Preparing for Assisted Living: A Moving Checklist
Every year, more than 8% of the population moves from one location to another, according to RubyHome. If you or a loved one are moving to an assisted living community, it's important to create a solid moving checklist to help make the transition that much easier.
Since moving can be extremely stressful, especially for older adults, an assisted living moving checklist works to streamline the entire process, ensuring it's as seamless and enjoyable as possible. It also prevents you from any last-minute scrambling or rushing to find movers.
Our helpful senior relocation guide walks you through the ins and outs of changing residences.
Sell Your Home
One of the most important parts of your assisted living moving checklist includes selling your home, so always work with a trusted real estate agent in your area. Ask them what you can do to help your home sell faster. This might include decluttering to help prospective buyers as they decide whether to purchase your property.
If possible, let your realtor show your home as often as they can. This helps it to sell faster.
Should it need any work, such as a fresh coat of paint -- and this is within your budget -- consider having a painting company come out and spruce things up. Additionally, keep your home's exterior tidy, as curb appeal can help your house sell faster.
Schedule a Moving Company
One of the most important moving tips for the elderly includes scheduling a moving company -- and doing so as soon as possible. This ensures you have someone lined up for the exact date you need them.
One of the added benefits of hiring a professional moving company is that they can pack all your belongings for you. This is especially important for older adults who might have mobility issues and can't pack their own items.
Certain moving companies might do any of the following:
- Bring boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap for your items
- Go through all rooms of the home, packing every item
- Store your items in a warehouse for a short time if there is any gap between when you leave one home and move into the next
Just remember that these services cost extra, so always ask your moving company for transparent pricing before signing any type of moving contract with them.
Start Downsizing
When preparing for assisted living, you or your loved one may need to downsize, depending on the size of the previous home. Downsizing for seniors might include donating items they can no longer keep, including furniture and appliances.
Don't throw anything out; donate it to organizations such as the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and other local charities that take gently used items. Some charities even come right to your home and pick up furniture, making the entire process of downsizing that much easier.
Make a list of what items stay and which go, and start calling around to see who can benefit from what. For older adults who struggle with mobility issues or don't drive, ask a family member or friend if they can donate these items for you.
Cancel Any Existing Utility Services
Other excellent moving tips for elderly adults include canceling existing utility services. Just don't do so before you're moved out of your existing residence.
When canceling utilities, don't forget about:
- Water
- Electricity
- Phone
- Cable
- Internet
- Satellite
- Gas
You may also have other services that you need to cancel, such as scheduled maintenance to your home, so be sure to give these companies advanced notice so you're not billed erroneously.
Notify People and Companies About a Change of Address
Any move requires careful planning. One of the most important parts of moving is notifying people and companies of your new address so you can continue to receive mail and other forms of communication.
You'll want to notify the following, although there may be more people you should contact:
- Family
- Friends
- Social Security Administration
- Insurance companies
- Medicare
- Credit card companies
- Cell phone provider
- State/Federal Tax Bureau
- State/Vehicle Car Registration
- Utility companies for any outstanding balances
- Banks
- Pharmacies
Before you move to your new assisted living community, ensure everyone has a way of contacting you at your new address, especially your loved ones who want to come and visit you at your new home.
Tips for Making Your Move an Enjoyable One
To make your new move that much easier, it's a good idea to get involved with your new community as soon as possible. You can do this before you actually move, adding it to your list of things to do. Learn more about the area you're relocating to (if it's not close by) and familiarize yourself with local attractions.
Your assisted living community will also have plenty of opportunities to connect with other residents, from day trips to game nights and everything in between. Learn about these activities and events ahead of time so your move is an exciting one, filled with plenty of new possibilities to connect and make friends.
If there's something you love about your old home, look for ways to incorporate that into your new one.
Do you love gardening? Your new assisted living community might have a community garden just waiting for you to take part in. You can also have fun planning all the ways you'll decorate your new home, learning its layout, and determining where you'll put your items.
Instead of seeing a move as something stressful or challenging, look at it as an opportunity to try new things and make new friends.
Your Complete Assisted Living Moving Checklist
As you embark upon the exciting journey to an assisted living community in Shelbyville, IN, a moving checklist will be one of the most important things to have handy. This makes your move smoother, ensuring you don't forget anything along the way.
Walker Place Assisted Living has everything you need to make your new move an exciting one. Contact us today to inquire about our wide list of amenities and activities, guaranteed to keep all residents actively involved and engaged while living life to the fullest. You can also speak with one of our trusted staff members about our apartment features, including our pet-friendly policies for residents.