Moving to a new home is always a complicated process. Even the easiest move requires organization, time management and an understanding of the complete process from start to finish. If you are an older adult moving into an independent living community like Newcastle Place, this process carries with it additional considerations.
Here are our suggestions on how to prepare for and manage the moving process from the moment you decide to make the transition all the way to move-in day.
How to Prepare Ahead of Your Move
Preparing for a move to a senior living community starts with evaluating your new floor plan and paring down your existing items to ensure they can fit that footprint. Many older adults are moving from a large residential home to a cozier apartment suite, and there simply won’t be room for everything. The process of right-sizing your belongings can be one of the most difficult parts of the transition, but it is a vital one.
Eliminate clutter room by room
Decades of living in the same space can lead to an accumulation of clutter, nonessential belongings that no longer have value or purpose in your life. Take this opportunity to donate, give away or toss items that no longer serve you. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, begin by starting with one room at a time. It can also help to have a trusted friend or family member with you to help in making the decision on what to do with various items. Remember, you are most likely moving to a community that provides meals, housekeeping and maintenance services. Many of the items you required for those tasks will no longer be needed.
Walk down memory lane
As you sort through your belongings, you’re bound to uncover old photo albums, school projects your children and grandchildren have gifted you over the decades, home movies and more. Take the time to soak in these memories and reflect on the life you’ve lived in your current home. It may seem counterintuitive to bask in the glow of something you will soon be leaving, but honoring what your home has given you is a good way to emotionally come to terms with your transition as you step into your life’s next chapter.
Share the love
Moving to an independent senior living community is the perfect opportunity to bring the family together and spend a weekend downsizing and decluttering together. Doing so provides the opportunity for you to pass family heirlooms down to the next generation. They, too, can join in sharing reminiscence about their lives in the home, and provide much needed emotional and physical support.
Create Your Moving Plan
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter and passed down items you are comfortable parting with, create a moving plan. Be sure to communicate with your moving service and move-in coordinator at your new community often and transparently. Remember, they are here to help!
Packing Checklist
Create a comprehensive packing checklist with a timeline that specifies how items should be labeled and where they will be put in your new residence. Make sure your packing checklist includes:
- An inventory of what needs to be packed in each room
- A list of packing materials you will need
- Directions for any important pieces that require special handling
- A written plan for where everything will go in your new home
Having a written plan for your move will keep the stress at bay and provide you with a touchpoint to stay grounded whenever the chaos of the move starts to overwhelm.
Stay Focused on the Positive
If you find yourself overwhelmed or feeling negative during this process, take a moment to focus on the positive. Try writing down all of the reasons you’re making this transition. Detail what you are most looking forward to in your new home.
After all, you will have a whole new neighborhood to explore and many amenities to take advantage of. Focusing on the positive things your new home and community will bring to your life can go a long way in managing the stress of the move.
Plan a Break
When you’re in the middle of a move, it can feel like there’s no time to rest, but rest is a crucial part of the process. Give yourself room to breathe. If you have the space in your schedule, it can be beneficial to plan a mini-vacation before moving day arrives. Getting away from the piles of boxes and paperwork can provide the perspective you need to remember that the move’s stress is temporary.
On the Day of the Move
When the day of the move finally arrives, follow these suggestions to help make it as successful and stress-free as possible.
- Coordinate with your helpers. Hired or otherwise, you shouldn’t make the move alone. Check-in the morning of the move to ensure everything is on track as scheduled.
- Final walkthrough. Take the time to go through each room in your home with your checklist in hand and ensure everything is handled.
- Supervise the heavy lifting. You don’t need to be hands-on, but you should keep an eye on the moving process. Communicate with your movers over any concerns you may have about placement of certain items to ensure their safe arrival.
- Triple-check. Once all the boxes and furniture are loaded up and ready to head to your new home, go through your list one last time.
The Move-In Process at Newcastle Place
At Newcastle Place, we understand that the stress of moving runs the risk of eclipsing the excitement of starting your new chapter here. That’s why our team is dedicated to making the move-in process as smooth as possible for you. Our move-in coordinators will be in touch with you before, during and after your move to ensure it goes smoothly. Contact us to learn more.
