Moving into a Senior Community
Discover essential tips and strategies for transitioning to a senior living community with ease!
Moving into a senior living or care community is a big step! It’s often accompanied by a lot of emotions as well as a long list of ‘what do I do now?’ thoughts and questions. Our goal with this guide is to help you organize and break down a big move into little steps. Below you’ll find information on how to decide what to bring, steps to downsizing, how to plan for the move, coordinating with the community, and more.
What to Bring
After deciding on a community, the next big decision is, what do I bring with me? Moving from a large home where you may have raised a family to a 1-bedroom space is a big change both in terms of emotions and size! It's important to take time to review the floor plan, get measurements, and decide on what items you just can’t live without that need to come with you.
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Pick Your Furniture: Based on the floor plan, this will help you have a good idea of what type of furniture you may get to bring with you. While most communities supply the bed, you may need a dresser, wardrobe, bedside table, or kitchen table. Some of these items can carry a lot of sentimental value. For instance, if you have a cherished armchair where you’ve read to your grandchildren, ensure it fits into your new living space to keep that tradition alive. For a smooth move, be sure to take accurate measurements of your furniture to ensure it will all fit when you arrive.
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Clothes and Personal Accessories: Whatever you bring, a best practice is to label your clothes with your name since many communities offer laundry services. Labeling your clothes ensures they make it back to your room!
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Decoration/Sentimental Items: Make the space your own; after all, this is your home! Take time to pick out photos, special decorations, bed linens, and anything else that will make the space feel like it’s yours.
Declutter and Downsize
After identifying what your ‘must-have’ items are, it's time to figure out what to do with everything else. Don't think of this as getting rid of precious items; instead, think about how this step can be a fun way to engage family, pass down heirlooms, and revisit old family memories.
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Start Early: Begin the process well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Sorting through decades of memories is not something to be rushed.
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Sort Belongings: Divide items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Focus on keeping items that are essential or hold significant sentimental value. This process can become a journey down memory lane, as you share stories with your family about the significance of certain items. Imagine coming across the cake pan you used every year to bake birthday cakes for your grandchildren! Tell stories and enjoy the journey down memory lane.
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Use the One-Year Rule: If you haven't used an item in the past year, it might be time to let it go.
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Hire Professionals: Consider hiring a professional organizer or move manager who specializes in senior moves to assist with the process. They can offer expert advice and support during this emotional time.
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Hold an Estate Sale: Selling items you no longer need can provide extra funds and reduce the number of items to move.
Declutter and Downsize
After identifying what your ‘must-have’ items are, it's time to figure out what to do with everything else. Don't think of this as getting rid of precious items; instead, think about how this step can be a fun way to engage family, pass down heirlooms, and revisit old family memories.
-
Start Early: Begin the process well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Sorting through decades of memories is not something to be rushed.
-
Sort Belongings: Divide items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Focus on keeping items that are essential or hold significant sentimental value. This process can become a journey down memory lane, as you share stories with your family about the significance of certain items. Imagine coming across the cake pan you used every year to bake birthday cakes for your grandchildren! Tell stories and enjoy the journey down memory lane.
-
Use the One-Year Rule: If you haven't used an item in the past year, it might be time to let it go.
-
Hire Professionals: Consider hiring a professional organizer or move manager who specializes in senior moves to assist with the process. They can offer expert advice and support during this emotional time.
-
Hold an Estate Sale: Selling items you no longer need can provide extra funds and reduce the number of items to move.
Plan the Move
Creating a detailed moving plan can help ensure that everything goes smoothly. Research and hire a reputable moving company or enlist the help of family and friends. Make a comprehensive checklist of all tasks to be completed before, during, and after the move. Involve family members in the planning process to create a moving day that doubles as a mini-reunion, turning a potentially stressful day into a fun memory.
Coordinating with the Community
Effective communication with the staff at the senior living community can help coordinate move-in logistics and ensure a smooth transition. Confirm the move-in date with the community and understand any specific requirements. Arrange for parking for the moving truck and any family or friends helping with the move. Schedule a visit before moving day to meet the staff and ask any questions you have. This familiarity can help reduce anxiety on the big day.
Coordinating with the Community
Effective communication with the staff at the senior living community can help coordinate move-in logistics and ensure a smooth transition. Confirm the move-in date with the community and understand any specific requirements. Arrange for parking for the moving truck and any family or friends helping with the move. Schedule a visit before moving day to meet the staff and ask any questions you have. This familiarity can help reduce anxiety on the big day.
Get to Know Your New Community
Familiarizing yourself with the new community can help ease the transition and make the new environment feel more like home. Participate in any orientation sessions or tours offered by the community. Attend social events and activities to meet new neighbors and learn about community amenities. Take time to explore the new surroundings and get comfortable with the layout of the community. Be aware of the clubs to join that will help you create community of individals that share your interests! Some communities offer gardening club or book club – check out what yours has to offer, or start your own!
Make Personal Arrangements
Notifying relevant parties of your change of address and making necessary personal arrangements can help make sure nothing gets lost in the move.
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Change of Address: Notify utility companies, banks, healthcare providers, and subscription services of your new address.
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Transfer Services: Arrange for the transfer of any services, such as home health care or delivery services, to your new location.
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Update Legal Documents: Ensure that any legal documents, such as wills and powers of attorney, reflect your new address and living arrangements.
Make Personal Arrangements
Notifying relevant parties of your change of address and making necessary personal arrangements can help make sure nothing gets lost in the move.
-
Change of Address: Notify utility companies, banks, healthcare providers, and subscription services of your new address.
-
Transfer Services: Arrange for the transfer of any services, such as home health care or delivery services, to your new location.
-
Update Legal Documents: Ensure that any legal documents, such as wills and powers of attorney, reflect your new address and living arrangements.
Adjusting to a New Environment
Adjusting to a new environment can take time. Allow yourself the space to adapt to your new surroundings and establish a routine. Give yourself time to adjust and settle into your new home. Focus on the opportunities and benefits of living in a senior community, such as access to amenities and social opportunities. Reach out to family, friends, or community staff if you need assistance or support during the transition. Take daily walks around the community to familiarize yourself with the area and discover new favorite spots, like a cozy reading nook or a lively common area.
While it may seem overwhelming, the move into a senior living community is a significant step towards enhancing your quality of life in a supportive environment tailored to older adults' needs. By preparing thoughtfully, embracing new opportunities, and staying open to the experiences ahead, you can navigate this transition with confidence and positivity. For additional support and resources, consider consulting a move manager who specializes in helping seniors through this important life change.
