wrapping for antiques, artwork, and pianos; careful handling techniques for awkward staircases and tight turns.
Dismantling and reassembly: beds, wardrobes, tables—done neatly, with fixings kept safe.
Thoughtful placement: we position furniture and boxes by plan so the bedroom, bathroom, and sitting room are ready first.
Clean, secure storage: short or long term, ideal for downsizing or safeguarding seasonal items.
Everything is delivered with patience, tidy working, and clear communication so the day feels ordered and respectful.
