An estimated 77% of older adults want to age in place. When asked why, many will say that continuing to live at home is the best way to preserve their independence. What if we told you there’s a better alternative?
By moving to an independent living community, you maintain the privacy and dignity associated with living at home. What you gain is a community of active, vibrant neighbors and friends.
Still, we understand that transitions aren’t always easy. As a starting place, what should you bring with you, and what should you leave behind?
Read on for our independent living packing list and downsizing tips that will help you prepare for your big move.
Start With Essential Furniture
We recommend starting with the biggest things to get a better sense of how much space you’re working with. At Conservatory at Champion Forest, our independent living apartments are unfurnished. New residents should bring their own:
- Bed and linens
- Nightstand
- Small couch or other comfortable seating
- Small dining table
- Television and stand
All of our floor plans have a small outdoor patio area, and many residents bring outdoor chairs. You may also want to bring a small coffee table as well as lamps.
Pack Clothing for Every Season
Next, it’s time to think about clothing. You may not have the same closet space in your independent living apartment, so it’s time to get economical about what you pack.
Look through your wardrobe and assess what you wear often, what you wear infrequently, and what you never wear. The clothing in your regular rotation should come with you. The clothing you never wear should not.
Make sure you’re packing with every season in mind. We’re fortunate to have mild winters here in Spring, Texas, but you may still need a winter coat or heavy sweater to stay comfortable in December and January.
Bring Frequent-Use Kitchen Items
Nutrition is an important part of senior health and well-being. At Conservatory at Champion Forest, you can enjoy daily chef-prepared meals through our Sensations Dining Program.
That said, you’ll also have your own kitchen in your apartment, allowing you to cook as desired.
Stick to your frequent-use kitchen items like pots and pans. When it comes to countertop appliances, stick to the ones you use nearly every day.
Choose Meaningful Decor
The decor may not seem like independent living essentials, but we find that our residents enjoy personalizing their apartments with items like:
- Art
- Photographs
- Throw pillows
- Potted plants
Select items that hold meaning for you and that bring you comfort. In a smaller space, the key is to create cohesion and personality without creating visual clutter.
Keep Personal Items Accessible
Of the things to bring to senior living, few are as important as your personal documents. This includes all estate planning documents and identification documents. It also includes paperwork related to your medical care, such as an up-to-date medication list and contact information for your primary care doctor.
You’ll also need everyday-use items like toiletries, bath linens, and medical supplies. The latter consists of any items you need to support your health, such as mobility aids, glasses, and medications.
You may need these things sooner rather than later, so make sure they’re easy to access. For example, you can keep everyday-use items in a small suitcase that stays with you, rather than in the moving truck.
What Not to Bring to Your Independent Living Community
It’s just as important to know what not to bring to include on your senior living checklist. Here’s a quick look at the kinds of items to avoid packing to keep your apartment clutter-free and safe.
Bulky Furniture
Familiarize yourself with your new floor plan, paying close attention to square footage and layout. Large and bulky items can take up too much space. Opt for items like love seats over full-sized couches and small TV stands over full entertainment centers.
Home Hazards
Many independent living communities will have a list of items that you can’t bring due to the hazards they create. This may include things like candles and even throw rugs, which can increase your chances of tripping. Before you pack, ask your community director or move-in coordinator for a list of prohibited items.
Tools and Excess Cleaning Supplies
At Conservatory at Champion Forest, we provide our residents with weekly housekeeping services and as-needed maintenance. As a result, you won’t need to bring any heavy-duty cleaning equipment or tools. If you enjoy touching up your apartment between scheduled cleanings, feel free to bring small items like feather dusters and sanitizing wipes.
Independent Living Packing Tips
Before we go, we have a few more tips that will make moving to independent living a little easier. We often find that seniors who start preparing four to six months before their move-in date have the least amount of stress.
Assess What You Have Before You Pack
When downsizing, you’ll be getting rid of quite a few things. With help from a loved one, inventory your belongings to decide what items you want to give away or sell. We recommend keeping valuables, heirlooms, and sentimental items in the family to reduce your sense of loss.
Keep Boxes Organized
When you’re packing, think about the process of unpacking. It’s useful to keep boxes organized by room (e.g., bedroom vs. living room) or type (e.g., dishes vs. linens) to make unpacking easier. Make sure to clearly label all boxes.
Enlist the Help of Loved Ones or Movers
Talk to your loved ones about your moving schedule and enlist help as needed. Even when you’re downsizing, moving is rarely a one-person job. To reduce stress and increase your safety, make sure someone is available to assist with packing, loading, and unloading your belongings.
Your New Home Awaits at Conservatory at Champion Forest
An independent living community offers the perfect combination of independence, support, and companionship. We hope this moving checklist makes your transition easier so you can begin the next chapter of your life with ease.
At Conservatory at Champion Forest, we work tirelessly to make new residents feel at home. Once you’re settled in, you can take advantage of our exclusive amenities, from our dining program to our activity schedule. Contact us today to find out more about moving to our community.
