Moving from one home to another is one of the biggest stressors we face in our lives. It’s a difficult time, full of emotions, and requires a lot of preparation. Plus, the idea of leaving something essential behind can ruin what should be an uplifting experience.
That’s why using a premade packing list for assisted living is a beneficial tactic. It helps keep you organized and eliminates the risk of clutter. You’ll ensure you have everything you want and need in a few easy steps.
We’re here to help you get started. Keep reading for our comprehensive senior moving checklist that’ll put you on the right track and lower stress!
Personal Items
Assisted living essentials begin with personal items. These are the kinds of belongings you use every single day and can’t go without. This list differs from one person to another, but certain items are necessary for everyone.
Make sure to pare down when possible. You don’t need to bring all of your outfits, for instance, but bring the ones you enjoy the most. When in doubt, have enough clothing for a week or so, with a few extra outfits for special or specific occasions.
Personal items include:
- Comfortable everyday clothing
- Formal wear
- Fitness outfits
- Sleepwear
- Jackets and sweaters
- Accessories
- Non-slip shoes
- Walking shoes
- Hearing aids
- Glasses
- Photographs
- Keepsakes
Medical Necessities
Among the must-have personal items, you’ll also need to include any medical necessities. While staff can aid you with scheduling refills and doctor appointments, there are certain items you should bring along for ultimate comfort and safety.
Medical items include:
- Current medication
- Medical paperwork and records
- Mobility aids, such as a cane or walker
- Medical alert accessory
Bedroom
No apartment can feel like home if the bedroom doesn’t leave you rested and refreshed. To make certain your assisted living bedroom is comfortable, you’ll need to bring some things with you.
Keep in mind that some assisted living communities offer beds within their apartments, but not all. You’ll want to check beforehand so you know how to tackle the bedroom area without any extra hassle. If they do offer a bed, you won’t need to worry about transporting such a large piece of furniture, so it’s a win-win for everyone.
Bedroom items include:
- Bed frame and mattress (if required)
- Comforter
- Sheets and pillowcases (2 or 3 sets)
- Extra blankets, including throw blankets
- Nightlight
- Lamps
- Sleeping aids, such as a sound machine, earplugs, or eye mask
Bathroom
Assisted living essentials in the bathroom mean you’ll want to focus on things that make your hygiene regimen a breeze. It’s always possible to replace and refill items, but bringing the essentials with you makes the transition period much easier.
Bathroom items include:
- Towels and washcloths
- Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and sanitizer
- Non-slip bathmat
- Hair styling and shaving tools
- Lotions and moisturizers
- Stability bar or shower chair
Living Area
While most senior care communities use a joint lounge area to encourage social interaction, some include a small living area within the apartments.
Bringing along living area items will make your time in the lounge more comfortable. They’ll allow you to feel at home while engaging in social and relaxing activities. They’ll also allow you to outfit your personal living area to suit your style and needs.
Living area items include:
- Television
- Movie player
- Comfortable chair
- Coffee table
- Small plants
- Throw blankets
Kitchen Gear
Although you can always choose to enjoy nutritious meals cooked by the senior care chef, sometimes you may want some independence. Eating in your room can give you some alone time while still enjoying a delicious meal. Sometimes the desire for a midnight snack strikes you and you need the means to satisfy that craving.
Kitchen items include:
- Dishes and utensils
- Napkins
- Microwave containers
- Coffee machine
- Mini-fridge
Leisure
The transition to assisted living doesn’t mean you only need the necessities. With staff on hand to help with energy-draining chores such as cleaning and laundry, you’ll have more time to enjoy your hobbies.
You should make sure to include items with you that you find fun and exciting. They’ll help improve your mood, and you’ll maintain an active lifestyle, which aids in both physical and mental health.
Leisure items include:
- Books
- Magazines
- Crafting supplies, such as yarn, clay, or crochet hooks
- Drawing and painting supplies
- Puzzles
- Games
- Music
- Portable instruments
Communication
Joining a thriving community full of friendly staff and residents means lots of social interaction. However, communicating with people outside of your new home is still vital. Having the means to contact friends and family or catch up on the news can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life.
Communication items include:
- Cell phone, including charging cable
- Address book
- Laptop or tablet
- Stationary, envelopes, and stamps
Miscellaneous
As with the world at large, not everything fits in a specific category. These items are things that could suit any area of your apartment but are still useful for daily functions or stylistic choices.
Miscellaneous items include:
- Clock
- Calendar
- Schedule keeper
- Small safe
- Wall hangings
- Decorative pieces
Things to Leave Behind
When it comes to elder care packing tips, nothing is quite as vital as understanding which items to leave behind. This is either to keep them safe, keep you safe, or to help with decluttering your living space.
Sometimes it’s difficult to part with belongings. It’s often a good compromise to ask friends or family to care for these items. You’ll still have access to them, even though they don’t follow you to your new community.
Items to leave behind include:
- Excessive valuables
- Large furniture
- Hazardous items, such as switchblades or toxic metal paints
- Unnecessary clothing
Need Help With Your Packing List for Assisted Living?
It can be overwhelming to pack down your belongings to move into a new community. Our packing list for assisted living is the best foundation, but sometimes we all need a little extra help.
Discovery Village at Deerwood is here to provide you with packing assistance, and more. We want to ensure your time with us is comfortable and enjoyable without being cluttered. Contact us today and we’ll work together to outfit your apartment in the best way possible!
