So now that you’ve decided to live in an assisted living community, you need to prepare for the move. Most times, the apartments in an assisted living community will be smaller than your home. Therefore, it is important to downsize and only take the most important things. Here are seven ways to take only the most important things with you as you enter this new chapter of your life.
1. Donate items you no longer need
It can be easy to get sentimental over many things from various stages in your life. But with a smaller living area, you’ll need that space for more essential items. Bring toiletries (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc.) and pictures that remind you of memorable moments in your life. But many little souvenirs can eventually become clutter in your new space.
2. Senior-proof your new apartment
With a senior citizen, some everyday items could become hazardous. Throw rugs could be a fall hazard and glass furniture could break easily. Survey each piece of furniture you would like to bring and leave chairs with wheels or anything fragile at home.
3. Pets
Not all facilities allow pets. Check to see if your future residence allows pets, how many they’ll be okay with and if there is a weight limit. If they do allow them, be sure to bring your favorite furry friend along. It can be comforting to have your pet in a new, unfamiliar environment. If they are not allowed, there are many rehoming alternatives to make sure your pets get the love and attention they need.
4. The Kitchen
Many apartments in assisted living communities have a kitchenette attached. If that is the case, leave the refrigerator and microwave at home. Many facilities also have cafeterias that cater to the needs of their residents. Leaving these big appliances at home will be crucial to downsizing.
5. Clothing
For all the items in your closet that you haven’t worn recently, think of why you haven’t worn them. Are they too big/small, not your style anymore or just too much of a hassle? Add all the things you don’t need to Donate clothing pile Edmonton . Clothes are a sure way to downsize. But make sure you hang on to essentials. Don’t get rid of your flip-flops if your new home is in Florida or your winter coat if you live in New York City. After donating to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or another thrift stores nearby, your new, probably smaller closet will thank you!
6. Expensive items
Valuables like jewelry or other likewise pricey items should be left with trusted family members or put in a safe. If there’s a safe in your new apartment, you can leave them there. But the last thing you want to worry about during an exciting game of Bingo is your heirloom earrings that your great-grandmother handed to you on your wedding day falling into the wrong hands.
7. A Vehicle
Assisted living residents usually have more freedom than nursing home residents and many are allowed to have a car. But many facilities offer transportation to and from popular destinations among residents. By leaving your vehicle at home with a trusted relative or selling it, you won’t have to worry about your car or the cost of maintaining it (gas, insurance, repairs, etc.)
The transition to a new environment with be an adjustment. But it’s important to hang on to the things that mean the most to you and get rid of the ones that don’t. Make sure you have only the things you need and look forward to moving into your new living accommodations.
If you would like to discuss moving to Assisted Living in Montgomery AL, please contact Cottage Assisted Living for more details.
Kelly Manuel is a writer and illustrator who has been published in many books for children. Her favorite things to do are read, draw, and play with her dog. Kelly Manuel was born on October 18th, 1985. She grew up as an only child but she always had lots of dogs around the house because her parents were both veterinarians. She loved reading from a very young age and would often make up stories about the dogs that came into the clinic where she lived with her parents.