Transitioning to assisted living is a step filled with emotions, memories, and excitement, tied with a healthy dose of planning and logic. A little preparation, thoughtful organization, and the support of family and friends can help make this process as smooth and comforting as possible.
Try being intentional about the items you bring in during the initial move-in. As your loved one settles in, you can always readjust and redecorate.
Most assisted living suites are furnished with the essentials, such as a bed, dresser, and kitchen appliances, but there’s always room for a personal touch. Consider bringing:
- Essential documents
- Clothing and personal items
- Furniture and decor
- Hobbies and entertainment
- Keepsakes and sentimental items
- Practical extras
Moving to Assisted Living: What to Bring
Moving into an assisted living community is about creating a space that is familiar, warm, and reflective of your loved one.
Our assisted living suites are thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and functional living space, with essential furnishings like beds and dressers. However, we encourage prospective residents to bring personal items to create a welcoming environment that feels like home.
Whether it’s cherished photographs, family heirlooms, or a cozy throw blanket, these small yet meaningful touches can go a long way in transitioning a loved one into assisted living.
Essential Documentation
While this information is collected as part of the onboarding process, keeping these essential documents on hand is always recommended for future use. Bring important documents like:
- Identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, Social Security card)
- Healthcare documents, such as insurance cards and medication lists
- Legal paperwork like a living will, power of attorney, or DNR orders
Clothing & Personal Items
When choosing clothes, think about comfort and practicality. Bring enough to fit the changing seasons and consider pieces that are easy to wear and care for.
- Everyday wear, including comfortable outfits and sleepwear
- Seasonal pieces like sweaters, lightweight jackets, or rainwear
- Favorite shoes, slippers, or extra layers like shawls
- Accessories, from jewelry to hats, that express personal style
Furniture & Decor
Residents are encouraged to personalize their space with a few small items:
- A favorite armchair, side table, or bookshelf
- Artwork, framed photos, or wall decor that sparks joy
- Soft furnishings like throws or decorative pillows
- A small lamp with warm lighting
These personal touches can help ease the emotional transition and provide a sense of identity and belonging in the new setting.
Hobbies & Entertainment
Leisure activities are a big part of life in assisted living. Whether your loved one prefers to spend free time alone enjoying their hobbies, or the company of friends, taking a break from watching TV is always a good idea.
Consider bringing items related to favorite hobbies, such as:
- Books, puzzles, knitting supplies, or coloring tools
- Portable electronics like tablets or e-readers
- Craft kits, board games, or scrapbooks
- Musical instruments (smaller ones, like an acoustic guitar or a portable keyboard)
These leisure activities can greatly enhance daily living, and mental engagement, and foster social connections.
Keepsakes & Sentimental Items
Sometimes, it’s the smallest memento that carries the strongest and most cherished memories:
- A favorite blanket or stuffed animal
- Photo albums and personal photographs
- Personal letters, trinkets, or memorabilia
- Small heirlooms or souvenirs
- A calendar with important dates like anniversaries marked
Practical Extras
These additions might seem minor but can personalize the new space while making everyday living much easier and more comfortable for your loved one:
- Small kitchen tools like ergonomic utensils
- Bathroom essentials like favorite towels and grippy bathmats
- Small storage solutions like baskets or bins for organization
Planning the Move
Moving can become stressful and chaotic. Creating a clear plan and schedule is key to staying on top of the moving process.
Breaking down the move into smaller, manageable steps can make the entire experience feel more organized and less overwhelming.
Create a Checklist
It’s never too late to start early. Start by making a checklist of everything that needs to be accomplished, from sorting through belongings to coordinating with movers. It’
Assign specific deadlines to each task to confirm steady progress without feeling rushed. Turn to family members and friends for a helping hand. This also helps involve more people and foster connections during an important time.
Decluttering
To make the process more manageable, consider dividing it into phases. Consider focusing on one room at a time.
Begin by decluttering and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Decluttering can be overwhelming, but allow your loved one to take some time.
To help make this step more effective, consider donating or tossing any doubles of an item. And, if it’s not an immediate “yes” to keep an item, donating or tossing it may seem like the better option.
Packing for the Move
Once everything is sorted, focus on packing non-essential items, leaving items your loved one uses daily for last.
Labeling boxes or plastic containers by each room or category can also streamline unpacking for later.
Hire Professional Movers
Hiring professional movers on the day of the move is worth considering.
Their expertise allows the physical and logistical aspects of the move to be handled carefully and efficiently, reducing the stress and overall workload associated with moving.
This fosters a smoother transition for you and your loved one, allowing you to focus on providing your loved one the support they’ll need during the day of the move.
Schedule a Tour
Focusing on practicality and sentimental value is beneficial when preparing to move into assisted living. Consider the size of the new space and prioritize daily essentials, personal keepsakes, and tools that offer comfort or everyday ease.
Viewing our floorplans or touring our suites can provide insight into what we offer and what items your loved one might want to bring to personalize their new home. Connect with our team at Fairview Senior Living to schedule a tour of our assisted living suites.
