How do I help Mum or Dad make their next move?

The short answer is... by starting with a conversation.

One of the conversations I have quite often doesn't start with someone wanting to sell their home.

It starts with a son or daughter saying something like...

"I think Mum's finding the house a bit much these days."

Or...

"Dad says he's never moving, but we're starting to worry."

If that's where your family is right now, you're certainly not alone.

Helping Mum or Dad make their next move is about so much more than selling a house.

It's about understanding what's important to them, respecting the life they've built and helping everyone feel comfortable with whatever comes next.

That's why I believe the first step should always be a conversation.

Every family is different

There isn't a right or wrong way to do this.

Some parents are excited about the idea of downsizing.

Others can't imagine leaving the home they've loved for decades.

Some are worried about money.

Some don't want to leave their neighbours.

Some are afraid they'll lose their independence.

And some just don't know where to start.

Every one of those feelings is completely understandable.

Where I like to start

One thing I've learnt over the years is that it's easy to jump straight into talking about selling the house.

But that's usually not where the real conversation begins.

I like to ask questions first.

Things like...

• What does Mum or Dad want life to look like over the next few years?

• Is the home becoming difficult to look after?

• Would being closer to family make life easier?

• Is there any urgency, or are we simply planning ahead?

• What worries them most about moving?

Quite often, those answers make the next steps much clearer.

I've seen this happen so many times

One thing I've noticed is that families usually want exactly the same thing...

They just see it differently.

The children are often thinking...

"We just want Mum to be safe."

Mum might be thinking...

"This is where I raised my family."

Neither person is wrong.

They're simply looking at the same situation through different eyes.

Sometimes slowing the conversation down and listening to each other is the most valuable thing anyone can do.

What if they're just not ready?

That's okay.

Really.

Not every conversation needs to end with a decision.

Sometimes it's enough just to understand the options.

Sometimes it's enough to start talking about the future without putting any pressure on anyone.

There isn't a timeline you have to follow.

It's okay to take your time.

My beautiful Nanna. Spending time with her reminded me that home isn't just a place - it's where our memories are made.

That's why conversations about moving later in life deserve patience, understanding and kindness.

How I look at it

Helping Mum or Dad with their next move isn't really about property.

It's about people.

It's about making sure they feel heard, respected and involved in the decisions that affect their future.

Sometimes that means helping them move.

Sometimes it means helping them stay where they are for a little longer.

Whatever the outcome, I believe everyone deserves the time to explore their options without feeling rushed.

If, after we've had a conversation, the right decision is to stay exactly where they are for another year or two, then that's a good outcome too.

For me, it's never about trying to convince someone to move.

It's about helping them make the decision that's right for them.

Cheryl's Tip

One question I always think is worth asking is...

"What would make life easier over the next five years?"

Not...

"When are you moving?"

It's amazing how often that one question changes the whole conversation.

Let's Talk

Every family's journey is different

The information in this guide is general in nature and isn't intended to replace advice that's tailored to your family's individual circumstances.

If you're starting to think about Mum or Dad's next move, or you'd simply like to have a conversation about the options, I'd love to help.