Key Takeaways
- Bring practical necessities like clothing, medications, and essential toiletries, as well as meaningful keepsakes, to make your space feel familiar and warm.
- Avoid bringing items that may overcrowd your space or conflict with the community’s guidelines.
- Thoughtful planning is essential to ensure a smooth transition and to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Moving to an assisted living community is an exciting new chapter, offering opportunities for connection, support, and enriched living. Careful planning is key to making the transition smooth and creating a space that feels like home.
Bring meaningful keepsakes and practical necessities like clothing, medications, and essential toiletries to make your new home comfortable and personal. Avoid bringing unnecessary clutter or items that may conflict with community guidelines.
The community you or your loved one are moving to can also often provide guidance on what to bring, how to downsize, and what you can expect to already be there for you to use.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities provide a perfect balance of independence and support for seniors who need some help with daily activities but want to maintain their autonomy. These communities offer personalized care services, engaging social activities, nutritious meals, and housekeeping assistance—all designed to enhance quality of life while promoting dignity and choice.
Unlike nursing homes, assisted living focuses on enabling residents to live as independently as possible while having access to care when needed. It’s a lifestyle choice that prioritizes both safety and freedom.
What to Bring to Assisted Living
Moving into an assisted living community can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, and knowing what to pack can make the transition smoother. Bringing the right items helps ensure comfort, familiarity, and a sense of home in your new space.
Personal Items & Keepsakes
Bring items that make your new space feel uniquely yours. Family photos, favorite artwork, and meaningful decorations help create an emotional connection to your new home. A cherished blanket, special pillow, or beloved books can provide comfort during the adjustment period.
Clothing & Accessories
Pack comfortable, easy-to-care-for clothing suitable for various activities and weather conditions. Include:
- Everyday casual wear and comfortable shoes
- A few nicer outfits for special occasions or dining out
- Season-appropriate outerwear
- Comfortable sleepwear and undergarments
- Jewelry you wear regularly (but consider leaving extremely valuable pieces in someone’s care)
Technology & Entertainment
Bring devices that keep you connected and entertained. Your television, tablet, smartphone, and any necessary chargers will help maintain your routines and relationships. Don’t forget your favorite music, whether on CDs or streaming devices.
Health & Personal Care Items
Bring all current medications in their original containers, along with a list of prescriptions and dosages. Include your preferred toiletries, glasses or hearing aids with extra batteries, and any medical equipment approved by the community.
Furniture (Community Permitting)
Many communities allow select furniture pieces. Consider bringing a favorite chair, small table, or bed if space permits and community policies allow. Check with staff about size restrictions and what’s already provided.
What Not to Bring to Assisted Living
Moving into assisted living often means downsizing, so it’s important to know what items are unnecessary or prohibited. Avoid bringing belongings that are restricted by the community or could cause clutter in your new living space.
Prohibited Items for Safety
Most communities restrict items that pose fire hazards or safety risks, including:
- Candles or incense
- Hot plates or cooking appliances with open heating elements
- Space heaters
- Extension cords (power strips may be acceptable)
Valuable Items
Leave expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, important original documents, and irreplaceable family heirlooms with trusted family members or in a safe deposit box. While communities strive to provide security, it’s still important to protect your most valuable items.
Excess Furniture & Large Items
Resist bringing too much furniture or oversized pieces that won’t fit comfortably in your new space. Your new living space may be smaller than your current home, and overcrowding can make the space feel cramped rather than cozy.
Perishable Foods
While some snacks might be welcome, avoid bringing large quantities of perishable foods. Most communities provide excellent meal programs, and excess food items can attract pests or spoil.
Moving to an Assisted Living Community
The key to a successful transition lies in thoughtful preparation and maintaining realistic expectations. Start by visiting your new community before move-in day to familiarize yourself with the layout, meet staff members, and understand daily routines.
Consider timing your move when you’re feeling well and emotionally prepared for change. Having family support during the process can make the experience more positive and less overwhelming.
Remember that adjustment takes time. Give yourself several weeks to settle in, meet neighbors, and discover which activities and services you enjoy most. The staff at your community is there to help make this transition as smooth as possible.
Tips for Downsizing
Downsizing can be a big task, but breaking it into manageable steps can make the process smoother. Starting early and staying organized are key to making your transition stress-free. Here are some tips to help:
- Start Early: Begin the downsizing process several months before your move to avoid last-minute stress.
- Sort Strategically: Categorize items into keep, donate, gift, or discard. Focus on what truly adds value to your life and ask yourself, “Will this item help me feel at home in my new space?”
- Gift Meaningful Items: Consider giving sentimental belongings to family members now. This allows you to share the stories behind them and see your loved ones enjoy them.
- Preserve Memories: For sentimental items that won’t fit in your new space, take photos to keep the memories without holding onto the physical objects.
Downsizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With thoughtful planning and a systematic approach, you can create a new space that feels like home while simplifying your life.
Ready for the Benefits of Assisted Living?
Transitioning to assisted living should be easy, and at The McKendree, we’re here to make it seamless. Our community is designed to provide the perfect balance of support, connection, and personal enrichment. From comfortable living spaces to engaging activities and new friendships, we help you settle into a lifestyle that’s fulfilling and maintenance-free while preserving your independence.
Ready to embrace this exciting new chapter? Contact us today to explore what we have to offer you and your family.
