When you’re ready to transition to assisted living, do you have a plan for doing it? An assisted living Naples community can be a great fit, but you don’t want to let the process of moving there overwhelm you. That’s why it’s critical to have a senior moving checklist first.
Keep reading to learn how to prepare for a move to assisted living!
Start Decluttering
When it comes to assisted living preparation tips, decluttering is key. Since you’ll be moving to a smaller space, you’ll need to remove some items from your packing list. Otherwise, you could feel very cramped in your new home.
You may want to enlist a family member or friend to help with this process. They can offer a more objective opinion that can be helpful if you’re struggling to eliminate items. Aim to remove:
- Bulky items
- Duplicate clothing and kitchen items
- Some decorative items
Bulky pieces of furniture, for instance, could make a smaller space feel crowded. You may want to opt for a trimmer loveseat rather than a plush sofa or chair.
If you have shirts or pants that you haven’t worn in months or years, it’s time to say goodbye to them. They’ll just take up valuable space if you bring them with you.
Similarly, while decorative items can add personality, they also can make rooms feel busy. Pare down your decorative pieces before placing any in boxes.
Determine Your Essential Items
As you determine what to pack, determine what is most essential. That way, you won’t be as likely to pack items that are unnecessary. You can be confident you’ll need:
- Toiletries and medications
- Bedding supplies and towels
- Games and other entertainment
- Favorite clothing
You may want to create a box with your most urgently needed items. Plan on keeping this box easily accessible for your first day or two in your new home. For example, you can store a clean pair of clothes and toiletries in it.
And don’t overlook sentimental items. Even though you’ll need to eliminate some items, you shouldn’t eliminate every sentimental item. Bringing a few key family heirlooms can be a positive reminder of happy memories.
Photo albums or treasured dishes, for instance, are excellent pieces to have on display. As you make new friends and invite them to visit, you’ll be able to share some of your history.
Consider Your New Floorplan
Before moving to assisted living, visit the senior living community several times. More importantly, visit your new apartment to get a feel for its layout. Take pictures and ask for a floorplan map.
Additionally, speak with a staff member to understand exactly what will be provided in your new community. Doing this will help you determine:
- What amenities to expect
- What furniture will fit
- Unique features or considerations
Your apartment may have a small dinette, for example. As such, you might not need to bring a microwave. Or you might not need chairs or a table if they’re already provided.
If there’s a cafeteria or meal program, you won’t need as many pots and cooking utensils in your apartment. Many senior living communities will provide three meals per day. You may just need to pack some snacks in a small pantry in your new home.
Your apartment’s floor plan may have a unique pocket of space or a closet. Wing chairs that you fit in your current home might be too wide to fit in a narrower living room, for example. You’ll want to account for storage accommodations in deciding what to pack, as well.
Handle Logistical Matters
Making moving a seamless process is all about the details. You’ll need to make arrangements for everything from the physical items in your home to financial documents.
For instance, after you’ve decluttered your home, figure out what to do with the excess belongings. You can consider:
- Donating them to a local charity
- Giving them to family or friends
- Discarding items
By donating, you’ll help support the local community while also trimming your packing list. Alternatively, you could give some items to family members. A grandchild entering college or starting a new job might really appreciate a gently-used sofa or coffee table.
Don’t forget to check your finances and identification documents, too. Store these items in a secure box that you have at your side at all times throughout the move. In it, you’ll want to have a copy of your living will and health identification cards.
You’ll want to coordinate with the assisted living community to ensure you’ve completed all paperwork, too. Be sure you have recurring payments set up. Also, ask how to handle recurring payments for internet and other monthly services.
Secure Moving Help
A Naples senior living move means finding help with the process. Especially if you have limited mobility, you’ll need help with the physical aspects of the process. Plan to:
- Gather moving supplies
- Make arrangements for professional movers
- Potentially find storage arrangements
You also will need to know when you’ll be moving to your new community. If you use professional movers, they’ll expect a clear timeline for the move. And if you’re moving during a popular time of year, like summer, you may face some competition for a reservation.
Communicate with family and friends as you’re embarking on your journey. They may be able to volunteer some time to help you pack or load boxes. They can help with cleaning, too, unless you have a housekeeping service in your new community.
If you’re planning to donate or give your family your belongings, you may need to store some of them temporarily. Look into storage units, if necessary, so you’re not burdened with too many items in your new home.
Move to Your Assisted Living Naples Community
Moving to an assisted living Naples community doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. Start by decluttering and identifying essential items. Find help with packing and take care of logistical matters before making your move.
At Aston Gardens, we offer top-notch care and amenities to our residents. With lively programming and a professional staff, we help seniors feel at home. Contact us today to learn more!
