Seniors are enjoying more years of retirement as the average life expectancy in the U.S. continues to rise. Transitioning to senior living is a great option to maintain independence, enjoy a sense of community, and free up time for the things that matter most.
If you are moving into a senior living community, it is probably your first time making this move, so you may be wondering what to pack. Senior living communities are equipped with modern conveniences and assistance to make life easier, but you’ll still want to bring along your own items to your new home.
Read on to learn more about what you should have on your assisted living packing list.
Packing for Senior Living: What to Bring
When you and your family have decided it is time to transition to assisted living, the moving process can seem stressful. There is naturally a fair amount of uncertainty, and it is normal to feel a little uneasy.
However, packing for assisted living can be an excellent opportunity to downsize and take inventory of what items matter to you most. There are several items that you should add to your assisted living packing list.
Furniture
While some select senior living communities offer furnished living spaces, most do not. You’ll want to bring along your own furniture to fill up your space and make it functional. While you can likely reduce the number of furniture pieces that you have, you’ll want to consider bringing basic pieces such as:
- Coffee table
- Nightlights or table lamp
- Small table and a rocking chair
- Bed with a bedding set
- Desk and chair
When you are deciding what furniture to bring with you, just make sure to measure to ensure it will fit within your new living space.
Decor and Personal Items
One of the biggest fears of new senior living community residents is that they will not feel at home after moving into a senior living community. Bringing along personal and familiar items can make your space feel a lot more comfortable and like home. Make sure to pack things like framed pictures, art, plants, home decor, clock, and keepsakes.
Entertainment
While senior living communities keep residents entertained and busy, you should still plan to spend at least some time in your personal living quarters. Make sure to pack things like a TV, a tablet, books, or a radio.
You may also want to take this time of change to explore new forms of entertainment like video games, which have shown to have some cognitive benefits for older adults.
Clothing for All Seasons
Clothing may seem like an obvious thing to include when packing for assisted living. However, when transitioning to a senior living community, retirees commonly overdo it when it comes to downsizing their wardrobes. While you’ll likely need to condense your closet, make sure to bring the following clothing items:
- Exercise clothing
- Casual outfits
- Jackets
- Coats
- Sleepwear
- Shoes for all-weather
- Formal wear
You may also want to consider bringing some sort of storage solution for out-of-season clothing. Senior living today is about more than living comfortably; it is a place full of possibility and growth — so you won’t know exactly what clothing you may need.
Packing for Senior Living: What Not to Bring
When packing for assisted living, knowing what not to bring is just as important as knowing what to pack with you. Many things you have in your current living space may now be unnecessary or may not fit in your new living space.
Large Furniture and Decor
Senior living communities are designed to be intimate and comfortable spaces, not spread out with excess space. This means that large furniture items and decor like paintings probably aren’t a good idea to add to your packing list.
Cooking Items
One of the greatest benefits of senior living is the convenience of dining. Modern senior communities make every meal of the day easy to access with dining areas, prepared meals, to-go meals, and assistance with cooking. Cooking appliances and accessories take up room, aren’t necessary, and may make your living space less safe.
Hazardous Items
When you move to assisted living, you want to ensure that your new environment is as safe as possible. That’s why it is a good idea to leave hazardous items at home. Unsafe items can be as simple as a big rug that creates a tripping hazard. Many electronics that produce heat, like curling irons and coffee pots, should also be left off the packing list.
Senior Living at Caring Places Management
Since we first opened our doors over 30 years ago, the mission of Caring Places Management has been to develop and operate senior communities that benefit residents, their families, and the overall community.
We are proud to provide support to 20 Caring Places locations and look forward to serving you and your family. Contact us today to learn more.
