Are you or a loved one moving to a senior living community? You may be wondering what to bring. Chances are, you’re going to have less space to work with, so you’ll want to choose judiciously to create a comfortable, familiar setting that doesn’t look overcrowded. Senior Living Advisor understands the difficulties related to downsizing and has gathered the following tips to help with the transition.

Choose what’s important

You’re standing in the middle of a home full of memories, mementos and tchotchkes. How do you decide what to keep and what to let go of? We recommend a box approach – have an open box for keeping, a box for giving away, a box for trash and a box for items that can be sold. If you’re not yet ready to decide on a certain item, set it aside for later.

Measure your furniture

That overstuffed sofa looks lovely in its current spacious living room, but will it fit into a small apartment? Some seniors prefer to start new when they move, while others like to bring familiar pieces of furniture. Many high-quality furnishings can be revived with new upholstery or refinishing, and the little end table that’s been ignored over the past decade in your guest room finds new life in your new apartment or cottage.

Accessories add a familiar touch

Even if you can’t bring the overstuffed sofa, you can still keep the familiar throw pillows. Bedding, blankets, handmade quilts and framed photographs give the new setting a homelike feel.

Books, movies and other forms of entertainment

Sometimes a comfortable movie lets you revisit a favorite time in your life. If you enjoy watching “The Sound of Music,” bring your DVD player. Even if your new senior living facility has a fancy streaming library, you may prefer the familiar technology.

Personal care items

In some respects, moving to an assisted living setting is like going away to college. You want to bring your favorite shampoo, toothpaste, first aid kit and other hygiene products. Bring a bottle of your favorite all-purpose cleaner in case of a spill or if you want to freshen up your surroundings between weekly cleanings.

Apparel

Moving time is a good time to release items you haven’t worn in the past year. We understand the need for familiar, comfortable clothes, but why not use this occasion to buy some new tops in a favorite color or a new pair of shoes? You may also discover that your lifestyle shifts in your new surroundings. Perhaps you decide you want to dress up a bit more for dinner in the dining room, or perhaps you are done wearing stiletto heels. You’re never too old to try something new.

Important documents

Invest in a small safe to store copies of your will, life insurance policy, medical paperwork and other important documents. This is an important time to talk to your adult children or other trusted loved ones and friends about what you want to happen in case you are unable to handle your financial or legal decisions on your own. Senior Living Advisor can direct you to eldercare attorneys and other professionals to help you with these decisions.

Ask for help

Not only is this a physical move, it’s also an emotional transition that you don’t want to do on your own. Consider hiring a company who specializes in senior transitions to help you with the heavy lifting. Did you know that Senior Living Advisor oversees your moving day as part of our care package? We’ll let you relax with a cup of coffee while we set up your new apartment, ready for the Big Reveal as you begin the next exciting chapter of your life.

Transitions can be hard, but Senior Living Advisor is committed to helping you or your senior loved one find a living solution that enriches their lives and feels like home again. Let us help you with this important decision. Call us at 317-973-5570 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. You don’t have to make this journey alone.