The Captain’s Chair

Odds are, we all have a favorite seat to sit in. For some it’s a well-worn dent in the couch, for others it is an overstuffed recliner that somehow both supports and envelops us. Others love their loveseat, or prefer the gentle movement of an old rocker; wooden kitchen chairs may not be the showiest, but often they do the trick better than any other seat in the house. Regardless of the shape it takes, our favorite seat is as much an everyday necessity as our toothbrush or beloved coffee mug. When we are moving seniors, we refer to these spots as the ‘Captain’s Chair’: it’s the central spot of the room, the axis around which everything else is positioned. 

We use this designation to stress the importance of placement for this piece of furniture, as we know how much time can be spent nestled into that seat! How is the view out of the window? Will the glare of the afternoon sun reflect off a tablet screen and make it hard to see pictures? Will having their back to a space give someone a cozy feel or might it cause unease? Is a favorite piece of art within view? Finally - and most importantly - the perimeter test. Are remotes within reach - or what about a good lamp and a stack of books in progress? Is there a spot for snacks and a glass of water? Does the recliner tilt all the way back? Will the rocker get hung up on a cord? All these questions may seem like we’re overthinking it, but that’s our job: to consider every little detail so the Captain’s ship runs smoothly from their preferred chair. Even with all the bustle and bedlam that is inherent in a change of housing, having one’s comfortable and familiar nest to sink into once it’s all said and done can help to ease the upheaval that folks often feel. We’re always honored to be trusted with people’s most precious belongings, especially the unassuming daily workhorses of our lives. Look around you: what does your chair say about you?

Photo by Chris Yang on Unsplash