Moving to assisted living can be both physically and emotionally challenging. For many, the move is a downsize to a smaller, more manageable space after decades of creating and maintaining a home. With the amenities and features the community offers, it can be difficult to identify what you need to bring to maximize and personalize your new space. You’ll need to spend time sorting through belongings and deciding what to pack and what to leave behind. 

We have tips on how to approach the move and how to decide which items to pack. Remember that each community is different, so be sure to get information from the community about your living space and what is and isn’t provided by the community so your move goes smoothly and you don’t pack items you ultimately don’t need. 

Furniture

Although some assisted living apartments come furnished, most are unfurnished, allowing each resident to personalize their space. Bringing familiar furniture can help a new space quickly feel like home. 

Many assisted living apartments have at least one bedroom, a small living area, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. Some may even have a small patio or porch that can be furnished. Square footage can vary depending on the facility and the type of living space. While most assisted living apartments are private, it’s possible to have an apartment with a shared common space. 

Because the space may be smaller than what you’re used to, furniture that can double as storage is helpful. For example, benches that open up or a couch with an inside storage place can help you maximize the space. Also note that many assisted living residents opt for recliners instead of chairs, as they can be easier to stand up from. 

After seeing your floor plan, you’ll have a better idea of what furniture you need, which may include the following: 

• Bedroom:
  • Bed (frame and mattress).
  • Bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets).
  • Dresser (if closet space is limited).
• Living room:
  • Small couch or recliner.
  • Storage ottoman or benches.
• Additional:
  • Small side tables or nightstands.
  • Lamp for additional lighting.

Personal touches

Packing personal and familiar items is important to make the new living space feel comfortable and homelike. Seeing familiar and personal touches around the new home helps foster a sense of identity, allows for self-expression, and promotes emotional well-being. Personalizing your space can also make the transition to assisted living smoother. 

Some residents like to hang a decoration on their apartment door to give those passing by an insight into their personality. This personal touch helps a space feel more comfortable and homelike and also helps build relationships with others in the community — both fellow residents and the care team. 

Consider packing personal items such as: 

• Family photos.
• Favorite artwork or wall decor.
• Familiar trinkets and decorations.
• Seasonal or holiday decorations.
• Door decoration (e.g., wreath, nameplate).

Clothing

Closet space can be limited in assisted living communities, but you’ll want to pack an assortment of clothing. While many community activities will require comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in, some residents may choose to wear dressier outfits for dinners or events. When touring an assisted living community, note how other residents are dressed, especially at mealtimes. Depending on your location, you may need to be prepared for different kinds of weather and changing seasons. 

Here are some clothing items to consider packing when moving to assisted living:

• Comfortable everyday clothing (pants, tops, sweaters).
• Dressy outfits for events or dinners.
• Pajamas and loungewear.
• Socks and undergarments.
• Outerwear suitable for the climate.
• Comfortable shoes (slippers, walking shoes).

Household basics

One of the benefits of assisted living is the support you’ll receive with housekeeping and meal preparation. However, you’ll still need to bring some household basics. You may want to bring some favorite snacks or beverages for easy access in your kitchen. You’ll need to bring your own toiletries. Keeping a small amount of extra paper goods like toilet paper and paper towels will be helpful. While some assisted living communities may provide these supplies, many do not. However, remember you won’t have much space to store many bulk items. 

Assisted living communities offer housekeeping services. Depending on the facility, these may include daily bed-making, trash removal, and weekly in-depth cleanings. For the time between the more detailed cleanings, it can be helpful to have a small supply of cleaning products like disinfectant wipes and a broom or small vacuum. 

Assisted living communities can facilitate medication refills. However, it is vital to bring enough medications to cover you or your loved one until prescriptions can be transferred to the preferred pharmacy for the assisted living community.

Here is a handy list of household items to consider packing when moving to assisted living:

• Favorite snacks and beverages.
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.) with extras.
• Small supply of paper goods and cleaning products (toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, broom/vacuum).
• Medications (enough to last until prescriptions can be transferred).

What not to bring when moving to assisted living

Because an assisted living apartment is a smaller space, it’s important to be mindful of what is unnecessary. For example, meals are provided in a dining room, so a full kitchen table and chairs and excessive amounts of cookware may be unnecessary. Enjoying meals in the dining room helps with the socialization component of senior living. 

Floor rugs or too many pieces of furniture can create fall hazards. Be sure to maintain clear pathways and not use loose rugs. 

Consider whether you should pack important legal and financial documents. If there’s a place, such as a small safe, where you can keep a copy of a will and estate plans, you may want to have it with you in your apartment. If a trusted family member or friend could store those documents, that may be a better option. Similarly, if you have valuables, like jewelry, collectibles, or irreplaceable items, leaving them in a safe or in the hands of a trusted loved one may make sense. 

Here are items to leave behind when moving to assisted living:

• Large furniture:
  • Full kitchen table and chairs.
  • Excessive or bulky furniture that could clutter the space.
• Hazardous items:
  • Floor rugs.
  • Items that take up too much space or obstruct pathways.
• Unnecessary kitchen items:
  • Large appliances.
  • Excessive cookware or utensils.
• Valuables:
  • Expensive jewelry or collectibles.
  • Irreplaceable items that could get lost or damaged.

Moving to assisted living can be a smooth transition

Moving to an assisted living community can take thoughtfulness and planning. For hands-on help, the community you choose can offer recommendations for movers or even downsize specialists. With the proper planning, you and your loved ones can have a smooth transition with the right belongings.