Making the move to a senior living community isn’t always easy. But the right senior moving tips can make the process less tiring and stressful. With a streamlined approach to moving, it’s easier to feel at home quickly in a new environment.

Read on to learn how to decide what to take when moving to senior living!

Take an Organized Approach to Moving

Senior living moving tips always include taking an organized approach to the process. Trying to move without a clear checklist of tasks can make the process more stressful. Instead, start by making a list that includes:

Contacting movers
Inventorying items
Cleaning your old home
Gathering moving supplies

Especially if you’re planning on hiring professionals to help with moving, you’ll need to secure a reservation early. Determine a moving date and get referrals for reputable moving companies to contact.

Start inventorying your belongings, too, so that everything’s accounted for. Begin sorting those items into lists of essentials and items that you may need to part with.

If you’re moving out of a home you’ve lived in for even a few years, you’ll need to clean it before selling or renting it. Hiring professional cleaners can ensure a more thorough job. And lastly, don’t forget to gather boxes and bubble wrap so you can start packing when you’re ready.

Look at Your New Space

How much square footage will you have in your new home? What shape is the layout? These are all questions to answer before investing too much time in a packing list.

You may be moving to a smaller space, but that doesn’t mean it needs to feel small. With a careful approach to arranging furniture and decorative pieces, you can carve out spaces within your floor plan. Make sure to create clear pathways in your living space so you’re able to access your bedroom or bathroom.

Look at your storage situation. If you only will have one closet, for example, you’ll need to make it multi-functional. Or you may need to invest in a better dresser for clothing to free up closet space.

Be clear on what is permitted in your new space, too. You may need to leave behind space heaters, but you may not need to bring certain appliances that are provided.

Also, keep in mind that you’ll have a calendar of activities to attend in a senior living community. Even the best plans for setting up your new space may need to slow down to make room for the fun!

Determine the Essentials

What are your moving to a retirement home essentials? If you don’t have a list yet, it’s time to make one. Include items like:

Bedding and towels
Toiletries and medications
Walkers and other forms of assistance
Clothing
Kitchen supplies
Some decorative items

Even with essential items, like clothes and linens, you may want to pare down your supply. The same holds true for dishes and kitchen gear. Determine which items you reach for every day or week as you make your essentials list.

The best items for senior living also will include some sentimental items. Yes, you’ll need to part ways with some items from your past as you create a list of essentials. But you should keep sentimental items that are most meaningful as a reminder of the people and places that have made your life full.

Know What to Leave Behind

When it comes to senior downsizing advice, knowing what to omit from your move is key. Remember that you will be moving to a smaller space. Taking everything from your previous home isn’t feasible.

Start by making a list of items that won’t be making the move. The following items may be good candidates:

Bulky furniture
Rugs
Old appliances
Gently-worn clothing
Heaters
Old dishes

Go through your clothing supply and purge duplicate items, like sweaters. Similarly, excessive amounts of dishes and cooking gadgets can chew up limited space in a kitchenette, if you will have one. And don’t overlook the important of scaling back your furniture, too.

For example, it may not be possible to take both a bulky recliner and sofa to your new home. Consider which piece of furniture is most practical in your new space. Or consider opting for a trimmer, lower-profile sofa that will have a smaller footprint.

With decorative items, be selective about what you take. And although area rugs can be beautiful, they can be an even bigger tripping hazard in a smaller space. It’s best to leave them behind.

Know that leaving some items behind can be rewarding, too. You can give items to friends or grandchildren, for example. And donating items to local non-profit organizations always is an excellent way to support your local community.

Get Help With the Process

Packing for senior living moves can be tiring. That’s why it’s critical to enlist help from friends and family during the process. These individuals can help with the physical components of moving, which may be challenging if you have limited physical mobility.

Ask your loved one to go through your moving checklist with you to ensure you’ve covered everything. And work with a loved one to:

Box all items in an organized manner
Label one box with your most essential items
Place that box in an accessible area of your new home

Getting help from family members or friends can provide essential emotional support. Saying goodbye to a home you’ve known for years or decades can be difficult. But your loved ones can help make your living quarters feel like home so you can embark on a new journey in your senior living community.

Make Senior Moving Easier

With the right planning, senior moving can be less of a burden and more of an exciting opportunity to make a fresh start. Make a list of what items you’ll take and which ones you’ll leave behind. Get assistance from family and friends, and consider the layout of your new space as you make decisions.

At Morada Southridge, we provide our Oklahoma City residents with a caring and comfortable space to call home. Community members thrive thanks to our compassionate staff and fun activities.