It can be a challenging process, both emotionally and physically, for anyone to move. If for many, many years, you’ve been living in one home, it could be even more difficult. Families of those moving into independent living, as well as the person themselves, need to prepare for the move. A successful move is the result of proper planning.
When transitioning into an independent retirement community, there are many things to consider. A few of the high points will be the focus of the following paragraphs. They are all helpful suggestions to make your move to independent living a smoother one.
Remember, Stuff Happens
No matter how well you plan, no matter how efficiently you pack, and no matter how many people you have helping you, something can always go wrong. Know ahead of time there might be a glitch in your process. A piece might get broken, something might get lost, things may not fit into your new abode as you thought they would… the list goes on. It’s all small stuff, so don’t sweat it.
Tips for Packing
If you’re not using professional packers, here are some important things to do:
- Around each dish, wrap packing paper. Then, with more paper, wrap five or six together and pack them on their sides.
- Try to keep like-items together. Make one box for the living room, one box for the bedroom, one box for the kitchen, etc.
- At the bottom of the box, put the heavier items. Gaps should be filled in with clothing or towels so there are no empty spaces.
- Lastly, pack shampoos, soaps, washcloths, towels, small snacks, treats, medications, personal care items, and other basics in a suitcase to take with you.
Downsize and Stay Organized
Here are some ideas for making the downsizing process more effective and to help you stay organized:
- Schedule how this process will ideally go: Who will do what, movers to contact and what types of questions to ask them, which friend or relative is taking which items off your hands, a reminder to change your address with magazines, corporations, the post office, etc.
- When you make the move, it’s okay to bring some things from your former residence to your new one. Do what you have to do to make it feel exactly like home sweet home.
- If you have large collections, this is the time to start passing them down to friends and family.
- Take it one room at a time.
- Get rid of it if you haven’t used it recently.
- If you have two or more of something, only keep one – and only if you need it.
- Hopefully, time isn’t of the essence, so don’t rush.
- For the apartment you’ll be moving into, get a floor plan with measurements.
- For important papers, create a folder or use a firebox.
Our Independent Living Community Lets You Retire in Style
When you reside in our Independent Living Community, you will be able to enjoy retirement as it was meant to be – in style. With abundant amenities, beautifully manicured grounds, a swimming pool, a gorgeous Safari Lounge, meals served in a fine dining atmosphere, and so much more, you’ll wonder how you ever lived life any other way! Why wait to finally revel in the best years of your life? See what you’ve been missing by perusing our photo collection, for starters. You won’t want to stop there.
