Seniors remain an influential part of the real estate market, purchasing everything from standard single-family homes to larger multi-generational options that can accommodate additional family members. As a senior, your considerations for how to handle a move will likely differ somewhat from younger buyers. Check out these tips to help make your move as smooth as possible—or pass this article along if you’re a relative of a senior homebuyer!

Transportation options

If you rely on transportation services, such as the bus or paratransit, you may want to do research ahead of time to see what options are available at your new address. Knowing in advance whether you need to apply for any transportation programs could prove a major convenience.

Medical records

If moving to another city, you’ll want to take care of medical release forms for an easy transition to your new health offices. That way, your health care providers will have all the records they need for your new-patient appointment.

Other health care to-do’s:

• Rather than filling out new patient paperwork at your appointment, call the office to see if you can get it in advance.
• Put together a sheet detailing your personal and family health history. That could save you time trying to remember names, dates and medical conditions at each new health care office.
• Take a fresh look at who you’d like to have access to your HIPAA-protected information. Think about anyone at your new address that could potentially be involved with your medical care.
• Make a medication list to bring to each new health care office, detailing the name of each medication and instructions for taking it.
• Pick out which pharmacy you’d like to use at your new home and jot down the address for easy reference at appointments.

Insurance coverage

Be sure to inquire about your new home with any private insurers used to supplement or add on to Medicare coverage. Prescription drug plans or programs like Medigap and Medicare Advantage may be tied to specific service areas, and you’ll want to know ahead of time whether any changes are necessary. If it turns out your move requires a change in Medicare coverage, then it may qualify as a special circumstance, giving you the advantage of shopping new options outside of the Open Enrollment Period!

Note: Watch out for Medicare fraud, and always consult with a licensed health insurance broker.

Maintaining connections

A significant move can be bittersweet. You’re excited for the new adventure, but you’ll miss seeing friends and family and attending your favorite social events. But the good news is there are more ways than ever to stay in touch with people, and you can make it all the easier by getting anyone’s contact information that you don’t already have and then sending out a change-of-address card or email.

Meeting new people

A move is a wonderful opportunity to expand your social circle. Research local classes, clubs, places of worship and events in your new area that you might like to participate in. If you’re moving to a master-planned community, it might even have fun get-togethers where you can meet your neighbors!

For more moving tips, including our 2-month moving checklist, check our Packing & Moving Tips board on Pinterest!