Leaving a home you have lived in for 30, 40, or even 50 years is not just a logistical challenge; it is an emotional journey. Every room holds a memory. The scratches on the door frame mark how tall the grandchildren grew; the garden is a labor of love decades in the making.
However, there comes a time when the maintenance of a large property in the Hill Country, with our steep limestone driveways and large acreages, becomes more of a burden than a joy.
Whether you are "rightsizing" to a garden home in Boerne, moving to a retirement community in Kerrville, or relocating closer to family in San Antonio, this transition marks the start of a new, lighter chapter.
At RiverHills Moving, we specialize in senior relocations. We know that moving at 70 is very different from driving at 30. It requires patience, respect, and a specific strategy.
This guide covers everything you need to know to manage your move with dignity and ease.
The word "downsizing" often feels negative, implying that you are losing something. We prefer the term "rightsizing."
Rightsizing means matching your living space to your current lifestyle. If you are no longer hosting Thanksgiving for 20 people every year, you don't need a 12-seater dining room table that collects dust.
If you can no longer manage a two-acre lot in Fredericksburg, trading it for a maintenance-free patio allows you more time to enjoy the local wineries or Main Street shopping.
The Rightsizing Checklist:
The hardest part of a senior move isn't the heavy lifting (we handle that); it is the decision-making. How do you sort through 40 years of belongings? We recommend the "Four-Box Method."
Go room by room, starting with the least emotional areas like the garage or spare bedroom, and label items into four categories:
Most national moving guides just say "donate your items." But where? As locals, we know the best organizations in our area that will put your unwanted furniture and clothes to good use.
Pro Tip: Call these organizations 2-3 weeks before your move. Many offer pickup services, but their schedules fill up fast.
One factor that makes senior moving unique is the presence of specialized medical equipment. Moving a standard sofa is one thing; moving an electric hospital bed or a heavy lift chair requires a different level of expertise.
If you live in the Hill Country, you know that flat driveways are a luxury. Many homes in Kerrville and Leon Springs are perched on hills with steep, winding, or gravel driveways.
Are you moving into one of the excellent senior communities in our area, such as Brookdale in Kerrville, Heritage Place in Boerne, or Franklin Park in San Antonio?
Moving into these facilities is different from moving into a private home. They have strict rules to protect the safety and peace of current residents.
Why Local Matters: Our team has worked with almost every major senior community in the Hill Country. We often know the loading dock codes and the maintenance managers by name, which prevents delays on moving day.
You may have heard of a service called a "Senior Move Manager." These are specialized organizers who help you sort, pack, and plan your floor plan. They are excellent professionals, but they can be expensive, often charging $60-$100 per hour in addition to the moving company's costs.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by packing but want to keep costs reasonable, consider utilizing a Moving Company with Full Packing Services.
At RiverHills Moving, our Packing Services can bridge the gap:
This often costs significantly less than hiring a third-party manager plus a moving company.
On the actual day of the move, your only job is to stay safe and manage the process. Leave the lifting to us.
Do not let this box go on the moving truck. Keep it in your personal car. It should include:
If you are staying in the home while movers are working, designate a room or a corner with a comfortable chair as your "Safe Zone." Stay there with your water and phone. This keeps you out of the path of movers carrying heavy furniture and eliminates the risk of tripping.
Even if you aren't lifting boxes, the stress of moving day in the Texas heat can be dehydrating. Keep a cooler with water bottles in your car or Safe Zone.
If you are reading this because you are helping your aging parents move, we know this is stressful for you, too. You are balancing your own work and family while managing a massive project.
Moving is the start of a new adventure. Whether you are moving to be closer to the grandkids in San Antonio or settling into a quiet cottage in Comfort, you deserve a transition that is handled with care.
At RiverHills Moving, we treat our senior clients the way we would treat our own grandparents. We don't rush. We listen. And we handle your cherished belongings with the respect they deserve.
Ready to plan your move?
Contact us today for a free quote on your move. We can walk through your home, discuss your specific needs, and provide a transparent quote for your next chapter.
Audrey Williams is the co-owner of RiverHills Moving, alongside her husband, Jackson Williams. With four years of marketing experience, Audrey specializes in promoting their company and building its presence. She is passionate about working for their family business and finds great fulfillment in seeing its growth positively impact others. Audrey’s dedication and drive come from her commitment to helping their business thrive and serve the community.
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