What to Take and What to Leave Behind

Simplifying the Move to Senior Assisted Living

Moving is always stressful, and transitioning to a senior assisted living facility introduces unique challenges. Downsizing to a smaller space and dealing with the emotions of parting with lifelong belongings can complicate the packing process. However, there are ways to simplify this transition.

Preparation Steps Before Packing

Before you start packing, take these crucial steps to ensure a smooth transition:

• Visit Your New Home: Understanding the layout and space will help you decide what to bring. If visiting in person is not possible, arrange for a virtual tour or request a detailed floor plan.
• Talk to Other Residents: Gain insights from current residents about what they brought and what they wish they had brought.
• Contact the Facility’s Move-In Coordinator:
• Get exact measurements of your new space and, if possible, a floor plan.
• Inquire about prohibited items and provided furniture or appliances.
• Confirm pet policies if applicable.
• Consult Your Family: Discuss which family heirlooms and treasured belongings they may want to keep.

If these tasks seem overwhelming, consider professional help from Smooth Transitions Nevada. Our Senior Move Specialists can assist with:

• Downsizing and deciding what to bring
• Space planning based on your new floor plan
• Packing and unpacking
• Move management, including coordinating movers
• Shipping items to family members
• Settle-in services to help set up your new home

What to Bring to Senior Assisted Living Facilities

When deciding what to bring, remember that space will be limited. Essential items include:

• Clothing: Bring a selection suitable for all seasons, and store items not needed immediately. Label all clothing to prevent mix-ups in communal laundry services.
• Personal Toiletries and Grooming Accessories: Include hairbrushes, blow dryers, and other essentials.
• Medication and Prescriptions
• Adaptive or Assistive Devices: Items like walkers, hearing aids, and glasses that are not provided by the facility.
• Personal Mementos and Decorations: Bring items that make the space feel like home, such as photos, artwork, and cherished collections.
• Small Furniture: Depending on space, include items like chairs, nightstands, small sofas, and lamps.
• Bedding and Linens: Comforters, pillows, and blankets that add a personal touch.
• Kitchenware: If there is a kitchen area, bring a limited selection of utensils, plates, and essential appliances, ensuring they are not provided or prohibited by the facility.
• Pet Supplies: If pets are allowed, bring bedding, food, medications, and toys for your animal companion.

What Not to Bring to Senior Assisted Living Communities

Due to space constraints and community regulations, avoid bringing:

• **Valuables: **The communal nature of the facility increases the risk of theft or damage.
• **Unnecessary Clothing: **Pare down to essentials.
• Large Collections: Limit collections to a few cherished items.
• Large Rugs: These can be tripping hazards.
• Large Furniture and Appliances: Confirm what is already provided.
• Prohibited Appliances: Items like microwaves, space heaters, or air conditioning units might not be allowed.

Conclusion

Moving to an assisted living community requires careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. To ensure a smooth transition:

• Understand your new living space and its limitations.
• Confirm what the facility provides and prohibits.
• Decide what to bring, gift, donate, sell, or discard.

Feeling overwhelmed? Smooth Transitions Nevada is here to help. Contact one of our senior move coordinators for expert assistance in making your move as stress-free as possible.