Moving into a senior living community is a significant life transition that involves careful planning and organization. It may even seem overwhelming as most families have little experience in the process, including what to do and where to start.
But adopting a structured approach can alleviate stress and ensure a smoother move.
We’ve assisted many families as they navigate the process with their loved ones. To help, we have created a 12-week checklist covering the entire process, from taking a tour to moving in and creating a genuine home.
A 12-week move-in checklist for senior living
The following move-in checklist is broken down over the average length of time it generally takes to complete the move-in process. Although timelines can be compressed if there has been a health crisis, we’ve found 12 weeks provides enough flexibility in the schedule to complete the move.
Our advice is to take it one step at a time – and don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends and community staff.
Weeks 1-2: Decision and initial preparations
□ Create a budget: Establish a budget for the move and ongoing expenses for community life. Include costs for moving services, storage and new furniture or supplies that may be needed.
□ Finalize the decision: After touring and gathering financial information, the final decision should be made for the community best matching the needs and preferences.
□ Notify the community: Inform the senior living community of your move-in decision. Coordinate the date and discuss their suggestions to create a smoother process.
□ Schedule an assessment: An assessment is essential to determine the level of care and assistance needed and ensure the required services will be available.
□ Review the documents: Carefully read the residency agreement and other important documents. Seek legal advice if needed to understand the terms and conditions.
Download our complimentary Successful Transitions guide.
Weeks 3-4: Paperwork and planning
□ Complete and sign necessary paperwork: Ensure all required forms for the new community are completed, including medical forms, financial agreements and personal information sheets.
□ Review long-term care benefits: If long-term care insurance is available, review the process and any restrictions. This may involve gathering medical records and financial documents.
□ Plan for pets: Next on the move-in checklist is checking the community’s pet policy and making arrangements if pets will also be moving. Ensure all necessary supplies and documentation are available.
Weeks 5-6: Organizing and decluttering
□ Create schedule and inventory list: Divide tasks into a schedule and inventory all belongings. Decide what will be brought to the community, what to store and what to donate or discard.
□ Distribute items: This is a great time for adult children to collect their left-behind possessions and distribute items from the home to family or friends.
□ Start decluttering: Most moves will require a downsizing of accumulations. Sort through items room by room, focusing on keeping the essentials and items with sentimental value.
Weeks 7-8: Preparing for the move
□ Hire movers: It’s time on the move-in checklist to research and hire a reputable moving company experienced with senior moves. Schedule your move date well in advance.
□ Notify important contacts: Inform family, friends and important contacts of the move. Update the new address with banks, insurance companies and other essential services.
□ Pack non-essentials: Start packing items that won’t be needed immediately. Label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier.
Weeks 9-10: Last-minute details
□ Confirm details with the community: Double-check all details with the senior living community, including move-in date, apartment readiness and any special instructions.
□ Pack essentials: Pack the remaining essentials as the move-in date approaches and label one box for opening upon arrival, including items such as a coffee pot and towels.
□ Last steps before the move: Finalize details with movers, any final actions needed if selling the home and transferring responsible names and addresses for utilities and other services.
Week 11: Moving week
□ Moving day preparation: Moving day is next on the move-in checklist but on the day before, make sure all boxes are packed and labeled. Call the movers a few days before to confirm you’re on their schedule. Prepare an overnight bag with medications and personal items for the first night in the new home.
□ Supervise the move: On moving day, supervise the movers to ensure everything is handled with care. Take a final walk-through of the old home to verify nothing unintended is left behind.
□ Settle in: After arriving at the new home, unpack and arrange personal items to create a comfortable and familiar space.
Week 12: Adjusting to your new home
□ Meet the staff and residents: Take advantage of opportunities to meet the staff and fellow residents. Building relationships early on helps create a welcome home experience.
□ Explore the community: Become familiar with the amenities and services available. Join activities and events to engage and stay active.
□ It takes time: Last on the move-in checklist but just as essential – is to remember that it takes time to become comfortable and to feel at home. The staff can help with introductions to other residents. Stay optimistic and look forward to the adventure of this new life.
The Charleston Senior Living Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.
- Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family are thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions, contact us today.
We also invite you to download our complimentary Successful Transitions guide to learn more about making the move to senior living.
