Planning for a Successful Move to Senior Living

If you’ve made the decision to move to a senior living community, you’ll soon discover how much easier – and maybe even more engaging – life can be going forward.

But before you’re able to take advantage of all the benefits, you’ll need to plan for moving day.

Planning your move to senior living

Moving may seem like a daunting task but creating a plan and recruiting help and support from others will likely make the process easier than you may have thought.

Most older adults downsize before a move to senior living, so you’ll also want to take time beforehand to learn the tips and tricks that can guide you in successfully completing that project.

The following are a few suggestions to help smooth the move and launch your new lifestyle:

1. Measure twice

After choosing your residence, request a copy of the floorplan. Your goal is to only bring furniture that will fit and possessions you’ll have room for.

One handy tip is to cut out shapes that represent the scale of your furniture and place them on your floor plan so you’ll know better what you can bring and where it will fit best. It’s much easier to move pieces of paper than heavy pieces of furniture.

2. Eliminate duplicates

Depending on the amount of storage space you had, duplicates may not have been a problem. But now is a great time to be efficient and intentional in what you choose to move.

Don’t bring along all the extra sets of dishes, pots and pans and serving platters. Choose the number of bed linens and towels that you’ll use, including for guests, and leave the rest behind.

3. Consider your sentimental items

You may have collections that have great meaning and a place in your heart. But when you move to senior living, you might not have room to bring everything with you.

Consider taking one or two special pieces and pass along the others to a child, family member or friend – or possibly sell. Another suggestion? Choose a few of your children’s or grandchildren’s drawings to frame and create a gallery wall in your new home.

Tips for the day you move to senior living

Moving day itself is exciting but it can be challenging if you’re not prepared. Taking steps to be ready can make all the difference.

1. Have a plan

Create a separate plan for the actual moving day. Decide what time things will get started, when your furniture will be delivered and when you’ll arrive at your new home.

2. Get a good night’s sleep

Arrange ahead of time to spend the night where you’ll be comfortable and able to sleep well the night before the move. You’ll want to be refreshed and energized for the next day.

3. Eat breakfast

Don’t start this day on an empty stomach. Make sure you plan to have a nutritious breakfast and one that can tide you over if you’re in the middle of transit during lunch.

4. Have everything ready to go

Don’t leave packing for the last minute. The day will be busy enough as it is. Have the furniture and clearly-labeled boxes ready to go to the community.

5. Set aside what you’ll need for the first day or two

Have easy access to what you’ll require when you first arrive at your new home, such as medications, a change of clothes and a coffee maker. You won’t want to search for sheets or towels at the end of the day.

6. Begin making yourself at home

If possible, join your new neighbors and future friends for dinner. You’ll need to eat anyway and it’s a great first step in becoming a member of the community. Or take a walk around to help become familiar with your new home.

7. Get a good night’s sleep

It’s likely been a long day so go to bed early if you can. Tomorrow will be the first day of your new life in the community. Look forward to all the activities and friendships that are waiting.

8. Know that it will take time

One last tip is to remind yourself or your parent that it will take time to get used to your new surroundings. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself second-guessing your decision. These emotions often surface when making a big life transition – but you know you made the right decision.

Ingleside Senior Living

If you’re considering whether a senior living community could be the perfect support for you or your parents to live the highest quality of life, we hope you found these decorating tips helpful.

We also invite you to visit one of our Ingleside communities. We believe it’s even easier to enjoy life with the benefits that we offer, including: 

• Maintenance-free lifestyle 
• Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
• Fully equipped fitness centers
• Heated indoor swimming pools
• Art studios 
• Libraries
• Beautiful walking trails  

 For information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call (703) 420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.

For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call (240) 414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.

For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call (202) 846-2651 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.