As you or a loved one plans the move to a senior living community – take a moment and imagine the possibilities. You’ll soon be opening the door not only to a new home but to a lifestyle that’s been long looked forward to with anticipation.

Moving day can be hectic. Yet, with a little preparation and planning, you’ll discover the process can be simplified and even enjoyed.

Planning Your Move to Senior Living

Take a look at the 8 tips below to help get you started:

Tip #1: Know before you go

Having a plan contributes greatly to success. Taking the time now to strategize will pay off with fewer hitches and much less stress.

Make a list of everything involved in the process and the steps required. This might include:

  • Selling your home
  • Downsizing
  • Hiring a moving company
  • Clarifying the moving process with the community
  • Planning out the logistics, such as forwarding your mail

Tip #2: Allow extra time

Are there projects that take less time than originally anticipated? We can’t think of any and a move to senior living won’t be one either. After you’ve found the perfect community and scheduled your move-in date, begin working backward from there.

Make sure to add more time than you think you’ll need for downsizing, including having your children pick up the possessions you’ve been storing. Packing usually takes longer than imagined but the extra hours scheduled will help lessen anxiety.

Tip #3: Clarify what you’re taking

After requesting a floorplan for your new home, it’s easier to decide how to furnish your space. Great advice? Don’t bring more than you need, furniture too large to fit or boxes to store. Give yourself the chance to start your new life with a clean and clutter-free space.

Make arrangements early with those who will be taking some of your furniture and possessions or picking up donations. Decide how you will discard items that no longer hold value.

<LP: https://thecharlestonwaldorf.com/successful-transitions-guide/ >

Tip #4: Create your support staff

Don’t go it alone. The earlier you put together your team, the easier the move.

Consider who can help with different tasks in the process, including:

  • Selling your home
  • Making decisions on what to take, donate or discard
  • Helping you pack
  • Driving with you to the new community
  • Helping to arrange your furniture before you arrive
  • Supporting you as you take the first step in your new life

Tip #5: Keep the goal in focus

Moving can be challenging at times but on the days you feel too tired to go through another closet or box, remind yourself of the end goal. You will soon be living a more convenient, maintenance-free and adventure-filled life.

New residents can begin feeling anxious about the move, meeting new people or how they will fit in at the community. Don’t worry. These moments are completely normal. But when they arrive, just remind yourself that you made the right decision and it will all work out fine.

Tip #6: Pack a day bag

When you’re packing, make sure to include a bag that holds the necessities for the first few days in your new home – without having to search through boxes to find what you need.

Think medication, toiletries and a change of clothing. You’ll also want to have a box or two clearly marked that includes what will help you begin feeling at home as quickly as possible, such as a coffee maker, dishes, towels, linens and shower items.

Tip #7: Honor your past

When planning for a successful move, prepare yourself to say goodbye to the house you’ll be leaving behind.

Some people are surprised or even blindsided by the strong emotional feelings experienced when leaving their home for the last time. It’s far better to plan ahead.

Honor the life that you lived there. Have a celebration dinner with friends and family. Or if you prefer, plan time alone as you walk through the rooms with your memories. Sure, there may be a few tears, but the life in this home was meaningful and should be acknowledged.

Tip #8: Launch your new beginning

Now your dream of senior living can finally begin but make sure you prepare for how you’ll spend your first few days ahead of time. If possible, arrive early enough on move-in day to join the others for dinner, take a walk around the community or meet a new neighbor.

Don’t push yourself too hard but commit to joining in activities early on. Try to look forward – and how you can best begin integrating yourself in your 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 is 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.

Guide to successful senior living transitions