Ideas to Make Your New Home “Home” in Independent Living

Are you moving into an independent living community and considering your to-do list to make it happen?

It’s a busy time. You’ve researched and found the right community, chosen your perfect floorplan and now may be arranging for the sale of your home and deciding what to take.

But it’s also exciting. You’re looking forward to the new friends you’ll meet and having time for the activities you enjoy. And when it comes to settling into your new home, you may be anticipating how to make it your very own.

How to make your home in independent living

Home is wherever you live. But when it comes time to make your new residence feel like the home that is yours, the following suggestions can help get you started.

1. Customize if you’re allowed

If you’re moving into a community that allows residents to customize their home, this is the first step you’ll want to take.

Ask about what choices may be available, including selecting your own finishes, countertops, colors or appliances. Along with the options provided in the different floorplans, being able to express your personal preferences can really make it feel like home.

2. Use your floorplan for guidance

Fit your furniture to the floorplan before you arrive. Get a copy, add dimensions and play around with what furniture would fit perfectly – and where.

It’s much easier, and lighter, to do this on paper than with the actual furniture. It also gives you a chance beforehand to create a workable plan and ensures you won’t bring more than can comfortably fit in the room.

3. Select furniture that can do double duty

If you don’t already own this type of furniture, you may want to go shopping. It’s amazing all the roles one piece of furniture can perform.

For example, a great way to save floor space is to consider a coffee table that can also be raised and used as a desk. And as a bonus, it may also come with drawers underneath that can serve as storage space.

4. Create a comfortable and inviting seating area

Nothing says “home” more than to have an area that invites you to snuggle in with a good book or to invite a friend over for a cup of tea.

Comfortable chairs or a chair and loveseat can be the perfect fit. Choose the colors and fabric you love and add a throw to go over the back of the sofa. Lighting is also important. Consider 3-way lamps that can be turned up for reading or dimmed for conversation.

5. Remember, safety first

When deciding how to decorate your new home or where to place your chairs, tables and lamps, be mindful of your walking path through the home.

Try to avoid having to walk around furniture, especially if it creates a tight fit. Be especially aware of any electrical outlets and cords to avoid accidental tripping.

6. Bring your loved ones with you

Choose favorite photos of your children and grandchildren and frame them to coordinate with your new home’s furnishings. Include pictures of your parents and grandparents to surround yourself with cherished family members.

If you have keepsakes, heirloom pieces or sentimental items that were displayed in your home before, choose one or two to bring with you.

7. Create your ideal bedroom

Bedrooms are our own private space that we love to retreat to at the end of the day. Make sure your bed, dresser and nightstand will all comfortably fit. If not, you may want to purchase new.

And then add your favorite sheets and comforter. Remember a table or floor lamp for next to your bed and decorate the room with favorite photos or artwork.

8. Create more space if it’s needed

There are a few designer tricks to create additional space – or the illusion anyway. Check with your community beforehand for any restrictions but taking advantage of the vertical space works great.

Hang shelves and decorate with photos, mementos, cookbooks and so much more. Another idea is to use mirrors to create the look of a larger space.

9. Favorite colors and accessories make the difference

Be sure to utilize your favorite colors and textures throughout your home. You don’t have to paint the walls of a room red, but you can easily introduce this color with throw pillows, blankets and accessories.

Remember to keep the clutter down. Less is more when it comes to accessorizing a room. And don’t forget the plants to add a natural touch.

10. Make sure your home reflects you

From the furniture you bring to the pictures you hang on the walls, everything should say that this is your home.

Whether you like a more formal style or go for the simple and comfortable, you’ll want to make sure this is truly your haven from the world. And when it reflects who you are, you’ll be glad to return at the end of a busy day.

Ingleside at Rock Creek Independent Living

If this is the type of lifestyle you’ve always imagined, we hope you’ll say yes to independent living and we invite you to become part of our community.

You’ll find Ingleside at Rock Creek Independent Living is designed to support your efforts to age well and to live life to the fullest.

Opportunities to engage and improve both your emotional health and quality of life is waiting.

You’ll also discover:

• The advantages of good physical health by using our fitness and health facilities.
• How easy it is to eat well with our delicious, chef-prepared menu choices.
• The benefits of staying active as you join others in entertaining or educational programs.
• The uplifting experience of meeting and making new friends at our many social activities.

We think you’ll enjoy making your home “home” with the choice of a spacious one or two bedroom floor plan with a full sized kitchen, large windows that flood your living space with natural light, safety features and underground parking.

Please visit our website for more information. Call (202) 846-2651 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.