Moving Checklist for Seniors
Downsizing Your Home: How to Prepare
After you’ve made the decision to downsize your home and simplify your life by moving into a senior living community, it’s time to start preparing for your moving day. Moving can be a stressful time for anyone, but keeping organized throughout the process will allow you to look forward to this new chapter in your life.
Moving To-Do List to Get You Started
As soon as you have chosen the retirement community that best meets yhttps://concordiaseniorliving.com/explore-concordia/continuing-care-retirement-community/our needs, you can start planning your move. Here’s a moving to-do list, broken down by week, to help get you started:
6-8 weeks before the move: Start preparing for your move by getting estimates from moving companies and assigning tasks to family members you recruited to help out. Start clearing out the storage areas in your home and decide what you will bring with you, what can be donated, and what will go to family or friends. If possible, obtain a floor plan of your new independent living residence so you can get a better idea of what furniture to bring and how much storage space you’ll have. Get your important documents in order, like medical and tax records, and keep them in a safe place for moving.
3-5 weeks before the move: Purchase your packing supplies like boxes, bubble wrap and tape and start packing some of your lesser-used items, like knick-knacks, wall art, framed pictures, seasonal items, etc. Submit a change of address form through your local post office and start transferring magazine or newspaper subscriptions to your new address. Make sure you have set your moving date and reserved your moving company or rental truck.
1-2 weeks before the move: Have a garage sale if you plan on selling some of your belongings, or donate them to charity or family. Schedule disconnection of all your utilities for the day after you vacate your home, and notify creditors of your new address. Transfer your bank accounts and prescriptions if necessary. Pack an “unload first” box with items like paper products, toiletries, snacks, bedding and a change of clothing so you enjoy a comfortable first night even if the majority of your belongings are still in boxes.
Day of the move: Make sure all boxes are labeled correctly to make it easier on the movers; consider color-coding boxes by room. Do a final run-through of your current home to ensure nothing gets left behind. Double check all drawers, cabinets and closets. When you arrive at your new home, inspect all your belongings and note any damage.
By starting early and staying on task, you’ll be able to remain focused on what needs to get done in smaller batches so you don’t get so overwhelmed as moving day approaches.
Moving Checklist: What to Bring to Your New Home
Your new residence should be comfortable and familiar by the time you have unpacked all your belongings. In general, here’s a list of items you should plan on bringing with you to a senior living community:
Home Furnishings
• Sofa and chairs
• End tables/nightstands
• Bed and pillows
• Kitchen table and chairs
• Kitchenware – dishes, glasses, cutlery
• Television and stereo
• Linens – comforter, quilt, throw pillows, towels
• Desk and floor lamps
• Special keepsakes and knick-knacks
• Framed photos and artwork
Necessities
• Small appliances – coffeemaker, microwave
• Dishes and cookware
• Alarm clock
• Clothes hangers
• Cleaning supplies
• Trashcans
• Favorite books and magazines
Personal Items
• Clothing, pajamas and shoes
• Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap and shampoo
• Lotion
• Razor
• Make-up
Live Comfortably in Your New Home at Concordia
At Concordia Life Care Community, you’re guaranteed comfortable, easy living with our vast array of services and amenities! Contact Concordia today to learn more, or schedule a visit to see our available residences.
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