Your move to your independent living for seniors is approaching, and you might feel equal parts excited, overwhelmed, and anxious. As you put the finishing touches on your moving day plan, it’s important to take time to think about what comes after. Understanding what the first week in your new home may entail can ensure you make the most of your transition, get to know key team members and new neighbors, and feel settled in. Here are a few things you will face in the first week or so after moving to independent living for seniors, along with how to make each aspect of the transition work for you.

While it’s important to note that all independent living communities are unique, some aspects of the transition process are similar in communities large or small, rural or urban. 

Getting settled into independent living for seniors

Your first order of business will be to get the moving van unloaded and your belongings unpacked. It will help you feel settled in when your cabinets are full, your artwork is hung, and clean sheets are on your bed. Here are a few ways you can conquer the task of moving in:

• Work with community staff ahead of moving day to understand the timeline and logistical details. Some communities will even block off the freight elevator for a certain time period so your move-in can be as efficient as possible.
• Choose a team of family members or friends to help you unpack, organize, and get settled in. It might be easiest for you to designate a team leader who knows where you’d like furniture and other items to go. Review this information before moving day so you’re both on the same page.
• If you can’t unpack everything on moving day, do your best to get settled in with the essentials: a freshly made bed, coffee supplies set out on the counter for the morning, and a shower stocked with your favorites.
• Remember, you don’t have to spend your time on moving day micromanaging every detail, especially if you have a helpful group of family members there. Take time to get out of the hustle and bustle so that you feel less overwhelmed and more excited for this new adventure.
• Housekeeping will likely stop by within the first 24 to 48 hours to schedule your first cleaning. Have as much unpacked as you can by their visit so you can enjoy the tidied-up space.

Meeting new neighbors

Perhaps the best part of independent living for seniors is that there is no shortage of friendly neighbors. As you move in, you’ll quickly realize that everyone is going to be curious about you; after all, you’re the new kid on the block. Take this in stride by waving to people who might be peeking in your open door during move-in day.

The first week of living in your new home is an excellent time to begin building friendships and connections with the other residents who live there:

• Many communities have a new resident welcome committee. A resident representative may stop by your new home with a basket full of goodies to welcome you. You might also get invitations to events, activities, and meals with members of the committee or just other friendly neighbors, so be sure to take advantage of the invites when you can.
• Some communities host new resident welcome events, such as a luncheon, tea, or social. These are sometimes held monthly. Be sure to attend so you can tell everyone a little bit about yourself, and then continue to attend each month so you can be a welcoming face to the new residents who move in after you.
• Brew a pot of coffee or make some tea and keep your door open for the first few days after you move in. People will naturally be curious about you and would love to be invited into your home to say hello and enjoy a cup of coffee.
• Even though it might be easier to order in food or pour a bowl of cereal in your apartment after a busy move-in, make it a priority to have your meals in the dining room as much as possible. You’ll get to know people by dining with them (and it’s nice to have someone else take care of the cooking and cleanup).

Getting to know independent living staff members and roles

The team of professionals at your new home is there to support you and the other residents. It can be helpful to get to know the key players in your first week there so you know who to reach out to if you need a little support or have a question.

• Anticipate key staff members stopping by to say hello and check in during the first 24 to 48 hours. These team members might include the head chef, events coordinator, marketing director, social worker, concierge, and nurse. They’ll introduce themselves, and they might come with a list of questions so they can get to know you and serve you best.
• Say hello and introduce yourself to staff members you see passing by in the hallway, serving you meals, or leading a group activity. 
• If you have questions that aren’t urgent, jot them down in a notebook. A week or so after moving in, schedule a meeting with the appropriate staff person to go over your questions so you can get a lot of answers all at once instead of trying to hunt down the correct person in the moment.
• Learn how to create a work order for help hanging up artwork or fixing anything that needs to be fixed.

Creating a routine

Getting into a familiar and consistent routine can help you feel at home more quickly:

• When possible, stick to your favorite morning and evening rituals. For example, take your coffee on the balcony if you’ve always enjoyed your morning coffee outside, and keep up with your skin care routine in the mornings and evenings.
• Independent living communities have a life of their own, and you’ll quickly learn the rhythm of the community. It can be helpful to attend meals at a similar time each day and to check out where everyone gathers at certain times. For example, does everyone have a cocktail in the garden before dinner? Join them.
• Attend events and activities. Not only will this create a predictable routine during your day, but getting involved has been shown to decrease the stress that comes with moving. Try to commit to attending at least one event per day. You’ll meet new people, become engaged in the community, and even sleep better at night.

Transitioning to a new home can feel overwhelming, but the first week in your independent living community sets the tone for a fulfilling new chapter. By staying organized during your move, making an effort to connect with neighbors, getting to know the staff, and establishing a daily rhythm, you’ll begin to feel at home faster than you might expect. Remember, independent living for seniors isn’t just about a new living space; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that offers freedom, support, and meaningful connections. With a little preparation and a welcoming attitude, your new community will soon feel like home.

Senior care facility rules and requirements vary based on company-specific policies and state-level regulations. The content above represents common guidelines but may differ from a particular facility’s policies or requirements. To learn the regulations that apply in your state, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor.