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Moving Into Your New Home Holden Southcenter

a wall of green leaves
a group of older women standing together

5 Key Steps In Your Move To Senior Living

Moving is easy, said no one ever. It can certainly be stressful, but you can make everything go a lot more smoothly by breaking it up into smaller tasks and taking time to prepare for each phase of the move. Here are five key steps to take when moving to a senior living community.

a person holding a scarf

1. Downsizing

Most of us are guilty of having too much stuff, and deciding what stays and goes can be emotionally difficult. If you get stuck on deciding whether to keep or toss something, ask yourself these questions:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eHave I used it in the past year?u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eDo I know someone who could use this more than me?u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eDoes this thing bring me joy? (Hold on to things that bring you the most happiness.)u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

a person holding a person's hair

2. Telling Your Neighbors

Just because you’re moving doesn’t mean you need to leave everything behind –especially people. If you have neighbors whom you’ve grown close with throughout the years, don’t be afraid to include them in this new transition. Here’s how to keep in touch with neighbors and honor your long-term relationships:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eMake sure your friends know your new phone and address (and that they’re welcome to visit)u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eOnce you get settled in, host an apartment-warming party in your new community.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

a person opening a box

3. Packing

Start packing up all your essentials and at least a week before the move-in date. Don’t hesitate to call on family and friends for help – many hands make light work. Here are some ways to make packing easier:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eTry to keep boxes with similar items together.u003c/strongu003e As in, boxes with clothes together, boxes with photos and keepsakes together.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eLabel boxes clearly.u003c/strongu003e Better yet, consider using clear plastic bins so you can easily see what’s inside.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eThink ahead.u003c/strongu003e Remember the boxes need to be physically moved, so avoid packing lots of heavy things in the same box. Use bags with handles or suitcases with wheels whenever possible.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

a person helping an old person with a walker

4. Settling In

Once your move is complete, it’s time to make your apartment feel like home. You don’t have to dig into unpacking right away – just take out a few of your favorite personal items at first.rnrnDon’t hesitate to get to know your apartment, and explore your new community. You will likely have a member of the staff show you around in your first days take time to feel things out for yourself and ask questions like:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eWhere do other residents like to gather?u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eWho do I call if I need help with?u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eWhere can I see a calendar of programs and events?u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernOnce you are ready, arrange your furniture to your preferences. It’s your home, so make it yours.

a group of older women smiling

5. Meet Your New Neighbors

Senior living communities are great places to meet people with common interests. A good way to meet new friends in a community is by taking part in events, programs and outings. Here are some tips on how to get involved:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eKnow where your community’s events calendar is posted and how to sign up for activitiesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eInvite other residents and neighbors to attend with you.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eHave an idea for a fun activity? Bring it up to your community’s program director.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

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two women sitting on a bench

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Use this worksheet to get a side-by-side comparison of home living expenses and the rates at senior living options you are considering.
Senior Living Cost Comparison Calculator
two women smiling at the camera

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See how research shows senior living often leads to improvements in terms of health, happiness, independence and even financial well-being for the majority of residents.
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