Moving into an assisted living community is a big change, and packing can feel overwhelming. However, having a plan and staying organized will help decide what to bring, so you can pack everything well. Use these packing tips to make the transition to assisted living easier.
Knowing what to expect in terms of space, layout and what's included in your new home makes it easier to decide what to take. You can view the floor plans for Bethesda Gardens Thornton apartments online to see the layout. Consider the size of your new home to determine how much of your current furniture can make the move comfortably. If you have lots of large furniture pieces, you might need to replace them with smaller furniture that fits the space better.
No matter how much or how little time you have until your move, make a timeline to ensure you create a thorough to-do list. Include things like downsizing, booking a moving company, packing the things you're taking and changing your mailing address.
It's also a good idea to make checklists to help guide your packing. Include a list for each room that details what you're packing. This will help you remember everything.
If you have relatives or close friends in the area, consider asking them for help with packing. It can be tiring work, so having a helping hand is a good idea. This can be especially helpful if you have mobility limitations. Choose someone who will respect your wishes and work with you, instead of someone who will make the packing process more difficult and stressful. Hiring a full-service moving company also makes the move easier, since they can pack your belongings for you.
Hiring a moving company makes the move easier, but a senior moving specialist can be even better. These specialized moving services can help you with the entire process, including downsizing your home. Their experience in senior moves gives you access to expertise on what to keep and what to get rid of. They can also help with the emotional aspect of moving to an assisted living community, and they can continue helping with the transition after all the boxes are moved.
Moving to an assisted living community typically means downsizing and getting rid of things you no longer need. You're likely moving into a smaller home, so it's a good time to donate or sell the things that you haven't used in years. This is also a good chance to get rid of duplicate items.
When deciding what to keep, consider your new living arrangements. For example, Bethesda Gardens Thornton floor plans feature small kitchen areas, but the community also offers convenient restaurant-style dining. That means you won't need too many kitchen items, since meals are prepared for you.
For items you're not taking with you but want to keep, a storage unit is an ideal solution. You might also store items at a relative's house. Move those items to storage as soon as you pack them, if possible. Getting those items out of your house gives you more room to work as you pack the remaining items.
Adding detailed labels to your boxes takes a little extra time when you pack, but you'll appreciate the information when you arrive at your assisted living community. A color-coding system based on the room is a good start. List specific items that are inside the box as well, instead of only identifying the room. This makes it easier when you arrive if you need something specific before you get everything unpacked.
Start decluttering and packing as soon as possible to make the process less stressful. You won't feel as rushed, and you'll have more time to decide which items you want to keep and get rid of. Do a little packing each day, starting with the things you don't use very often. Save the essentials that you use all the time until the end, so you can continue using them until you move.
Hold back the items you'll need on moving day or right after you arrive. For example, you'll want a change of clothes for the next day, toiletries and important documents with you. This ensures you can find those things easily without digging through lots of boxes. By including the most important items, you reduce the risk of those things getting lost in the move.
Moving is always an emotional time, especially if you're leaving a home you've lived in for years behind. Prepare to feel sad as you downsize and pack up your belongings. Having supportive people around you can help you work through those feelings. Taking lots of pictures before you pack, as well as the things you get rid of, can give you something to look back at when you're feeling nostalgic.
Once you arrive at your new home, unpack your belongings as quickly as possible. This helps you feel settled and lets you start exploring your new community faster. You can also settle into your new routine sooner.
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Bethesda Gardens Thornton
Formerly Park Regency Thornton
12610 Hudson St.
Thornton, CO 80241
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