The time has come to move to senior living. Now that you’ve decided to transition yourself or someone you love into a senior living community, you probably have some lingering questions and concerns about the relocation process. That’s why we want to offer our expert advice and guidance to help you make your move to senior living less stressful and more successful! Read on to learn our top tips for moving into senior living.
Planning for a successful move to senior living
Tips for downsizing
If you’ve lived in your home for any length of time, it’s likely "rightsizing” will be a key part of your transition to senior living. The thought of rightsizing may seem overwhelming at first, but there are many ways to make the process less daunting.
First, it’s important to accentuate the positive. Remember all the good reasons you've chosen to make this move, and all you hope to gain from this life transition. Keeping your eyes on the prize can help make the rightsizing process less stressful for everyone involved.
Explore more positives of rightsizing in our recent blog, 7 Key Benefits of Rightsizing to Senior Living.
Next, remember you don’t need to tackle this alone. Your family and friends are often more than willing to lend a hand to help the process go smoother for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for support!
We also encourage you to take it slow if possible. Rightsizing brings up emotions. It’s important to honor your feelings, so you can process them and start your new life with a fresh perspective and a positive outlook.
Staying organized is also key to rightsizing for your move to senior living. Sort your items into categories so you know which are going with you and which are earmarked as gifts, donations, or destined for the dump.
Once you’ve tackled rightsizing, you'll feel lighter and more ready than ever to write your life’s exciting new chapter in your new senior living community!
Arranging your new senior living apartment
Now comes the fun part! You’ve rightsized your belongings and put some thought into what you’re bringing to your new senior living space.
At The Birches, our extensive array of assisted living apartment options allows you to select the best layout for your senior lifestyle needs.
You’ll also enjoy decorating your spacious new apartment to make it truly yours. Bring along your favorite furnishings, decor, and personal items to transform your space into a place that feels like home.
You can view our assisted living floor plans online, to help decide which items you want to bring and where you’d like to put them.
You can also view our senior living apartments when you come for your in-person tour. Our community advisors will gladly offer their support to help you determine what to bring and make sure your treasured items get placed correctly on moving day.
Our advice is to plan to move in stages. Depending on your situation, this may happen in one day or over a few days. We think it’s best to start with your biggest items, so you can ensure they fit well in your new space. Then, you can add flair with your decor and personal items.
Our assisted living apartments also feature spacious closets for your clothing and shoes and can accommodate your own preferred furnishings.
What to bring on moving day
The day has finally arrived for your move to senior living, and you want to be sure you have everything you need! You’ve arranged for your furniture and larger items to be moved, but you’re uncertain what you’ll need to bring with you.
While it’s best to set up your space beforehand, if possible, you’ll want to ensure you have certain items close at hand on moving day.
Our recommended items to have with you include:
- Personal care items—think your go-to shampoo, soap, and skincare. You’ll also want to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and shaving kit. Basically, anything you use daily, like toiletries and towels.
- Comfort items—your pillow, favorite blanket, cherished jewelry, a beloved book, and your go-to snacks can help make moving day feel less stressful and more relaxed.
- Clothing—savvy travelers make sure they have their favorite items of clothing on hand, so they know they’re covered. Wear comfy clothes for your move, and be sure to bring slip-resistant shoes, a coat, undergarments, pajamas, and your favorite slippers.
It’s also important to remember—you’re never alone when you choose The Birches for senior living. We're always here to help, both on moving day and every day that follows.
If you have questions about what we recommend you bring on moving day, just ask! Our helpful team members gladly offer you support and assistance, both in person and over the phone!
It’s also wise to doublecheck you’ve completed any necessary paperwork before your move-in day arrives. We’ll be happy to guide you to make sure everything is in place so your transition into our community is smooth and easy.
Settling into your new senior living community
Now that your move to senior living is done, it’s time to savor your new space, meet your neighbors, and become an active member of your vibrant new community!
Of course, it’s also important to take your time, rest when you need to, and embrace this exciting new chapter of your life’s journey.
Learn about the many benefits of assisted living at The Birches in our recent blog, How Assisted Living Improves Quality of Life.
When you choose The Birches as your senior living community, we’ll support you every step of the way. Our kind, caring staff are always available to assist you—whether that means making introductions to new friends, giving directions, helping to manage your daily medications, or anything else you need! We’re here for you.
Be sure to download your copy of our Successful Transitions to Senior Living guide to help you prepare and plan for your upcoming move. This free resource is packed with great information and can be printed and shared with your loved ones.
Together, we’ll make your move to senior living a resounding success!
You can also contact us with any questions about your move or senior living in general!
