Moving is a big life event—and for seniors, it often comes with more than just boxes and packing tape. Whether downsizing, moving closer to family, or transitioning to assisted living, relocating as an older adult requires extra planning, care, and emotional support.
At Yak and Yeti Movers, we specialize in senior moving services throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, Berkeley, Alameda, San Rafael, San Mateo, Palo Alto, Walnut Creek, Redwood City, and beyond. If you’re helping a parent or older relative move, this ultimate checklist will guide you through every step of the process—while keeping it stress-free for everyone involved.
✅ Step 1: Start Early and Make a Plan
Give yourself and your loved one plenty of time—at least 6–8 weeks in advance is ideal.
✔ Create a moving timeline and checklist
✔ Decide on the move-out and move-in dates
✔ Hire a local senior moving company early to secure your preferred slot
✔ Involve your loved one in key decisions to help them feel in control
💡 Pro Tip: Searching for “local moving services near me” or “senior movers in San Jose”? Yak and Yeti Movers offers free consultations to help families plan smooth, efficient moves across the Bay Area.
📦 Step 2: Downsize With Care
Many seniors move from a house to an apartment or assisted living facility, which means they’ll need to let go of some belongings.
✔ Go room by room and sort items into: keep, donate, sell, or discard
✔ Respect sentimental items—take time to listen to the stories behind them
✔ Offer valuable items to family members as keepsakes
✔ Hire junk removal services if needed for larger cleanouts
💡 Bonus: Yak and Yeti Movers offers packing, unpacking, and junk removal services, so your family doesn’t have to lift a finger.
🧾 Step 3: Organize Important Documents
Moving is the perfect time to review and organize essential paperwork:
✔ Medical records (prescriptions, doctor contacts)
✔ Legal documents (wills, power of attorney, property titles)
✔ Financial paperwork (bank statements, insurance policies)
✔ ID and insurance cards (Medicare, driver’s license)
💡 Pro Tip: Keep these documents in a clearly labeled, easy-to-access folder—don’t pack them with the rest of the boxes.
🏠 Step 4: Choose the Right Moving Team
Senior moves are different. They require patience, empathy, and experience. Look for:
✔ Licensed, insured, and local moving companies (search for “movers near me” or “San Francisco movers”)
✔ Movers who offer packing, unpacking, and furniture setup
✔ Teams trained to work with seniors and families
✔ Affordable and transparent pricing—no hidden fees
At Yak and Yeti Movers, we’re known for our friendly, respectful crews and our local expertise in areas like Palo Alto, Walnut Creek, and Redwood City.
🪑 Step 5: Prep the New Home
Before moving day:
✔ Take measurements to ensure furniture fits the new space
✔ Set up utilities and internet in advance
✔ Make the home senior-friendly (grab bars, non-slip rugs, well-lit spaces)
✔ Coordinate with the facility or landlord for smooth move-in access
💡 Need help moving into a storage unit first? We offer short-term storage moving help across the Bay Area.
🚚 Step 6: Moving Day Tips
Here’s how to make the big day feel a little smaller:
✔ Have snacks, water, and medications easily available
✔ Assign one person to be with your loved one all day
✔ Let the movers handle the heavy lifting—literally
✔ Keep valuables and sensitive items with you
Whether you’re moving within San Jose or to San Francisco, we ensure a stress-free senior moving experience with kindness and professionalism.
💖 Step 7: Settle In and Follow Up
Once the move is complete:
✔ Unpack essentials first (bathroom, bedding, kitchen)
✔ Set up photos and familiar items quickly—it helps create a sense of comfort
✔ Schedule follow-up visits or calls to check in on how they’re adjusting
✔ Update address with doctors, banks, and services
👵 We’re More Than Just Movers
At Yak and Yeti Movers, we’re not just movers—we’re neighbors. We help seniors and their families move safely, affordably, and respectfully all across the Bay Area.
Our Senior Moving Services Include:
🔹 Full packing and unpacking
🔹 Loading and unloading
🔹 Transport to storage facilities if needed
🔹 Labor-only help for self-managed moves
🔹 Emotional support and friendly faces during a major life event
📞 Let’s Make This Move Easy
If you’re searching for:
- “Affordable movers San Francisco”
- “Senior movers near San Jose”
- “Moving companies near me”
- “Local moving services near me”
…or just a team who genuinely cares, Yak and Yeti Movers is here to help.
👉 Contact us today for a free senior moving quote and let’s create a smooth, respectful relocation experience for your loved one.
📍 Serving: San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Alameda, Walnut Creek, San Rafael, San Mateo, Palo Alto, Redwood City & Beyond!
