Preparing for a Move to Senior Living

Let’s face it, very few people enjoy the process of moving. It can be overwhelming. This is true especially if downsizing is involved. Now that spring is on the horizon, many older adults are preparing to move to a senior living community, which can bring mixed emotions.

Excitement:

• Creating a new and comfortable home
• Socialization and new friendships
• Educational and recreational opportunities
• Freedom from the upkeep of owning a home
• On-site meals
• Safety
• Transportation options

Uncertainty:

• Is it the right time to move?
• Did I choose the right community?
• Will I fit in?
• What if I don’t like my new home?

It is important to recognize any feelings you are experiencing. Not only are they valid concerns but it’s healthy to work through them as part of your move preparation.

Preparation

First of all, getting your house ready for a move presents its own set of challenges. And downsizing is often a necessity. Because of this, many people bring “too much” which crowds their new space. Keep in mind that it’s easier to add needed things than to get rid of unwanted ones.

A good way for organizing and prioritizing is to make a list:

Must haves – from a practical and sentimental viewpoint – these things are not optional.

Would be nice – we all have favorite pieces of furniture or knick-knacks etc. that we like to have around us. Consider the size of your new home and room spaces – then plan accordingly.

Not needed – this is the easiest list – either you don’t like it or it won’t fit into your new environment. This goes for clothes as well – be thoughtful when going through your closets as you make the tough decisions about what to bring.

Hire A Move Manager

Second, strongly consider hiring a professional move manager. They take much of the stress and anxiety out of the coordination and logistics:

• Consulting – a move manager will meet with you at your current home to learn about your new apartment/studio/suite and offer advice on what items physically fit into the new space. They will also learn what is important to you and help with your “list.”
• Management – they will collaborate with a moving company as well as your new community to arrange the date and time of the move.
• Packing/Unpacking – a team will come in to carefully pack all the things you have chosen to bring. They will unpack all the items and put them away – clothes in drawers, dishes in kitchen cupboards, décor placement, picture hanging etc. This will allow you to enjoy your new home from day one!
• Clean up – part of their service can include getting rid of the items you have left behind.

Making the decision to move to a senior community is never easy – whether you are independent or in need of assisted living – it is a major change. But having a positive and hopeful attitude will go a long way in determining your success.