Removalists versus risks — moving later in life

Key points:

• Approximately 40,000 Australians have their hernias surgically repaired in Australia each year, with the likelihood of risk increased through improper lifting techniques and ageing

• Emotional stress can also play a role in delaying or complicating the moving process, as items and the house itself can be very near and dear to an older person

• Prepare early on — declutter rooms, box items up and bubble-wrap glassware or televisions to prevent breakage

When you or a loved one are planning to relocate, it is important to consider the nature of the house or apartment you are moving from/into. These considerations may factor in stairs, ledges, tight corners or the logistics of packing and disassembling furniture to get through the door.

The other important thing to remember is whether you or a family member have the physical ability to carry heavy items, transport and remain safe in the process. Suppose you feel that you are not able to manage on your own, either due to age, injury or physical limitations. In that case, it might be time to arrange support from friends, family or a dedicated furniture removalist and car transport service.

This edition of Aged Care Guide is intended to illuminate the benefits of a removalist service for an older person or for their family to make arrangements on behalf of a relative or friend.

Removalists versus risks

Moving house by yourself can be difficult and physical conditions such as osteoporosis can exacerbate the likelihood of harm, such as falls.

In older people, falls can lead to severe physical damage; after sustaining a hip fracture in Australia, 11 percent of patients are discharged to residential care and up to six percent of cases result in death.

Additionally, falling when carrying a heavy item may lead to further damage, as that item may pin a person down or intensify the force of a fall. Carrying a heavy item may also lead to injuries such as hernias, which can lead to strangulated hernias and become life-threatening to the person who is injured.

Aside from the obvious risk of physical injury, dropping a heavy item or not having an item properly secured in appropriately spacious transportation, such as a moving vehicle, the likelihood of breakage becomes a significant risk.

Breakage, for items such as televisions or white goods, may actually be more expensive than the price of moving itself — meaning that, for a lesser price, you could have saved yourself the hassle, risk and inconvenience associated with heavy lifting and moving.

The benefit of personally moving home is the perceived savings, which older people or those on a budget may consider to be a necessity. However, asking around for quotes can help to give you a good understanding of the going rates and you may have to rent a moving truck or utility vehicle for heavier or sizable items, such as lounges, beds or desks.

Some removalist services may offer an option for insurance coverage, which could be something that gives you peace of mind and prevents any costly goods from being destroyed haphazardly and without recourse.

Family and friends

Family and friends may be able to help you move and in older age, help you to save money and widen the number of vehicles available to you for transportation. However, the inconvenience associated with booking time off of work, dedicating a day away from personal duties and physically exhausting oneself to support another person can be a tall order.

Hiring removalists in addition to support from family and friends to carry items and arrange them in your house can be a two-pronged approach to help you move in easily. Many of the menial tasks that involve bending down, boxing, taping and getting ready for the removalists may be a less demanding task that allows you to go through the process promptly to make it easier for you on the big day.

Check out the Aged Care Guide information article for a checklist on how to pack, what to pack and some quick tips for moving safely.

How to decide on a removalist

It’s important to review your options and consider the number of services that are available in your area, along with their online reputation, including reviews, websites and how long they have been operating in Australia.

As with many community services involving money or your belongings, some bad actors will take advantage of older people for financial gain or through negligence, so it is important to rely on a business with a clear and upstanding track record.

Upmove has a five-star rating on Google Reviews from over 130 community contributions and more information is available on how to start your relocation journey through the Upmove website.

What are your tips and tricks for moving house and starting the next stage in your life journey? Let the team at Aged Care Guide know and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

This article was sponsored by Upmove — please visit the Upmove website for more information.

Related content:

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Moving out of your family home