When you’re moving to one of the independent living homes in The Woodlands, TX, for retirement, you might be tempted to bring along a bunch of treasured items and even furniture pieces that you can’t bear to part with. While keeping some of these mementos will help with the transition, it’s not a bad idea to start afresh as you step into this new phase of life! Not sure what you shouldn’t bring to your new community? We’ll cover it all below.
The majority of the time, moving into senior housing means downsizing. As a result, it’s possible that you won’t be able to take everything from your current home. Items that are no longer required should be stored elsewhere, eventually sold, or donated.
When you concentrate on what is essential and what is permitted, it is possible to downsize your home’s possessions. Look into the restricted items at your new retirement community to find out what not to bring.
Here are some things to consider leaving behind during the move:
Large Furniture
Large, bulky furniture pieces may not fit in your new apartment even if it had previously fit in your prior home. Living spaces may appear cramped and narrow if they contain heavy furniture like coffee tables and chairs.
Things that Generate Heat
Electric blankets and space heaters are fire hazards and should not be brought to your new apartment. Instead, spend your money on some throw blankets and a warm comforter.
Bird Feeders
Animals like rats and raccoons will consume birdseed, thus bird feeders can draw in more than just birds. These animals may result in unwelcome building problems.
Storage Solutions
As you are downsizing, it won’t be possible for you to take everything with you. Consider renting a storage unit to keep desired items or sell those you no longer need in order to maximize space.
Power Tools
You don’t need to bring these tools because senior living communities have housekeeping maintenance services on hand to hang pictures, mend various things around your apartment, and vacuum your living space.
Weapons
While war artifacts and knife collections are meaningful, it’s likely that anything that could injure a person won’t be allowed in your new home. Think about donating these to nearby museums or giving them to friends and family.
Other Non-essentials
Keep in mind the community’s amenities while you pack up your belongings. For instance, if the community includes a café and offers dining options, you might not need coffee makers or other household appliances. Pots and pans might not be necessary in this situation.
Final Packing Tips
- Make a list of the things you want to take with you, and the things you wish to keep in storage, sell, or donate.
- In order to decide what to bring and what would fit in your new home, enlist the assistance of your family and friends.
- To ensure that the furniture you bring will fit your new apartment, be aware of your floor plan and apartment size.
- Ask questions about what you may and may not bring to your new place by having a conversation with your community specialist. This will remove all uncertainty from the packing process.
Downsizing might require some effort and consideration, but if you remain organized and follow these tips, you’ll be all packed and ready to start your life in your new community in no time!
