Are you preparing to move to a retirement community in the coming months? Moving can be stressful, but with a little bit of preparation and some help from family and friends, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here are some ways you can simplify your move to a retirement community:
Downsize to prepare for a new space. Many residents of a retirement community are downsizing from a large house to an easier-to-maintain one or two-bedroom apartment or smaller home. You will want to carefully measure your new space to ensure that your furniture fits. If it doesn’t, you should plan to sell or give away these pieces and find ones that better suit your space. You may also find that you have less closet and storage space at your new community residence. Ensure that you are only taking what you will use – and what will fit! – in your new space.
Plan, plan, plan! When the movers show up to your house, ensure that you are prepared for them. Do they expect everything to already be packed into boxes? If yes, ensure that you give yourself and anyone helping you enough time to get everything put together. Consider staying at a loved one’s home or a hotel the night before so you can have everything packed up the night prior.
Remember to have help unpacking! When making a move, we often have plenty of help getting everything to our new residence, but forget to ask for help once we get there. Make sure you have family and friends on hand in the first few days of your arrival to help you settle in. This will make your move much more pleasant.
