Often times, when a senior moves into Assisted Living, they are leaving a home full of memories. It isn’t possible to bring all their belongings into their new apartment. It can be a challenge to decide what to pack and what to let go. To help, here are some packing tips for moving in to Assisted Living. (Download the checklist to bring with you.)
Before you start packing, consider the size of the new apartment. Be sure to take measurements of the space so that you can determine what will fit. Also, many Assisted Living facilities in San Diego County and Orange County provide certain furnishings for your convenience.
A community may provide a complementary bedroom set. This would include a bed (usually a full or twin-size bed) with a mattress and box springs. A nightstand and lamp also might be included, as well as bedding and pillows. They may offer kitchenettes that include a small refrigerator and a microwave.
May Be Provided
- Kitchenette
- Refridgerator
- Microwave
- Bedroom set
- Bedding and pillows
- Nightstand and lamp
If these items are not provided, consider bringing your own fridge and microwave. The facility will provide full meal services, but it can be nice to occasionally prepare a favorite meal or snack. In most cases, there is no problem if you want to bring your own furniture, such as a favorite arm chair. The staff simply removes their furnishings from the room, which can make the apartment feel more like home. Just be sure that the furnishings will fit into your apartment, leaving you ample room for moving around.
Furniture aside, you get to decorate your apartment however you want. There are a few items you definitely want to remember to pack.
Remember to Pack
- Cooking utensils and dishes
- Coffee pot
- Your favorite chair
- Plants and decorations
- Toiletries and medications
- Clothes and closet organizers
- An alarm clock
- Entertainment, such as a TV or board games
- Telephone
Alarm clocks typically are not provided. A coffee pot or electric kettle can be a good idea to bring. You might also need your own dishes, cutlery, utensils, food storage containers and other kitchen items. You will need to bring toiletries, such as toothpaste, shampoo, bath towels, and other bathroom items. Depending on the level of care provided, you may be responsible for prescription or over-the-counter medications. You also might bring some cleaning wipes or cleaning spray and paper towels in case you need to clean up a small spill. Weekly housekeeping usually is included, but it’s nice to be able to do your own cleaning, if needed.
When it comes to clothing, consider bringing mostly casual clothes. Don’t forget pajamas, house slippers, and walking shoes. Special events and parties are planned throughout the year at most assisted living facilities. You might bring one or two dressy outfits or ask a loved one to keep a selection of fancier clothes at their house in case you need it for a party. This can leave more room for day-to-day wear. Consider installing shelves or racks in the closet to maximize storage space. Some items can also be stored in bins under your bed.
At a home for Assisted Living, there will be a variety of interesting daily and weekly activities. While you might find yourself busy just about every hour of the day, it’s a good idea to bring a few entertainment items of your own from home.
That used to involve a long list of tech and devices, from mp3 players to shelves of DVDs. Thanks to online streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, you can access hours of entertainment with a flat-screen TV mounted to the wall. Cable or satellite channels may also be included in your monthly fees or may be available for an additional charge.
A tablet is a great idea because it can serve multiple purposes. With a tablet you can read books and play games, surf the web, shop online or email friends and family. You can bring it anywhere in the apartment or community and stay connected. Tablets are also a great way to display family photos when not in use. Bringing a phone of some sort is essential.
Add a Personal Touch
While bringing some decorative items can make your new Assisted Living apartment feel like home, be sure not to pack too many. Family pictures or a favorite painting or two can be a good option as they add a personal touch without taking up much space. A favorite quilt or comforter and a few decorative pillows can bring a bit of home to your new apartment as well. A small plant or two, either real or artificial, can liven a room.
In general, you don’t need much in an Assisted Living community. The rest of your items can be sold or given away to special friends or family members. If you aren’t ready to part with some of your possessions or perhaps are unsure as to whether or not you might need an item or two, consider placing some of your belongings into a storage unit. It’s hard to part with your belongings, so keeping them in storage for a time might make it easier to transition into assisted living.
Hopefully, these tips will help you when packing to move into an Assisted Living facility. If you need help finding the right community for your needs, give us a call (619) 660-8814.
Download the Checklist
for a more thorough list that you can print and bring with you on your walk-through.
