By Joy Loverde
Mom and Bill’s long-distance move from Florida to Chicago taught me numerous invaluable family-caregiving lessons 
which I wrote about in twenty-four blogs. I’d like to share with you the highlights of what I learned in the hopes that you can bypass some of the unexpected twists and turns of the aging parent relocation process.
- I’ve said this before, and it’s worth repeating... if there’s a house to sell in the relocation process, the realtor is the KEY person to the success of relating during the move. He or she becomes your eyes, ears, and trusted friend. When interviewing realtors, go with your gut as to whether or not this person will go the extra mile for you - over and over and over again.
- The realtor is your partner and friend. Treat him or her with the utmost respect because in the long run, this person becomes a key confidant in the process of moving aging parents from long-distance. And, if you ever need a realtor for Southern Florida, I highly recommend Sharon. Here’s her contact information:
Sharon L. Kerr, GRI, e-PRO, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty
970 Kings Hwy., Suite #2
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Direct: 941-255-7226
Toll-free: 800-466-9849
Email: Sharon.Kerr@ColdwellBankerFlorida.com
www.SharonKerr.com
- It’s a buyer’s market and if you really want to move the process along, price the house to sell.
- Keep your eye on the reluctant parent. If he or she is not assisting (packing, sorting, etc.) hire a senior move manager early on. The website to find helpers in your parents’ location is: www.nasmm.com.
- Finding moving-related resources (like movers, storage lockers, and UPS) from the comfort of my home – without Mom and Bill asking me a million questions and looking over my shoulder -- was a much less stressful way to handle the process.
- To find movers, ask your realtor about reputable companies. Get references and call them.
- Keep on delegating moving-related responsibilities to any and all family members, friends, and volunteers. Never give the impression that you can do this enormous job alone.
- Early on, if everything is going too smoothly, look out! There’s a surprise waiting for you. Remain flexible to change and you’ll have the know-how to meet every challenge that comes your way.
- If you’re planning to ship boxes to your parents’ new location, AAA offers a discount at the UPS Store. Take advantage of the reduced prices if you’re a member of the motor club.
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