Tips to Ensure a Smooth, Stress-Free Move to Your New Relaxing Home
In any stage of life, packing up and moving to a new home can be stressful. But when downsizing and moving into assisted living, there are so many more factors to consider and stresses that can weigh on your mind.
So, if you or your retired family members are starting a new journey and need help moving, here are some tips to help make this process go as smoothly and stress-free as possible.
Coming to Terms with Leaving Your Home and Downsizing
It’s only natural to feel sad about leaving your home and getting rid of the belongings that you’ve had for years. And while change is scary, also remember it can be exciting. So, to help ease the transition to your new home, try to focus on all the positive things that will come out of living in an assisted living community.
In fact, there are many benefits to downsizing. For starters, your life will be much easier. You won’t have to clean an entire house anymore. And you’ll have all the amenities you need close by. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to learn new things, enjoy activities, and make new friends.
Tips for Preparing for the Move
When it comes to starting the moving process, consider these tips to help you downsize and make your move less stressful.
Prepare and Research Best Practices for Downsizing
Do some online research to find useful tips for downsizing. And to help you decide what to keep when downsizing, find out the total square feet of your new home, including what rooms will need to be furnished.
You can draw out a floor plan on graph paper to help you figure out what furniture and belongings will fit. Or better yet, you can ask for a floorplan of your new unit from the assisted living community.
Keep in mind that if you plan to eat most of your meals in the community dining room, then you won’t need to bring all of your kitchen items.
Ask Family for Help
Both downsizing and preparing for a move are big jobs. So to help ease the burden, ask family members for help. A lot of work can get done in a day or two with enough helping hands. And having loved ones around offering support and encouragement can make this stressful time much easier and even fun.
So, plan a family packing day, or have a few people help out on alternating days to help ease the workload for everyone.
Hire Movers
Hiring professional movers is the easiest way to move to a new home. While it comes at a higher price tag than moving on your own, it is worth it to let the professionals take care of everything for you. They can pack and load all your belongings, deliver them to your new home, and even put things in place for you.
Professional movers also have all the equipment to move your belongings safely without injury or damaging items.
Start Small and Plan Ahead
The more time you give yourself to prepare for your move, the less overwhelming it will be. And you’ll be able to start small and do one room at a time instead of rushing to get everything done at once.
So, plan ahead and give yourself ample time to sort through belongings, pack, and downsize. Whether you need four months, six months, or even a year, this is completely up to you. But keep in mind that it may take longer than you thought, and it’s important not to rush the process.
The best way to start small is by starting in a room with very little emotional attachment, such as the laundry room or linen closet. The hardest rooms to tackle are those filled with clutter and memories, such as basements, garages, and attics. These rooms also tend to be uncomfortable during the summer or winter, so keep that in mind when planning ahead.
Create a Schedule
To get an idea of how long it will take to sort through, pack up, and clean out a room, set a timer when you tackle the first room in your home. And use that amount of time to estimate the time you’ll need to go through every room in your home.
You can then create a realistic schedule to help you organize your days and stay on track leading up to your moving day. And you can share this schedule with family and friends who are helping out.
Sort Medications and Transfer Prescriptions
Make sure all of your medications are kept together in an easy-to-access location. And keep them with you on your moving day so you don’t lose them. Also, don’t forget to transfer any prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home.
Make a List of Your Most Cherished Possessions and What to Get Rid Of
To help you sort your belongings, create lists of must-keep items to move to your new home, keepsakes to give to family, items to sell or donate, and items to throw out.
When sorting through and packing your belongings, allow yourself to honour the emotional attachment you have and take a moment to reminisce.
How to Feel More at Home in Your New Residence
To help you settle into your new home:
Personalize Your New Space
To make your new home feel as much like home as possible, bring along items that will make it look and feel like your home—e.g. photos, art, lamps, and furniture. You can even decorate your bedroom like it was decorated before.
Bring Treasured Keepsakes
Setting up your new home with your most meaningful belongings will help make the place feel like home. So don’t hesitate to bring the items that you cherish most.
Get Involved in Your New Community
The easiest way to settle into your new home is by becoming active in the community. So, attend events, join clubs, and meet your new neighbours. By taking part in activities that interest you, you’ll be able to meet like-minded people and make new friends you can enjoy your time with.
Visit Your New Home Before You Move
To help ease the fear of moving to a new home, visit your new home often before you move so you can become familiar with the place and the people. Check out the facilities, take a stroll in the neighbourhood, and introduce yourself to your new neighbours. Even just a bit of familiarity with the new environment will make the transition smoother once you move in.
Moving is one of life’s most stressful events, especially when downsizing. But with enough time, planning, and the help of loved ones, your move can be less stressful, allowing you to focus on looking forward to your new home and stress-free lifestyle.