Be Readier, Move Smoother: 6 Tips for Transitioning to Senior Living

Maybe you’re moving a parent to assisted living, or perhaps you’re moving to a senior living community yourself — whatever the reason for the change, it’s a grand adventure that offers plenty of discoveries. Finances will be sorted, choices weighed, memories stirred, deep questions pondered — and yes, sometimes sleep will be interrupted. But when the conclusion surfaces, the support team will grow by the addition of downsizers and moving specialists — and the journey will wrap up with an exciting new beginning that puts the rigors of move-in day behind you fast.

Unless you forgot something.

That’s why, long before moving in, a little forethought can help you avoid last-minute rushes. These six ideas can help you be readier for a smoother move without an “Oh, no! I forgot to ….”

Give It Away Now

Interval: 6 months – 1 year before your move-in.

No need to delay giving away your special treasures and heirlooms to family and friends. As you downsize and pack, you’ll appreciate having a little more elbow room. Plus, you surely don’t want to pay a mover to haul anything to the new residence that you’ll turn around and give away. So, hand off those special treasures now — sooner, rather than later. Spread your joy and love.

Need more ideas? Watch downsizing expert Matt Paxton’s presentation “Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff” on our website. (Simple registration required before viewing.)

Book the See-You-Later Conversations

Interval: 3 – 6 months before your move-in.

Schedule parties and get-togethers when you and your friends can chat, share memories, adjust to your coming lifestyle changes, and plan how you’ll keep in touch. Moving to a senior living community is a significant event in your life story. Give it its due by setting aside time to talk about it with the people who care about you. And while you’re at it, why not get plans on the calendar for dinners with old friends in your new place?

And if you’re helping a loved one transition into senior living, ask if you can schedule their friends for farewell parties and conversations. If it’s something you can take care of, it’s one less thing for them to worry about.

Bid Adieu to the House, Too

Interval: 2 – 3 months before your move-in.

Check with family members and others who’ve spent significant time in the home you or your loved one is leaving. Life events have happened in the house; memories and emotional attachment naturally follow. Make time for last visits and to say goodbye — before you’ve moved away.

Get Ahead of the Vital Details

Interval: 1 – 2 months before your move-in.

On moving day, the last thing you want is a mad scramble to dig up critically important details. Here’s what you can sort out well in advance of the move-in.

• Collect important documents and valuables and secure them safely in a lockbox — or entrust them to a friend or family member until you’ve settled into your new residence.
• Talk to the insurance company about coverage changes.
• Contact the vet about moving the pet — or temporary boarding services.
• If your community doesn’t supply you with change-of-address cards, buy and send them now.
• Gather medications with your overnight suitcase for that first night and morning after.
• Also gather the pet’s food and meds.
• Ask a neighbor to watch for mail and packages that might arrive after the house is vacated.

Calendar Your Next Chapter

Interval: 2 – 4 weeks before your move-in.

Add the community’s events to the calendar — including whatever they’ve got planned for welcoming you or your loved one. Plot out the groups and activities of interest and note special events and celebrations. On the first morning after the first night in the community, you can hope to wake up with loads of ideas about getting the next chapter underway.

Refresh and Tip Your Movers

Interval: the week of your move-in.

Arrange for refreshments for the moving people. And plan on handing them a tip, too.

Nobody Said Transitioning Into Senior Living Was Easy

Solid, detailed planning and a supportive team of friends and family will get you through. And when moving day arrives — the culmination of a long, decision-filled, memory-making adventure of discovery — you’ll find you’ve been delivered to the doorstep of new hopes and possibilities. Catch your breath, settle in, and hang on as the new adventure begins!

Discover more about our exceptional senior living communities at The Ridge Foothill, The Ridge Cottonwood, and The Ridge Pinehurst.