Senior Relocation: “I Was Completely Taken Care Of”
Moving as a Senior is a Major Life Change
Moving can be a big step for seniors, whether by choice or necessity. Especially for this group, it can be a stressful event, mainly due to the many changes it brings. A new environment, for example, can have a significant impact on their daily life.
Aging Population in the Netherlands
With the aging population, more seniors need extra care and attention. Eventually, many will move to assisted living or care facilities. Such moves are often emotionally challenging—for the seniors themselves and for their children who have to say goodbye to the family home.
This was the case for Mrs. Atsma. By choosing a senior relocation, many tasks were taken off her hands, allowing her to focus fully on her new home. “I only had to say what needed to go, and I was completely taken care of. I only had to manage the coffee, haha.”
Large Property and High Costs
After living for sixty years in a farmhouse in Oppenhuizen, Mrs. Atsma wanted to downsize. “My youngest daughter said, ‘Mom, you should sort everything out.’ I had over 2,000 m² of land that I mowed myself. A friend helped with the edges by the water and the hedges. I didn’t have to worry about that. Not on a ride-on mower, haha! I just left some grass at the back. Over the years, I’ve become a bit more relaxed.”
Other challenges included high costs for heating and maintenance. “I didn’t have central heating, just gas heaters. They also wanted the gas removed, which meant high expenses. The shed was in bad condition, and the children weren’t interested. Eventually, I agreed to put the house on the market. It was listed in June and sold within seven weeks.”
New Senior Apartment
Finding a new home was a challenge. “I didn’t have any options in Oppenhuizen, only family homes, which weren’t suitable. I wanted to stay on this side of town. A tip from my real estate agent led me to this apartment. After the viewing, we made an offer immediately, and within an hour and a half, it was accepted.”
Previous Moving Experiences
Mrs. Atsma contacted De Jong Verhuizingen for her move. “My daughter had moved twice with them before, and my sister used them for a move to Sneek. The family already had good experiences. Everything was packed and transported efficiently. I only had to decide what stayed and what went, and then De Jong Verhuizingen handled it all.”
The move took place on February 21. “Only the items going to Sneek were moved. Everything fit in the small truck. I feared having to pack everything myself, but all that was taken care of. I just had to tell them what to bring. I even wanted to give them sandwiches, but they said I could eat at home while they ate in the truck on the way to Sneek.”
Assembly and Setup Services
Knowing what is needed for a senior move is crucial. De Jong Verhuizingen offers services ranging from hanging paintings, lamps, and curtains, to full packing, administrative support, and cleaning services.
Mrs. Atsma used this service. “They disassembled and reassembled my cabinet perfectly, hung several lamps, the mirror, and the coat rack. I was very satisfied. Even the empty boxes were picked up later. Everything was handled smoothly, and I could always call if needed. That was the most important thing to me!”
